What To Wear To A Job Interview For Women
Many individuals preparing for an upcoming interview often find themselves struggling with putting together the perfect outfit. Deciding on the right look can make or break the hiring manager's first impression of an applicant. This is why it is critical to do your research beforehand and take your time choosing the right pieces for your look.
The following outfit ideas are appropriate for a variety of different fields and can be mixed or matched if needed. You can also customize them with accessories to make yourself stand out from the crowd of applicants. Read on to reveal the best option for your interview.
Shirt And Blazer
Wearing a shirt and blazer to an interview is the most acceptable outfit for both men and women. Not only is this look classic, but it also demonstrates a high level of professionalism. While it may seem to be fail-proof at first, it is easy to appear overdressed or worse, sloppy. To make the best first impression possible, choose a fitted and lightweight shirt.
A button-down blouse or dressy long-sleeved top are both good options worth considering. If needed, iron your shirt the morning of the interview to avoid creases and wrinkles. Ideally, your blazer should be tailored to your body, but you can always opt for a less dressy substitute if it is more appropriate for the industry in question. A shirt and blazer paired with fitted dress pants is ideal for office and corporate jobs.
Sweater And Dress Pants
Another classic interview outfit is the simple combination of a sweater and dress pants. However, no one wants to appear outdated or frumpy, which is why it is critical to choose a sweater with a modern or timeless cut, such as a mock turtleneck or crew neck.
A comfortable yet dressy fabric with minimal texture works best for this look, and a slightly relaxed fit works well with a sweater. Try cotton, polyester, or even cashmere when interviewing for a higher-up position. Dress pants should be tailored to your proper inseam if needed and be sure to iron your pants if necessary before your interview to avoid looking messy. This outfit is ideal for administrative fields as well as teaching jobs and other similar industries.
Dress And Tights
Wearing a dress with tights is both feminine and classy, but not right for every industry. This look works best for corporate and office related industries. To master this look, stick with a neutral color palette such as shades of black, brown, or other earth tones and invest in pieces with a timeless cut. Ideally, your dress should be no shorter than mid-thigh.
Opaque tights are the most acceptable variety for interviews, but you may choose a more sheer look if the dress hits below your knees. Some may also want to pair their dress and tights with a fitted blazer or cardigan.
Blouse And Skirt
A nice blouse and skirt is a semi-casual look perfect for entry and mid-level job interviews in business, teaching, and office work. It is flexible enough to wear for other types of positions as well, and can be dressed up with a tailored blazer or down by choosing a less dressy top.
When pairing a blouse and skirt, opt for a fitted top and slightly relaxed skirt that hits below mid-thigh. You may also pair it with tights for a more modest look if desired. High-end fabrics such as silk are excellent for higher up job interviews while cotton or polyester work best for entry or mid-level positions.
What Not To Wear
As tempting as it may be, avoid passing trends when preparing for an interview. Likewise, outdated or old garments can have a similar effect on your ability to make a great first impression. This is why it is important to invest in classic cuts and fabrics that never go out of style. In addition to this, be sure to avoid appearing overdone by keeping your color choices neutral. This doesn't mean you need to avoid a pop of color or bold pattern, but if you opt to incorporate one of these into your look, keep the rest of the outfit neutral. The last tip on what not to wear is to avoid casual clothing such as t-shirts, denim, and leggings. These are never acceptable interview attire.
With the right know-how, anyone can quickly and painlessly create a professional interview outfit to make themselves stand out from the sea of applicants. Feel free to mix and match garments to customize your look for your particular industry. Follow these tips and tricks to get started!