There are few things in life that can inspire fear and loathing as much as a job interview. Sure, your resume is important. So are those highly honed skills. And don’t forget about how you’re going to explain why you really left your last job from hell.
But there are much more important things for a job seeker to consider, such as what to wear.
No doubt about it, life was much easier in the uniformed ’80s, when all you had to do was haul out a tried-and-true navy power suit, string a floppy bow tie around your neck and grab a somber briefcase before heading out the door.
These days we have options. Options can mean nail-biting, teeth-gnashing sartorial confusion as you stand before the closet and panic upon realizing you have nothing to wear.
But today’s working woman still also has rules, governing what to wear when wooing a head hunter or a head honcho.
Bend them if you must, but break them at your employment peril. As Neil Schermitzler, vice president of human resources for Wang Laboratories Inc., puts it, “Your interview attire is really an investment that will help you get a job. It’s not going to get you a job, but it will help.”
Here’s how to blend the rules with your personal style to create a winning image:
A suit is always a wise choice:
And make it a skirted suit. But bypass this season’s sexy mini-skirted ones. Instead, opt for the “new-length” skirts that graze the knee. just Softly structured jackets and A-line, flared or pencil skirts are newest. Keep the colors soft and muted, in neutrals, from taupes to charcoals. Solids and subdued patterns in a wool gabardine are best. To wear with that suit, you can’t go wrong with a great blouse or man-tailored shirt. Or you might want to try a silk knit T-shirt for a more updated look, says Bill Lasche, vice president of fashion and product development for Carson Pirie Scott & Co. “Buy the very best suit you can afford,” Lasche says. “It’s an investment.”
Dresses work too:
They should be tailored and professional-looking. Best bet: A sophisticated coat dress in a solid or subdued pattern, such as houndstooth.
Pants are still the great unknown:
They’re a risky-and highly controversial-choice. Again, it depends on the job. If you’re in a creative field, says Laura Bruzas, director of human resources for Hamilton Carver & Lee, a Chicago ad agency, “It shows spunk, it shows individuality, it shows a maturity, a willingness to be different, to be modern.” But if you work in insurance, finance or law, forget it. “Pants are not in keeping with the image of professional attire,” says Don Katz, vice president and college (recruiting) relations manager for Harris Bank. If you do throw caution to the wind and go for the Katharine Hepburn effect, always make sure the trousers are tailored, worn with a matching jacket. Hold off on more extreme styles such as palazzo pants and stovepipe leggings.
Grooming Is Everything:
It should be self-explanatory, but again, interviewers list unkempt interviewees as their pet peeve. Keep nailpolish quiet and unchipped. Comb your hair. Iron your suit. Make sure you’ve got an extra pair of stockings-just in case. “One of my quirks is that I look for polished shoes,” Schermitzler says. “That’s an indicator of a complete, top-to-bottom concern for personal marketing.”
Remember the Scout’s motto:
“Be prepared.” Scope out the corporate culture before you walk through the door. Don’t be afraid to call ahead and ask the receptionist what everyone else wears. It might be the smartest call you’ll ever make.
Keep accessories simple:
You want them looking at you, not at those giant earrings.
Midheeled, highly polished pumps are better than stilettos or loafers. Try a pair of the chunky-heeled Mary Janes that are in this fall. Flesh-toned stockings, rather than the black opaques of recent seasons are making a comeback.
DO’S AND DON’TS FOR SARTORIAL SUCCESS
Do pick one outstanding accessory to distinguish you from the pack. An interesting watch, glasses, earrings or pin are good choices. The key word here: simple.
Don’t wear shoes and clothes that are uncomfortable. Your discomfort will show; the last thing you want is to look stiff in your interview.
Do streamline the number of bags you carry to your interview. Put the briefcase and handbag away and pick up a sophisticated leather tote that will hold your resume and other essentials.
Don’t wear a plain silk blouse under your suit. A knit T-shirt or crewneck in a jewel tone is a fresh alternative. For more creative types, a black turtleneck is a chic option.
Don’t overdo your hair. It should be neat and unobstrusive. Braids and dreadlocks are OK, recruiters say, as long as they are well-kempt.
