Friday, August 18, 2006

Dressing for an Interview


Heading out on the job hunt? Here a few tips to keep in mind:

-Be sure to dress in an outfit that is one "level" above the position you are applying for. A dress or pantsuit is always acceptable. (Don't forget, it's always better to overdress!)

-Be sure to wear color near your face; do not make the mistake of wearing all black (unless you are trying to become a Starbucks barista). Different shades of blue look great on most people and tends to send a message of loyalty and dependability. Red is a great shade to connote power and boldness. Avoid baby pinks/blues, bright yellows and oranges, especially if you are under 30.

-Pay attention to the details: make sure your hair is trimmed and smooth, your nails are a neutral shade and not too long, your nylons are a neutral shade with no runs (bring an extra pair just in case!), and your shoes are unscuffed and polished. Go very easy on the perfume; this is one place you want to simply smell clean, not like a gardenia or a blueberry muffin.

-Wear flattering but neutral make-up: don't go overboard on the black liquid eyeliner, shimmer, blush and eye shadow, or super glossy lipgloss.

-Don't be afraid to wear jewelry. In fact, a fun piece of jewelry can help interviewers remember you and can be a great conversation piece, but you need to have the confidence to carry it off. The jewelry needs to be perfect for your outfit, like a just-chunky-enough necklace or well-matched broach. When in doubt, wear small gold or silver hoop earrings, small diamond stud earrings, or pearls.

-If you are interviewing for a creative job, you can still wear a suit, but punch it up
with funky jewelry or a scarf. Or you can wear an "unsuit"--a "unmatching" but coordinated jacket and dress/pants combo that still has the clean lines of a suit without the matchy-matchiness of a regular suit.

-Practice interview questions with a friend (lots of great ones on monster.com and careerbuilder.com). Be prepared and know as much about the company you are applying to as possible. Show interest in the organization and your interviewer.

-Have confidence in yourself and your abilities.

Good luck and have fun on your job hunt!