Congratulations! If you are reading this article you are probably preparing for that next step of independence in your life, applying for a job. Whether you are a first-timer at this or you’ve ridden this rodeo many times before, it is always good to brush up on some pointers on how you want to present yourself to the interviewer.
What’s important is that while fitting the company’s aesthetic, you present yourself confidently. Everyone will tell you, “wear what makes you feel confident.”; but you want to show that even down to your style, you are well prepared to fit into the work environment while maintaining your individuality and personal sense of style. This lays the foundation that while you are the perfect catch for the job, you still have personal boundaries that deserve respect as they make you unique.
Some basic rules to interview wear include avoiding denim- unless you apply to a Levi’s. On Indeed.com, many people state that even for a Chipotle interview you want to avoid wearing ripped jeans. Avoid wearing anything that could even remotely imply that you are ready for the beach, such as slippers or shorts. Think about it, would you trust a president who shows up to their speech in swimming trunks or a bikini?
If you are applying somewhere super formal and pomp, iron your clothes. You can’t go wrong with a good pantsuit, blouse and trouser pair, or even a to-the-knee pencil skirt. It is safe to wear outfits more on the conservative side, avoiding low necklines. Dress in a way that makes you feel more headstrong, powerful, and capable of leadership. Clothes with a strong structure, such as a fitted blazer, would be more appropriate for some workplace environments than feminine clothes, such as loose flowy dresses. (However, if you are applying someplace more creative and artistic than industrial, you will want to lean more into your personal style and ways your style can reflect the creativity of the workplace.)
You want to make a good impression from head to toe. As mentioned before, slippers are not the way to go. However, loafers or small pencil heels (probably 3 inches or under) are great pieces to add to your outfit. Once again, if you are applying somewhere super pomp, you want to dress with a more subdued or darker color palette that indicates you take the environment seriously rather than dressing in carnival colors. Additionally, studying the company dress code and dressing according to that shows the interviewer that you have done your research for the place.
Overall, no matter what, stay calm and know that you are deserving of whatever job you apply for. Your style is just another element of you that will transport you wherever you are meant to be.
Works Cited
Bennett, Alexis. “What to Wear to an Interview to Ensure You Land the Job.” Vogue, 12 August 2021, https://www.vogue.com/article/what-to-wear-to-an-interview. Accessed 28 August 2022.
Suleiman, Yemisi, and Chimamanda Adichie. “Dress to Impress: 3 Ways.” Vanguard Allure, 24 October 2016, https://allure.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/dress-impress-3-ways/. Accessed 28 August 2022.
“What to Wear to an Interview: 2022 Guide.” Coursera, 16 August 2022, https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-to-wear-to-an-interview. Accessed 28 August 2022.
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