Finding a job is a job on its own, we have all been there. The application process is difficult because it feels like a lot of work and very little reward. It takes about 10-20 applications to receive an interview but to be offered a job that could take 10-15 interviews, according to a study from Leigh University Career Services.
After what feels like hundreds of applications, cover letters and maybe rejections that glorious email notification slides into your inbox "Invitation to Interview."
Now what? Learn about the job, the company what kind of skills are necessary for the position and think about what to wear.
It might sound superficial, but leaving a good impression is how to get into that small percentage of finalists. How you dress for the interview will help you leverage your confidence and present your best self to the future employer.
What you wear is not as important as what you say or the amazing attributes on your resume. When you dress to impress, the most important person to impress is yourself so you can go into that interview and be as confident as you are on your resume.
Understand The Job And The Interview
We will get into the general rules of job interview attire, but the first thing to understand before making decisions is what kind of job you are interviewing for. Different career fields have different dress codes, and dressing for the interview should be upping the game a little more than the level of dress required for the job.
Ask yourself what does a professional in this field or position wear every day? If you are unsure, do an internet search. Instagram is a great resource for inspiration and information as there are so many accounts by professionals in their field as well as fashion accounts.
For example, if you are interviewing to be a pre-school teacher, what do pre-school teachers usually wear? Jeans and a t-shirt, clothes that allow them to attend to toddlers comfortably. For your interview, go with a dark jean and a cute top. Trade in sneakers for ballet flats or boots to dress up the look, and you created a look that is appropriate and professional.
In this example, showing up in a full-on suit is not appropriate, and could be perceived by the employer as odd. Showing up in attire appropriate for that specific workplace shows the employer that you are a professional in the field of work you are interviewing for.
Someone interviewing for a position in a graduate program, within the fields of tech, law, business, government, economy, research or health will probably be required to dress business-formal for their interview because generally in modern companies the dress code is business casual. Again, follow the rule in taking the interview attire up a notch from the day-to-day dress code.
Business Casual Vs. Business Formal
Business casual and business formal (also referred to a business professional) have a few differences but the main difference is the level of formality. Business formal requires a suit, and business casual does not.
When understanding which is appropriate for the job you are interviewing think about how your position interacts with others. Usually, someone required to wear business formal interacts directly with clients, whereas workplaces with a business casual dress code interact less directly with clients.
Although, this is changing more and more with the emergence of tech companies and modern workplaces, especially over the last year where most employees worked remotely.
Working remotely presents the best dress code of all, business casual from waist up, and pajamas waist down. This could also be helpful information depending on if your interview or even position will be carried out remotely.
Job Interview Outfit Do's And Don'ts
Let's go over some basics that should apply to most job interview outfit decisions no matter the level of formality required.
Do:
- Wear a Shirt or Blouse that fits comfortably. Button-down blouses are a go-to, but a formal sweater or top could also be a cute and comfortable choice.
- If you have a blazer, it is an easy way to dress up any outfit and present professionally. Again, if you are following business professional, a full suit may be required.
- Wear dark pants or light slacks to create a formal look.
- Skirts and dresses are also a good choice as long as they are knee-length and you feel comfortable working in them.
- Use jewelry and make-up to accessorize but not distract. These are mostly for you to feel good and confident, but too much make-up or bright colors may be perceived as unprofessional.
- Hair should be out of your face so that it doesn't distract you or the interviewer.
- If you are able to, invest in a good bag and formal shoes to wear to interviews.
Dont's
- Don't wear clothes that don't fit you comfortably. if you don't feel comfortable the interviewer will notice.
- Don't wear distracting make-up or jewelry, it will take away from your professional look.
- Don't wear wrinkled or damaged clothes.
Look Good, Feel Good
The big takeaway is to wear what is comfortable and appropriate for the job. Wearing clothes that we don't feel comfortable in will not allow us to present our best selves. In the modern workforce, there is a lot more freedom for women to choose what they want to wear versus what society has told them to wear in the past.
Women in the workforce face big barriers such as the gender pay gap and maternity leave affecting their job security. One less thing we need to worry about is what to wear to our interview, so wear what makes you feel your best and like the professional, you worked hard to become.
