Fashion Advise for Interviewing

I was in the job market about 10 months ago, and wore a suit, hose and heels. I feel like wearing a suit is still expected when you are an interview even if the business dress code is business casual. It is always better to be over dressed than under dressed, this insures that you put your best foot forward. First impressions are always important, worse case if you are over dressed you stand out more amongst the other candidates.

I know this is not what you wanted to hear, I am sorry =( I bought my suit at Dillard, you can also get a decent yet cost effective suit at the Dress Barn in the Allen outlet mall. Good luck, and happy job hunting.

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I'm a software developer also. I interviewed last year and wore twill, cuffed capris, a linen shirt and boots. I got the shirt at Old Navy, the cuffed capris at Target, and the boots I have had. I still looked professional and not stuffy. I got offered the job with Verizon, but was able to get another one.

In our industry, no, you do not have to be in a suit. A nice solid, button front blouse (silk, linen, or polished cotton), skirt or slacks appropriate for the season (no jeans or khaki's), and low or medium high heels (boots or closed toed shoes). If you are showing leg, do wear light hose. If you are tucking in, wear a nice belt.

Don't overdo it!
Make up should be light for day.
Perfume - if you must, put it on at least 2 hours before you leave the house.
No big hair or big hair accessories.
Keep jewelry simple: studs and a nice chain, one ring per hand, and a watch

I think in most cases, if you go in with an attitude that you don't really need the job, but would love to work for them, you are more relaxed and confident. Even if you do need the job, fake it! Show your confidence and it will all be fine!

Good luck!!!!

J.

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For 95% of jobs out there, a suit is still best. I used to interview people not so long ago, and we really liked to see people put forth the effort to wear a suit, even though our actual business was casual. I would find myself dressing up just to interview people! Sometimes dressing well can really make a difference if you are neck and neck with another candidate.

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I interviewed recently and you can't go wrong with a black pencil skirt, black shoes and just a button up blouse... I wore a long sleeved chambray bluish color pressed shirt with a black skirt ... no hose.... "naked" legs LOL...and wore some stylish heels... it's not stuffy but still looked very professional. You jsut don't want to wear anything loud or distracting -- save that till after your hired! ;)

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I'd say that a suit would still be a good idea, but you might want to update yours a bit. They have some cute dress suits at Wal Mart and Target... so you don't have to spend a ton of money!

I usually just wear black pants, a button up shirt, and my black sports coat. Simple, but professional.

Good luck!

-A.

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Black or Navy pants suit with white collar blouse, black shoes (preferably flats or pumps) no high heels. This is what I call a power suit and it works great. Hair back not hanging down or in face. Light makeup. You need to "shine". The best suits I find are at Macy's. Or you can pick an affordable one at Ross or Marshalls. Good luck!

Hi D D,
I am a software developer / project manager / QA Business Analyst and I have worn a blue or black SKIRT suit with hose and heels to every interview I have even been on and have always received an offer. Sorry about the stuffy attitude but I also used to do the interviewing and was always a little taken back by somebody that didn't have enough respect for the company in question to go the extra mile regarding appearance.

Good luck on the job!
E.

I always wore a pair of pin-stripe pants, a colored button down shirt, and a pair of heels - close toes. You can get stuff like that at JC Penney.

Hope this helps!

Hi DD. Times have not changed that much. My recommendation is to still wear a dark colored suit. If you want the suit to be a little more casual or comfortable looking, then wear a pants suit versus skirt suit. If you want to make the suit a little more modern or fun, then wear a nice blouse or silk sweater with some color or pattern. One important thing to look for in a pants suit is a wide leg versus tappered leg to help extend the length of your leg and make your hips more proportionate to the bottom half. I buy most of my suits at Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor Loft.

If you hate the idea of a suit and hose, you can wear a nice pantsuit and pumps, or a skirt and blouse with hose and pumps. A store like Ann Taylor Loft or Dillards, etc. would give you some good options.

Just be reassured by the fact that you probably won't have to wear stuffy clothes to work every day, it's just part of the interview process to show them that you can clean up and that you're a serious candidate for a professional position. More like an inconvenience than anything.... but it will give you easy bonus points. :o)

I agree with everyone else, you should still dress nice for your interview. Even if the place has a more casual dress code, save that for after you are hired. If you go in wearing a nice (nice doesn't have to translate to stuffy!) suit you will give off a great first impression, and you will be much more highly regarded than those showing up in jeans or chinos! Keep it simple, a nice pair of pants or a skirt, a button up blouse and blazer or sweater set and nice shoes...heels or pumps are good. I would stick to the conservative side and wear hose, too. Good luck on your interview!