You have the qualifications, the CV, you may have already got through tests, telephone interviews and more. Now it’s time for the final hurdle: the interview. The perfect outfit alone won’t win you a job, but first impressions count for a lot so it’s worth spending a little care and attention getting it right. An (anonymous) employer admitted that they once didn’t give someone a job simply because they had odd socks on. ‘If they can’t even get it together to find a pair of socks in the morning, they can’t handle working here!’ Choosing what to wear to an interview can be hard, particularly when the awfully-ambiguous words ‘smart casual’ come up, or there’s no suggested dress code at all. Here are our top tips to style your way to landing your dream job:
· Do your research. Find out what other people in the business or industry you’re applying for wear to work. If the business is laid back or creative you can get away with showing a bit more of your personal style, whilst if you want to be a lawyer or accountant it’s best to stick to a classic and conservative interview suit. Dressing the part will help the interviewer visualise you in the role and show that you understand the company’s culture. However, a word of warning, even if a company seems laid back you should always dress smartly for an interview. Over-dressed is better than under-dressed as it shows you respect the process and are serious about the role.
· Cover up. No matter how strict you’ve been on your January gym regime, legs and cleavage are best reserved for date-nights and Timepiece. You want your employer to remember you for your professionalism and competence so don’t distract them with too much skin on show. An interview-proof-skirt should sit just above, on, or below the knee. Remember it will look a few inches shorter when sitting down. If you’re worried about longer styles looking frumpy, opt for a knee-length pencil skirt to keep it feminine and chic.
· Be polished. Small details like manicured nails and well-shaped eyebrows will make you look perfectly organised. Make up is important too; super radiant skin will make you look well-rested and raring to go. To avoid tired-looking, dull skin, a tinted moisturiser works far better than a matte foundation and lots of powder. If you really need the coverage then top off your usual foundation with a shimmery highlighter across your cheekbones, cupids bow and just below your eyebrows. When it comes to interview make up, less is definitely more. Avoid bright eyeshadow, clumpy mascara and heavy bronzer.
· Shoes Shoes Shoes! You want to walk into that interview with confidence and a dazzling smile. You do not want to wobble in while staring at the floor, be put off by loud clicky-clacky heels, or worse still fall over! Take the time to find the right pair of shoes that fit you perfectly, are comfortable, and go with anything (a classic black court shoe is perfect). As with the rest of your outfit your shoes should be clean and presentable. Wearing a pair of roll up flats to the interview, then switching over before you go in is the safest way to go.
· Leave time. Arriving early will give you time to pop to the bathroom and have a last minute check of your appearance. Do you have hairbands on your wrists? Lipstick on your teeth? Has your hair been windswept beyond recognition? Once your satisfied everything is in place you should still have a moment to catch your breath and collect your thoughts. You’ll walk into the interview calm, confident and perfectly styled. You’ll walk out employed.
Photo Credits
http://www.dressity.com/business-suits-for-women/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/565272190700611295/