Job Interview Dressing: A Professional, Confident Look

Job Interview Dressing and style is important in the interview process. How you look and feel about yourself will shine through to the employer during the interview. Now is the time to plan ahead for a professional, confident look that you are comfortable with. Review these free job interview tips and plan ahead so that on the interview day, you can relax knowing that you look great.

Regardless of where you are applying, there are several things to remember that always apply to job interview dress. Sort of a job interview dress code:

Present yourself Professionally

Whether you are applying at McDonald's or are applying for an office position, you want to pick out clothes that flatter you personally and present you in a professional way. Make sure your clothes fit right and are stain, lint, and wrinkle free.

Job Interview Dressing Tip:
Dress Like You Work There

When you interview, you should wear clothes that make you look like one of the employees. You want to look like you belong there. Find out what the dress code is for a particular company and do your best to wear the same.

For instance, if a navy blue suit is the dress code of choice for a corporation, you will want to choose a navy blue suit to interview in. If you are applying to work in food service at a restaurant, you will want to wear the similar colors to what the uniform is there.

Don't discount the power of how you appear. I work with someone whose son decided to apply for a Pepsi Cola delivery driver job. Her son went to the interview in a blue shirt and black pants. When he reported to the secretary on the interview day, she mistook him for one of the drivers! He looked like he was ready to work at Pepsi! He was hired shortly thereafter.

Dress for Success

Suit, Coordinated Blouse, Stockings and Pumps

Dress Slacks, Dress Blouse, Shoes

Professional hairstyle

Light Makeup

Jewelry (less is more)

Nails polished in neutral or clear color

Portfolio or briefcase

Men

Suit, Long Sleeve Shirt, Tie

Dress Slacks, Dress Shirt, and Tie

Belt

Dark Conservative Leather Shoes

Clean-cut, Professional hairstyle

Portfolio or briefcase

Before The Interview

The Day before the Interview
The day before, polish your shoes, and get your clothes out to make sure they are ironed, clean, and ready to wear the next day.

Review Good Answers to Interview Questions again and rehearse what you are going to say.

The Day of the Interview
Bring a breath mint with you to pop in your mouth just before the interview. Get to the interview site 15 -20 minutes ahead of time so that you don't feel hurried.

Review the list of qualities, skills, and experience the employer is looking for so that you can make sure you mention how you meet or exceed them when answering the interview questions.

Finally
Smile! Everyone likes a friendly person. Present yourself with a smile and a handshake. This will help you present yourself as confident and easy to work with.

Happy Job Search!