How to Dress for a Job Interview
This section provides general tips specifically for women, about how to dress
for a job interview. If you haven't yet, first read Job
Interview Dress Tips for Men and Women on page 2.
Job Interview Dress Tips for Women
As previously mentioned, the photos displayed below are just a few examples
of how to dress for a job interview; they're not set in concrete.
Clothing
Wearing a dress is probably not a good idea. Instead, consider wearing a long-sleeve,
no-frills, solid-white or solid-pastel dress blouse, tucked into dress slacks
or a conservative-length dress skirt. A color-coordinated blazer is optional,
but looks more business-like.
Don't try to match the color of your slacks or skirt with that of your blazer,
as it rarely works well; instead, wear contrasting but coordinated colors, such
a navy-blue sport coat with a medium- to dark-gray skirt or vice versa.
In cool weather, wearing a color-coordinated sweater is appropriate, with or
without a blouse under or a blazer over the sweater. A pullover sweater is typically
dressier looking than a button sweater, particularly when worn under a blazer.
Alternately, especially for "higher-up" or conservative jobs (or if
it's what you'd ordinarily wear to work), wear a business suit with a dress blouse
as described above.
Hair
Style your hair tastefully or have it professionally done. If it's long enough
to get in your way, then wear it up or brush it back so you're not constantly
flipping it out of your way; up or back looks more business-like too.
Makeup
Apply makeup sparingly and avoid unusual, bright or sparkly colors. Definitely
don't apply sparkles to your hair or face, or anywhere on the visible parts of
your body.
Avoid fingernail designs and bright- or odd-colored polish. Clear polish or
just buffed nails with no polish sends no particular signals, except good grooming.
Earrings
If you wear earrings to an interview, wear small, tasteful and conservative
ones; avoid those that dangle and swing. Wear only one per ear in the traditional
earlobe position.
Accessories
If you wear hosiery to an interview (recommended), choose skin or a neutral
color with no exposed designs, seams or runs. Natch, make sure that your hosiery
tops don't show when you sit or cross your legs in a skirt; wearing pantyhose
will prevent that.
Wear "quiet", medium- to low-heeled, conservative dress shoes that
are color coordinated with your outfit.
If you wear a skirt or slacks with belt loops, also wear a dress belt that matches
your shoes (e.g., black with black) or one that is conservatively color coordinated
with the rest of your outfit.
It's better to carry a briefcase or portfolio, than your purse to a job interview.
But, be careful what you remove from your purse to place in your briefcase or
portfolio, as you might accidentally and embarrassingly expose it during an interview!
It's happened before.
Other accessories are up to you, but choose conservatively and use good judgment.
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