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 basic etiquette: EARLY CAREER JOB INTERVIEW
The two big questions on your interviewer's mind are: 'Can you do the job?' and 'Will hiring you make me look good?' So, everything to do with your interview, including your clothes, must say, "Yes!" |
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A pinstripe suit should be a wardrobe staple. For women, this means a pinstripe skirt suit. On your legs, nude hose. Sure, bare legs have become the sine qua non in some cool quarters, but I assure you, your interviewer's office is not one of them. You can bare your legs after you snag the job.
Invest in a decent pair of black mid-heel pumps and a sturdy handbag, both in leather. You want to avoid the kind of put-down rendered by style critic Hannibal Lecter to Jodie Foster's Clarice Starling in "The Silence of The Lambs": " . . .your good bag and your cheap shoes."
A few more finishing touches: a simple blouse or sweater. If you normally wear them, a watch, a ring, a bracelet and earrings (but nothing too dangly) will customize your look and let your personality shine through. Remember, no big necklaces or cufflinks - too flashy.
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| When interviewing in a more creative field, use the drama of all black, like Ashton Hall's shaped suit with cropped trousers.
Men, remove your earring. Stick to black shoes and black socks. Before you leave home, make sure there is no skin visible between your pants cuff and the top of your socks when you are seated. A white or oxford-blue shirt looks great -in that conservative-lawyer kind of way - under a navy suit. When choosing a tie, stick to power colors -- red and navy or yellow and navy in stripes or a subtle (foulard) pattern.
A note on grooming: Nails should be short and clean. Men, there's nothing wrong with applying some moisturizer to those hands, but you knew that. |
Pinstripes, here by Ralph Lauren, set you apart as not just another standard dark suit. |
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| Now, if you're interviewing for a job in a creative field, your style etiquette will require a little tweaking. Here, your clothes will not be saying you can do the job if you show up in a pinstripe suit and white button-down shirt. If possible, do a little research, spy on workers at your prospective employer's office. You may be thinking your purple Mohawk and Vivienne Westwood plaid skirt are just the ticket to show your free-spirit side, but I have news for you. In a surprising number of the creative fields, cool means dressing down in all black.
So, think about going this route: A well-cut black jacket or sweater can make a strong impression. You can always add an iconic belt or piece of jewelry for a little more drama.
Remember, creative does not mean sloppy. Ripped jeans, lank hair, rumpled shirts or Birkenstocks, combined or separate, do not telegraph the message that you're a reliable, pulled-together person. Similarly, sexually-charged outfits will get you an offer for a date, not a job. You want your appearance to be neat and respectful and say, "I am who you want to hire for this job, and I'm ready to work." |
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Choose a pinstripe suit for more flair than your standard dark suit |
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Wear flirty clothes or anything you'd go dancing in |
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Invest in a pair of black leather Oxfords for men, black leather pumps for women |
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Mistake casual for creative |
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Remove flashy necklaces and any anklets before your interview |
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Regis Philbin-ize your look (see wedding Do's) |
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Wear a watch, but no pinkie ring |
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Wear make-up if you're a man |
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Go light on the make-up |
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Pay attention to grooming - that means neat hair, clean nails |
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For the more creative fields, think all black for drama |
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