WOMEN'S INTERVIEW ATTIRE
"What a strange power there is in clothing. " ~Isaac Bashevis Singer
First Impressions are very important and womens business and interview attire plays an important role in making a great first impression. Selecting what to wear is difficult at the best of times, but facing an interview panel who holds the power to shape your immediate career aspirations can be a particularly daunting experience.
Related Content
What to Wear to a Job Interview
Womens Conservative suit. Solid colors are best but light patterns such as pinstripes are acceptable choices. A skirt suit is usually considered to be more formal in some industries. (Skirts should be worn at knee length or sit just below) Pant suits are commonly worn by women in the workplace; however you may consider checking the attire worn by women who currently work in the company. Some industries will consider a pant suit to not be as formal as they require.
Coordinated blouse. A solid color is usually best, however light, subtle patterns are acceptable. Always make sure your blouse is wrinkle free, clean, and well tailored.
Shoes. It is essential to make sure they are clean or polished. Always make sure to match them to the color of your suit. Keep them simple. Conservative, low heels are always the best choice.
Jewellery. Any Jewellery worn should compliment your outfit and not be the centerpiece, so keep it subtle and to a minimum. Of course, engagement and wedding rings are always acceptable pieces to wear.
Hair. Make sure your hair is presented in a neat, professional style. Always keep your hair from covering your face, especially your eyes. Eye contact is essential during an job interview so make sure your hairstyle does not allow for your hair to get in the way of this.
Hosiery. These should always be worn when wearing a skirt suit. Neutral, skin colored hosiery that closely match the color of your natural skin tone are essential.
Make-up. Keep your make up to a minimum. Keep it looking very natural. Use daytime tones only, keep anything dramatic for the night time.
Fingernails. Manicured nails are the best choice. Make sure to avoid all bright or dark colors. If you prefer to wear polish be sure to wear a clear or neutral tone only.
Perfume. Keep any perfume you wear to a minimum. A light spray or dab will be sufficient.
Bag. Keep anything you carry into the interview to a minimum. A portfolio or briefcase is perfect for interviews. If you must bring a bag, keep it subtle.
A Great Smile. Yes, it sounds corny, but a smile is just as important as the right attire. A smiling face is always the favored choice. It makes you more approachable, and can give the employer a real feel for how easily you may fit into being a member of the team.
Personal Hygiene. Always present yourself at your optimum. Make sure you are freshly showered. Grooming is an essential part of your appearance. Make sure your teeth are cleaned and flossed, and your breath is fresh. Why not take a mint with you to have shortly before your interview.
Related Pages
What Not to Wear to a Job Interview
Bright colored or patterned suits. Always keep the colors conservative. Keeping to a classic look will always be your safest bet. Avoid going for the latest fashion fad.
Blouses. Avoid anything with frills, shiny fabrics and neck lines that sit too low. Avoid bright colors and patterns. Avoid blouses that are too tight. Always make sure the fit is comfortable and avoid anything that gapes around the bust line.
Mini skirts, skirts with side splits, or skirts that are just too tight. These all present very poorly, especially for a job interview. Avoid bright colors, shiny fabrics and anything attention grabbing. Keep your skirt matched with your suit.
Avoid ill fitting pants. Always make sure your pants are tailored. Make sure the fit is not tight. Once again, keep your pants matched with your suit. Avoid pants that sit too low on the waist line.
Shorts or Jeans. Any type of either of these is not a suitable choice of attire. Casual clothing is a sure fire way to show the potential employer you are not taking the job seriously.
Strapless dresses or shirts, singlet tops or t-shirts are poor choices that need to be avoided. Anything that does not have a professional appearance or shows too much skin will undermine any chance you had of succeeding. Casual clothing is a definite no-no.
Underwear / undergarments that is visible under your clothing or hanging out from under your clothing. Keep it simple. Always make sure your undergarments stay hidden. Make sure your bra straps cannot be seen and your underwear too remains hidden. And always make sure your underwear line cannot be seen through your clothing.
Any variation of thongs, sandals, or sneakers/trainers. These are not suitable options for the workplace. Also avoid very high heels or stilettos, and anything too attention grabbing. No bright colors or outrageous styles. Just because a particular style looks great for a night out, this does not make it the right choice for a job interview.
Dramatic make up can be a real show stopper. Avoid using heavy lines and colors. Keep your colors natural. Too much make-up or make-up poorly done can be a real distraction.
Overpowering Perfume can make the interview an unpleasant experience for the potential employer especially if they do not like the scent, or find it too strong. There is always the possibility that they may have an allergy to perfumes as well so avoid anything more than a light spray or dab. You don’t want to be remembered for your overpowering smell.
Bags. Keep it simple. A job interview is not the place to bring a large eye catching bag. Especially a flashy brand name bag that stands out a mile. Keep the focus on yourself and not your accessories. You want them to remember YOU once you’ve walked out the door, and not the latest fashion accessory you had swinging from your arm!
Tired or bored expressions on your face. A potential employer will notice in the very first few moments of the interview if you seem disinterested, annoyed, bored or tired. Always show how happy you are for the opportunity to be interviewed for your potential role.
Poor Personal Hygiene. You may look the part in your suit, but if you don’t smell too good, or your appearance doesn’t appear to be clean your image may suffer. Always make sure to present yourself at your very best. You need to represent the whole package deal that the potential employer is looking for.
