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How to Dress for Your Interview
How you dress for the interview can make or break your chances of being hired. Clothes are one of the first things a person notices about someone else, and they are frequently the basis of immediate judgments about a person's character. Remember -- you only get one chance to make a first impression.
You should dress appropriately for any contact with a potential employer -- not just formal interviews, but also job fairs and informal visits to a company you are interested in working for. Your attire should be conservative and businesslike but not overly fussy.
Wild colors are not hot.
However much you like your slinky red dress, save it for the weekend when you go clubbing with your friends. For an interview you will want to wear clothes in more subdued hues that do not draw attention to yourself. Unless you are interviewing for a position as a cocktail hostess, you want the interviewer to remember your skills, not how hot your body is.
You're selling your skills, not your bag.
When you go to a job interview, avoid large and awkward bags with distracting patterns. Unless you need to carry a briefcase in order to bring papers, a small purse in a neutral color is a far better bet.
Short skirts short-change your chances.
Never wear an excessively short or tight-fitting skirt. The hem of your skirt should fall below the knee even when you are sitting down, and it should be sufficiently full to drape your entire thigh area.
Glitter and bling distract.
Although a small amount of jewelry can accent your appearance, you do not want to overdo it and create the impression of gaudiness. For example, a small pair of earrings can complement your face and draw attention to your eyes, but large hoops or gaudy danglers can draw attention away from your efforts to communicate your skills and abilities. And under no circumstances wear more than one pair, or jewelry in any visible piercings other than the earlobes. Multiple ear piercings and body piercings are still considered sufficiently risque as to be unwelcome in a professional setting.
Tie for him.
Unless you are applying for a position in manual labor, you will want to wear a button-down shirt and a tie, even if you do not wear a suit jacket or blazer. If you find it difficult to tie a regular tie, you can purchase pre-tied clip-on ties which look as good as a regular tie. Never wear a turtle-neck shirt to an interview. You may just end up sweaty and out of fashion.
It is not necessary to be dressed in the latest fashions or expensive name brands in order to get a job. However, it is essential to convey an impression of reliability and dependability which will make an employer feel that you will be an asset to their company rather than a detriment.
