What to Wear on an Interview in 2008?
It’s Still the Same Basic Rule - Wear a Suit!
This question was posed by a Busy Bee reader who was headed out for her first business interview since the early 1990’s! Since I also have not been on an interview in years, I set out to do some research. I was optimistic that the “interview uniform” had changed in past fifteen years, but was I ever wrong! Business websites all over are still recommending a matching skirt and jacket for women as the proper attire for an interview! Granted the styling of these clothing items have received updates, but the principle has remained the same. The best news that I found was the inclusion of “red” as an acceptable suit color!
Take a Look
If you are among those preparing for an interview, visit quintcareers.com and take a look at the article, Dress for Success for Women. Here you will find a detailed discussion of the why’s and why not’s of interview clothing. Color photos of appropriate suits are also posted. (That’s where I saw the red suit that gave me some hope for originality in dressing!!) Heels, hosiery, manicured nails, briefcases/classic totes (not purses), minimal jewelry are all still the way to go. For easy catalog or online shopping for suit separates, visit jcrew.com for some updated, yet classic choices.
Carefully Show a bit of Personality with Accessories
My advice is to attempt to show a bit of your own personality in a great scarf or pin or bag or shoe. Interviews in truly creative industries may not require this level of formality, but if you are really uncertain, call the Human Resources Department of the interviewing company and inquire about their dress code. Whatever you choose to wear, don’t forget that you can’t undo a first impression!
A final note - In preparing to answer this question I also turned to one of my favorite books – What Should I Wear? Dressing for Occasions by Kim Johnson Gross and Jeff Stone. (By the way, I found the same recommendations for job interviews here as I did on the internet.) This book is packed with great ideas for what to wear to every conceivable event from rock concerts to religious ceremonies. This is a great resource for every woman. (What Should I Wear?: Dressing for Occasions)
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