Figuring out what to wear to an interview can be as difficult as actually getting the interview! Here are a few tips on how to look great while keeping it professional:
Work Style: Women’s Edition
The basics: Always have basic pieces – solid color blouse; grey, black, or navy pants or skirt; basic flats or heels – on hand for any interview. These pieces can be mixed and matched to make different outfits for any kind of interview! Make sure your pants and skirts are tailored, not too snug, and not too short!
Hair: It is usually best to keep your hair out of your face for an interview – it looks cleaner and will keep you from playing with your hair if you get nervous!
Nails: Neutral color nail polish or just a simple clear coat, bright colors are best kept for after you land the job and get a feel for the office culture.
Jewelry: Again, basic, smaller pieces are best until you start the job and get a feel for what is acceptable to wear in that specific office.
Work Style: Men’s Edition
The basics: Always have a suit on hand! Acceptable colors are navy, grey, or black for pants and a jacket; white or light blue shirts are best for interviews. It is typically best to steer clear of any shirts or ties with a crazy print on it. Make sure your pants are tailored short enough to not drag on the ground or get caught under your shoes.
Hair: Clean and kept out of your face.
Nails: Trimmed and clean!
Jewelry: Less is more – a simple watch works.
Shoes: It is always a good idea to invest in a good pair of dress shoes; can be with laces or slip on as long as they are dress shoes! Dark colors are best as well – black, navy, or brown.
Belt: Always match your belt to your shoes!
It is also really important to know what kind of position you are interviewing for. For higher level positions at a corporate company, stick to a more business formal outfit. If you are interviewing for a creative position or a position at a smaller, more boutique company, you tend to have a little more leeway to be a bit more creative with your outfits. For those interviews where you aren’t sure what the company expects for their dress code, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dress for business formal.
