The typical job interview is anxiety-inducing. Your entire career depends on the impression you make. You can’t predict what you’re going to say. You have no idea what questions the interviewer is going to throw at you. What you can do, however, is perfect your look. An amazing interview outfit shows that you’re confident and secure. It’s the first step toward getting your foot in the door.
Need help picking out the perfect wardrobe pieces? These ideas will make you stand out.
Wear Jewelry
Gaudy jewelry can make you look cheap. But a well-designed, bold piece adds a finishing touch any outfit. A Gold Urban chain, for example, adds a pop of flair that demands attention yet isn’t too over the top. When it comes to your interview outfit, you want to be mildly noticeable. Your interviewer should think you look nice but your fashion choices shouldn’t be too distracting. People’s tastes are too different.
A simple necklace or ring adds polish to your final outfit.
Choose One Bold Color
The corporate world is full of somber colors. Black, white, tan, etc. Professional office wear is very bland. You can follow this tradition and still add your own twist. Pick a fun color like orange with white polka dots and incorporate into your outfit in a subtle way. You can pick out shoes in the right shade, or a scarf if it’s the winter. Because you’re only injecting a small amount of color into your look, you still appear professional, even if you’re applying for a managerial role.
Practice Light Makeup
It’s unfortunate but it’s true. Women receive better feedback at the office if they wear makeup. There are diminishing returns, however. If you wear too much makeup, it backfires worse than wearing none at all. A light or natural-looking coat of makeup is your best option. You can practice your look before the actual interview.
Wear a Pencil Skirt
A pencil skirt won’t go out of style in your lifetime. It’s a classic look that fits every body type. Pair the skirt with a fitting top and perhaps a cardigan as well. You’ll look very put together. Pencil skirts are so popular you can easily find a used one at most thrift stores. That way, you don’t have to worry about spending money on an outfit you may not wear very often.
Pick One Outfit
Job hunting is brutal. If you’re going on an interview, there’s a good chance that you’re sending out lots of resumes. You can make things easier for yourself by picking one outfit to wear to all of your interviews. You won’t have to stress about what to wear anytime you get a callback. If you want a little more security, pick two outfits. That way, you’ll have options in case something is in the laundry or you can’t find what you need, but you still don’t have to stress. You know that you have an outfit that you look good in and that suits your purposes.
Get Comfortable Shoes
Women face a lot of pressure to wear uncomfortable heels. However, things are changing. If you truly prefer wearing high heels, that’s what you should do. But you shouldn’t force yourself to wear uncomfortable shoes just to impress people. There are stylish and professional flat shoes. Or you can compromise and try a small kitten heel. You get the allure of the heel without the hassle that comes with wearing stilettos.
Job interviews are stressful enough without having to worry about what you’re going to wear. Your focus should be on finding classic, staple pieces that look great. You shouldn’t try to follow the latest fashion trends unless you’re applying for a job in the fashion industry. You’ll never know how your interviewer is going to react. They may not be a fan of the current fashion trend, and this bias could work against you.
