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Wardrobes
for Interviewing
It is important in a work environment to be
comfortable, but it is also important to represent
yourself professionally and with confidence.
Often
times companies use terms like "business
casual" or "business formal"
- but what do these vague expressions mean?
Now
that you've researched the industry, polished
your resume, and prepared for your interview,
it is important to consider what to wear when
you finally meet face-to-face with an employer.
We've developed these guidelines to demonstrate
the different types of common office attire,
and also to provide you with guidelines for
professionalism.
Please
note: We provide this information
as guidelines, not as rules. Every
office and every industry has different dress
codes. If ever in doubt, it's best to look around
you - what is everyone else in your office wearing?
Knowing
the Basics
Business
Formal
Suits
or tailored separates or tailored business dresses,
skirted suits or pantsuits in wool, silk, or
other fabric, silky or cotton blouses or fine-gauge
sweaters, quality accessories.
Do
the sit test! When trying on a suit, sit down
in the skirt. Be sure the hem is not more than
one inch above your knee when sitting. Also,
buying a suit that comes with a skirt and pants
is a cost effective way of mixing and matching.
You
can always borrow a suit from the Suitable Suits
closet! Click
Here to learn more.
Business
Casual
Wool,
blend, or linen-like skirts or pants, coordinating
blouses or tops, long or short sleeved sweaters,
cardigans, flat leather shoes, casual coordinated
accessories, silky or cotton blouses, fine-gauge
cotton or silk sweaters, low-heeled pumps.
Pants
and a blazer are always appropriate in a business
casual environment.
A
long skirt and a classic button down shirt are
very useful and versatile wardrobe additions.
You can dress both up or down depending on what
you pair it with.
A
sweater-set can be dressed up or down, depending
on the neckline, length, and what you pair it
with. A turtleneck sweater often looks a bit
nicer than a crew neck.
Casual
Denim,
cotton, corduroy pants or skirts, capri pants,
casual shoes/accessories.
These
items should not be worn in the office unless
the company maintains a casual dress code.
A fitted (but not too tight!) sweater is usually
better for the office than a baggy sweater.
In the spring or summer, a short sleeved sweater
is also good.
A
sweater-set becomes more casual if you wear
it with casual pants. Sweaters with stripes
or prints, hoods, zippers, or pockets are also
more casual. Denim is always casual, even if
it's a skirt. Be sure to check with your company
on its denim policy. Khakis or chinos are usually
more appropriate.
Too
Casual
If
you're wondering if it's too casual, it probably
is! If you're not sure what to wear, it's always
best to dress on the conservative side. Avoid
oversized, zippered, or hooded sweaters. Loud
prints or colors are usually too casual for
an office environment. Denim is always too casual,
unless specifically permitted in your office.
Sneakers are also too casual for the workplace.
As always, check with your office policies and
dress codes.
Shoes
Tall
boots are not acceptable attire for interviews,
but they can be worn in a business casual setting.
Flats and loafers are great with skirts and
pants in a business casual and casual setting.
A
chunky heel is ok, but don't go crazy with the
platforms. Avoid clogs and stilleto heels unless
in a casual environment.
Classic
pumps are generally best with suits.
Bags
A
bag should be sleek and professional. It should
have enough room for a folder to carry copies
of your resume, unfolded, and any other necessities.
Interview
Dress Tips
1.
Think about your personal coloring, body type,
and of course the type of position you are interviewing
for, when you consider what to wear.
2. Be sure your outfit will make you feel great,
professional, and comfortable.
3. Try to get information on the 'dress code'
for the company or industry (i.e., finance and
law are usually more conservative).
4. If you're not sure of a company's dress policy,
it's best to be more conservative.
5. Dress for the position you want rather than
the position you have.
6.
Practice wearing your interview clothes. That
way you can concentrate on your interview, and
not on your outfit.
Other
Ways to Exude Confidence
Posture:
Good posture identifies you instantly as someone
with something to contribute. Powerful posture
is squared, direct, but not rigid or tense.
Eye
Contact: Solid eye contact conveys interest
and confidence.
Handshake:
Your handshake should be firm, direct, warm
and friendly.
Facial
Expressions: Facial expressions and body
language reveal far more than words. Work to
keep your facial expressions synchronized with
your verbal message.
Gestures:
Gestures can convey both positive and negative
messages. Be conscious of your gestures (i.e.,
bouncing your foot, tapping a pen).
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