Comments on: How to dress for a job interview

By: M.H.

M.H. — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 03:50:00 +0000

In reply to TBF.

Meira and TBF – I agree with what you both say. I’d love to add a comment that the workplace is becoming so much more causal that I think some companies are turned off by traditional work attire. One should just use their discretion when creating an ensemble for an interview. Investment bank – black suit with jacket and your resume in a leather covered case, NGO – some Birkenstocks and free-trade pull over you got on your gap year in Burma.

By: Meira

Meira — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:16:55 +0000

TBF… I agree that for the interview you need to play it safe and not go casual, but depending on the corporate culture, a classic blazer and matching skirt with a classic white shirt may make you seem too formal to fit in. Some industries expect a more casual but polished look, and other may expect a more creative look. I’m just saying that for the interview, there isn’t a “fail-safe, no-brainer” look that will work everywhere.

By: Sophia

Sophia — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 22:59:41 +0000

Thank you! Now I know I can look my best and put my best face forward on my interviews next summer.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:42:14 +0000

I also like your point about bringing a pen and notebook. At the very least it sends a message that you care enough about this job to take notes about important points the hiring manager is making.

By: TBF

TBF — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:27:03 +0000

In reply to Sophia. Hey Sophia- As a teen, it really depends on where your being interviewed. If it's at a local mall or retail job, you may just want to wear a nice pair of pants (khakis- not jeans) or skirt that hits you at your knees (nothing shorter) and a nice top (not tank top). AVOID FLIP-FLOPS and SNEAKERS... If it is for a business environment, like an internship in an office, definitely wear a suit but you could do a gray, brown, etc. The rule of thumb is if you would wear it to a friend's party, then it's probably not a good idea to wear it to a job interview.

By: TBF

TBF — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:23:26 +0000

In reply to kenya. great tip...

By: Sophia

Sophia — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 19:13:09 +0000

Thank you for the advice. I am just 13 though, and wondering if there are any changes to these helpful hints if you are being interviewed for a summer job as a teenager.

By: kenya

kenya — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:49:21 +0000

hi great advice but you overlooked perfume, your interviewer may be allergic

By: TBF

TBF — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:11:41 +0000

In reply to Meira. hey Meira- The only issue with your advice is that while others at the company may dress more casual, you are still trying to get the job, you It is always better to be on the safe side.

By: Meira

Meira — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:07:01 +0000

The general advice of “neat, clean, simple, and polished” given above is great, but the specific details are not good for every interview. There is such a thing as being overdressed for an interview, and it says to interviewers that you may not fit in. Before going on an interview, always do your homework on the company (this is crucial in general for the interview) and make sure you take notice of the corporate culture and how other employees dress. Then, take a cue from that and just take it up a notch. Yes, it’s better to be slightly overdressed, but in some industries, a classic conservative look can make you appear too stuffy.

By: Moe

Moe — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:42:10 +0000

Shoes are so important. I remember interviewing young women when I used to hire staff for a clothing store and so many times they would show up looking professionally dressed except they would be wearing flip flops. Flip flops are for the beach or doing a quick errand whether have been bedazzled or not. Definitely wear proper shoes to an interview because you are being scrutinized from head to toe.

By: Laura Trevey

Laura Trevey — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:32:51 +0000

Love the black bag, and very affordable too!!