Interview Outfits for Women - What to Wear???
Interviewing can be tough, especially when you really want that gig! Therefore it's crucial to control what factors you can such as your attire. Let's talk about how to dress to impress.
Let’s face it, interviewing can be scary, no matter how seasoned you are. This is especially true when you really want a particular job. You must contend with the thought of “am I good enough in their eyes” and nailing each and every question to ensure you at least get a second look. But wait, there’s more! Speaking of looks, your interviewer, among others, will judge you based off what you choose to wear. Whether or not this seems fair isn’t the point, it’s just the way it is. The best thing you can do is be ready to offset any potentially negative perceptions concerning your appearance leading up to your big moment.
The three major categories are Business Formal, Smart Business Casual and Smart Casual. These include everything from knee length skirts, button downs, statement dresses, dresses with tights and blazers. Appropriate color options include; gray, white, black, navy blue, brown and beige.
Let’s take a look at each of the three categories and what they look like. Of course you want to take the type of job and industry into consideration when choosing an outfit, because it’s wise to dress for the part. We’ve included some additional tips to help you waver the storm in this way.
Business Formal
Business formal attire is suited, no pun intended, for the more conservative job capacities. There is a list of industries and positions below to provide further clarification. Kathryn Troutman, author of Ten Steps to a Federal Job, was featured on Monster.com to discuss interview attire. Her advice was to not be “too flashy” with your makeup, jewelry and hairstyles. In fact, she suggests sticking to the conservative side.
Examples:
Business Formal is suggested for the following industries:
- Banking
- Clerical
- Consulting
- Education
- Executive
- Finance
- Government
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
- Management
- Medical (management & high level staff)
- Sales
Dressy Business Casual
This style of dress for an interview makes a slightly different impression than its more formal counterpart above. It speaks to one’s more free flowing side that is very personable yet professional at the same time. This category of dress says that you know how to interact with others in a pleasant and professional manner.
Dress Business Casual Examples:
Suggested for the following industries
- Administrative/Clerical
- Banking
- Entertainment
- Finance
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
Smart Casual
If there was one style that could work for any job interview it would be smart casual. This style portrays energetic, professional and witty. Whether your interviewer is Mark Zuckerberg or the Walmart District Manager, it’s hard to miss with Smart Casual.
See examples below:
Suggested for the following industries
- Accounting & Finance
- Analyst
- Banking
- Customer Service
- Education
- Entertainment
- Food
- Hospitality
- Human Resources
- IT (Infrastructure Technology)
- Management
- Medical
- Sales
- Social Media/Internet Based Companies
- Technician
- Warehouse
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