What to Wear to a Job Interview

Written by Debra Wyatt (last updated October 18, 2019)

To make the most out of the first few minutes of your job interview you will want to dress in the most appropriate manner. With these tips and advice you can learn how to dress appropriately for your job interview.

Grooming is an essential basic part of dressing appropriately for any job interview. There are a few key ideas that you want to remember.

  • Hair. Start with clean, tidy, and neat hair. If you have long hair pin it up, especially if you are applying for a business job. When you are applying for a job you want to be taken seriously, and it is simply easier to take a woman more seriously if she doesn't have long hair flowing around.
  • Nails. Your fingernails should be clean and well trimmed. If you are going to use fingernail polish be sure to use a neutral polish. The hiring manager will look at your nails as you shake hands.
  • Face. Men who wear facial hair should keep it cleaned and trimmed. It really is best to shave off facial hair for the interview. Women should wear makeup but apply it lightly so that your look is natural.

You never want to under dress for a job interview. As you dress for the interview, take time to consider what type of job you are interviewing for. Think about what type of clothes that the current employees wear. It is always best to dress just a little nicer than what the employees normally wear, without over doing it.

Both men and women should wear neutral colors, nothing extreme in color or design. Men can get by with a nice, ironed, button-up shirt with a coordinating tie. A nice suit jacket will add to the look. Wearing jeans is too informal and unprofessional looking.

Usually for an office job it is recommended for women to wear a very nice pair of slacks with a silk button-up shirt. Stay with solid shirts so you don't come across as distracting or not serious. When adding accessories do not overdo it, wearing a broach or necklace, small earrings, and wedding ring (if married) will suit most types of job interviews. Usually gold jewelry will add a little pizzazz to your look, just be sure that your jewelry isn't too extreme or chunky.

When it comes to shoes be conservative. Shoes should be closed at the toe and something that you can walk in comfortably.

Now that you have your look put together you are ready for that job interview.

Author Bio

Debra Wyatt

Deb has a communications degree and applies her talents to her position as Marketing Specialist at Sharon Parq Associates. In her spare time she spends time with her children and grandchildren and devotes time to her church. ...

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