FashBlog.com

I recently had an operation on my nose and well that was on the Monday, and on the Friday, I had a job interview. What do you wear to a job interview when you are not totally feeling up to par, but want to make a winning impression?

You could say to reschedule the interview and explain to them what was going on, I actually did that (told them about the operation, anyways) but they wanted me to come in, so in I went. (I knew the people that were interviewing me and had been volunteering at the agency for awhile).

But the thought occurred to me, how do you look presentable when you would be rather wearing sweats at home, drinking tea? What I wore was a long skirt, a nice shirt and a jacket. But all in all, interviews are at best tricky. Do you have one suit that you wear to each and every interview? How do you know what to wear? Interviews are scary at best, so it would make sense to be wearing something comfortable but still you want to make a favorable impression, right?

The first thing you should probably do before your interview is do some research on the company where you have your interview. Research is an important thing because it will give you some indication on what they do at this company and what the dress code is. Business casual seems to be the accepted norm, but for an interview, you will want to perhaps go above and beyond that. If your interview is say, at an office of lawyers, the dress will no doubt be more sedate and professional than say working at a magazine or an industrial setting. If you do your research ahead of time, you will be better prepared and by doing this, it will give you a glimpse on what people wear to their jobs there on a daily basis.

The second thing you will want to do is talk to other employers, ask them what they would deem suitable to wear to an interview. Each individual that interviews usually has some set ideas of clothing that they would like to see the interviewee in. Are there things you should not wear to an interview?? Of course there are. Here are a few ideas of what you should not even consider wearing to that interview:

-too casual types of clothing. No jeans, t shirts, running shoes or anything like that, even if it is a job to work in a warehouse.
-jewelry that jangles - long earrings; a ring on every finger; facial piercings; multi bracelets, you get the picture.
-too short of skirts - they should be knee length or better
-too much makeup, wild colors on nails, watch the perfume also, many people are perfume sensitive these days. Think of other ways to apply scent such as powder, body spray or a good shower gel or bath soap.
-open toed or backless shoes. For women, low-heeled pumps and for men, normal dress shoes should be worn
-ill fitting clothes, you do not have to take your suit to a tailor, but hey, why not if it will help land that job?
-wrinkled clothing. You do not want your perspective employer to think that you just took your clothes out of the laundry hamper do you?

If you are still in the dark as to what to wear, consult the Internet. The Internet will give you some ideas as what to wear. Also, talk to some trusted friends, go through your closet and get their feedback as to what would look good on you. You should plan what you are going to wear ahead of time. Make sure it has no tears or rips or showing threads. This way you can see how the outfit looks together, whether it needs to be cleaned or pressed and it will give you plenty of time to do so in advance before the big moment. The key is simple, quiet clothes in a moderate color, blue, black or grey will show respect and not scare the person that is doing the interview.

As for my interview for the job? I will let you know if I get it, I am due for another interview next week!