I‘ve got many requests to do a publish on interview attire, so today I believed I’d share some quick tips.  As a rule, when it comes to your interview look, keep it smooth as well as simple. when you get the job, you’ll have the chance to evaluate your new work atmosphere as well as adapt accordingly.  Interview day is not the day to “get creative” or show your potential employer your “fun personality” by using that crimson jumpsuit or those studded leather booties that look like something out of a medieval abuse chamber. nothing ends an interview quicker than subconsciously corresponding yourself to the iron maiden.

While appropriate interview attire varies commonly across industries, you should always err on the more formal side.  However, this does not mean it’s time to bust out your prom gown as well as fake eyelashes.  Step awayyyy from the sequined accent nails, people.  We’re talking business formal, so keep it clean as well as polished.  Overall, you want to be comfortable in what you’re using to ensure that you exude confidence and convey the message that you spent more time researching the setting as well as getting ready for the interview than you did on your cosmetics as well as accessories. 

Coat: Ann Taylor c/o | Dress: Ann Taylor c/o | Jacket: Ann Taylor c/o | Shoes: Ralph Lauren | Sunglasses: Prada | Jewelry: vintage (similar choker necklace here, here and here) | Tights: Donna Karan | Nails: Essie (Limo-Scene) | Barette: J. team (similar here) 

Photos by Jeff Thibodeau

Here are my interview attire guidelines:

Make sure your clothes in shape you well.  I know, this is groundbreaking advice.  However, whether you’re using a pants suit, skirt suit, or a sheath gown with a jacket (like I am in today’s post) pay close interest to both the vertical as well as horizontal lines.  Make sure nothing is as well tight or as well short (read: Combatting the Slut Factor), however likewise don’t overcorrect.  Wearing things that are as well huge as well as baggy make you look sloppy.  The goal is to discover the happy medium as well as invest in a fit that fits you well.  If you don’t wear well-fitting, appropriate clothing, you’re going to distract the interviewer from focusing on all the mind-blowingly brilliant things you have to say. 

Whether you go with flats or heels, make sure they’re polished as well as simple.  You don’t want to sport anything that’s dull, worn, or scratched.  No requirement to have them doubting whether you were just recently in a knife fight.  And as mentioned, this is not the time to go hog-wild with stylish ankle boots or your strappy designer stilettos.  Aside from the slut factor, it seems that 90% of women can’t walk properly in the sky-highs anyway.  A major goal of yours upon entrance to the interview should be to provide your potential employer the perception that you do not have a drinking problem.  So, make sure your footwear is both appropriate (shoot for 3-inch heels) as well as comfortable, enabling you to walk like a typical human.  If your interviewer is required to evaluate whether you’re either drunk or just using outrageously impractical footwear, they’re most likely going to move on to the next applicant.  Because in the words of wonderful Brown, ain’t nobody got time for that. 

I’m no beauty expert, however when it comes to interviews, stay with the exact same rule of thumb: smooth as well as simple.  If you have long hair (like me), it’s generally a great concept to wear it back.  Regardless of length, you want to appear well-groomed as well as put-together, without anything falling constantly in your face. 

For your nails, either go with clean nails or a neutral nail polish–no accent nails, shine or metallics.  As discussed in a prior post, you don’t want your interviewer to be distracted by the possibility of radiation poisoning because of exposure to nails that may or may not be dipped in uranium.  If Carrie Mathison in Homeland has taught me anything, it’s that nobody IS SAFE.  But that’s an completely different conversation. 

As for make-up–you guessed it–clean as well as simple.  Shoot for a polished, very little look.  No thick eye liner, remarkable eye shadow or crimson lipstick.  This is just not the venue. 

Again, nothing as well stylish or distracting.  If you wear jewelry, keep it conservative, delicate as well as fairly classic.  No significant bangles or dangle earrings.  Leave your “Bite Me” pendant at home.   

… 

I believe I should end every publish that method from now on.  “Leave your ‘Bite Me’ pendant at home.”   

It type of has a nice sound to it. 

Keep it classy, people.   

Luni fericit!

Check out even more from The classy workstation on…

BLOGLOVIN  +  INSTAGRAM   +  FACEBOOK 

TWITTER   +  PINTEREST