Guest Post with Jordan Klee!
When it comes to dressing
for a job interview, the question always arises as to what should I wear to
land the job? There are a number of fashion tips that can help any woman
determine what attire will make the best impression on a potential employer.
Office Settings
With a multitude of
variances in office settings today and possible dress code policies, it is
difficult to pinpoint exactly where to begin an appropriate work-related
clothing search, but with a little information gathering, a suitable outfit
pairing can be found.
Observation and Information Gathering
Initiate the clothing
search process by simply observing, if possible, what women are wearing in the
workplace where you are seeking employment, or casually ask women already
working in the building or office what most employees typically wear on a daily
basis. Finding out necessary information ahead of time provides a potential
interviewee an idea of what type of clothing to wear for an interview in most
any setting. `
Fashion Tips
After you have completed
your office employee clothing research, there are a few basic fashion tips to
follow that will further benefit your job interview. In spite of every office
environment being different, most of these tips can be applied in different
interview situations. Always remember that no matter the interview setting,
neatness, grooming and dressing well are essential.
Workplace Selections
In categorizing office
settings, interview attire can be determined by the type of office workplace or
setting. An office can go from ultra casual, to casual, to more formal. Even in
an extremely casual setting, a woman's interview clothing choice should include
appropriate attire.
Ultra Casual Setting
Clothing selections for an
ultra casual interview setting can include:
•structured slacks, a
blouse/shirt, low heeled shoes and a leather carryall handbag
•casual dress paired with a
jacket or blazer and low heeled flats and a leather carryall handbag
•dark wash jeans paired
with a blouse, blazer, ballet flats and a leather carryall handbag
Casual Setting
Clothing selections for a
casual setting can include:
•trousers, a button-down
shirt or blouse, a structured blazer, low heeled shoes and a leather carryall
handbag
Formal Setting
In a more formal setting,
professionalism should dominate and can include:
•stylish pant and jacket
ensemble
•statement dress with a
blazer or open front jacket
•Leather pumps or booties
along with a leather carryall handbag for storage of a resume, laptop, tablet
or other items needed for an interview
Grooming is extremely
important as well. Manicured hands, proper makeup and a fresh and classic
hairstyle can make a difference and can help in sealing the deal.
Color Selections
Color choices go right
along with appropriate interview attire for various office settings. Colors
that are either solid or contain small patterns are the most appropriate and
consist of navy, gray, black, brown or khaki whether in statement dresses, jackets,
slacks or suits. These color choices are less likely to create possible
distractions in the interview process as would bolder and brighter colors.
There is no reason not to
accessorize interview attire with bold colors in scarves, belts, handbags, and
small jewelry items. Softer colors can also accessorize or complete an outfit.
White, ivory or soft blue can be found in shirts, blouses and sweaters that are
perfect coordinating companions, or layering pieces, for suits, open front
jackets or cardigan style sweater jackets.
Essential Pieces
Fashion tips should always
include a listing of essential clothing pieces that can be used in most any
work setting. They can be incorporated in casual to formal workplaces and
carried over into work-related, after hours, social activities. These pieces
are always welcome additions for use in potential job interviews, and they
should be purchased in colors such as black, white, and neutrals. An essential
listing includes:
•knee length pencil skirt
(preferably a soft yet structured knit)
• midi skirt
• statement dress
• wrap dress
• white button down blouse
• crisp, white t-shirt
• open front jacket or
blazer
• buttoned jacket or blazer
• wrap jacket or coat
• narrow leg black pants
• dark wash narrow leg
jeans
• closed toe pumps
• ankle boots/booties
• black ballet flats
• loafer style shoes
• leather belt
• leather power handbag
• silk scarf
• delicate jewelry pieces
• turtleneck sweater/top
• crew neck sweater/top
Other Fashion Tip Tidbits
•Do wear hose with a dress
or skirt, or trouser socks with slacks, unless the interview is specifically
casual or takes place in a warm outdoor environment.
•Do not wear revealing
clothing, which translates to no plunging necklines, micro miniskirts, or see
through camisoles or tops under jackets.
•Refrain from using strong
smelling perfumes or colognes that may be offensive or cause allergic reactions
as well as outlandish makeup (turquoise eye shadow, black raccoon eyeliner,
heavy foundation and bright lipstick).
•Keep accessories to a
minimum. That means ditch wild and large jewelry, big sunglasses or
"bling."
•Leave your headphones or
earbuds at home or put them away in your carryall long before any interview
interaction.
•Chuck the outdated
clothing, shoes and accessories. Find updated attire at reasonably priced
retail or discount outlets.
If you are job hunting and
have secured an interview or interviews, just remember to follow the fashion
tips that apply to the job setting. Always err on the side of caution. In other
words, go for a more polished and updated look as opposed to just plain old
frumpy and outdated. That extra oomph and push for the right look just may get
you that long, sought after position.
Thank you so much to Jordan for submitting this great post to me. I think during this day and age a lot of people are going to more interviews, especially in the younger generation and it helps to know what you should be wearing when doing so!
BTW: Don't forget to check out Jordan's site down below! I'm sure you'll love it!
Jordan is the beauty and
brains behind Beautifully Alive! She loves eating healthy and trying new recipes.The
self-proclaimed Zumba Queen has a passion for beauty products and loves reading
new books. She's always down for a DIY project!
Thanks for your useful tips! Waiting for other posts! <3 Best men's style guide
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