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For years the standard advice to job-seekers about job interview attire was "Dress as though you have the job." You can't do that now! There are companies where everybody wears shorts and flip-flops to work. There are other places where women still have to wear skirts -- and I'm talking about employers in the U.S.!

There are organizations where men and women must wear suits to work every day. A jacket, tie and dress trousers are not sufficient in those places. It has to be a suit. You might not know about an organization's dress code policy, arrive for an interview in a natty blazer and not get the job -- and never know why!

Then again, you might not want the job, if you think the dress code is too formal.

There are companies where people can wear slacks or skirts with or without blazers, but women must wear hose on their legs. Bare legs are not allowed, even for long skirts that practically touch the floor.

Every organization is different. How would you know what to wear to a job interview before you get there and see how people are dressed?

You have to ask!

You're going to get an email message or a phone call from a recruiter or a company HR person, or perhaps from one of its managers, inviting you to a job interview. Here's how that correspondence will look:

Dear James,

Thanks for chatting with me on the phone the other night about our Financial Analyst position. Our Controller, Harry Jones, would like to meet with you to talk further about the position. Can you join us here at our facility on Thursday, November 7th at 4:00 p.m.? You'll be here for about two hours. Please let me know if that schedule works for you and have a great day.

Yours,

Annette Barnes

Acme Explosives Recruiter

Here's your reply:

Dear Annette,

Thanks very much for your message. I'd be happy to meet Harry Jones on Thursday, November 7th at 4:00 p.m. at your office. Can you please advise me on the appropriate dress for an interview with your firm? Thanks very much in advance,

Yours,

James Brown

Annette is going to do the best she can, but it's hard to put dress codes in writing. That's one reason I advise HR people never to try! Dress codes are cultural. They shift over time and with the seasons. No matter what Annette advises you, do your own research as well.

Look at as many profiles for Acme Explosives team members as you can. Check out their executives, in particular, and search the Acme website for photos of the top people there as well as other photos of the employees at work.

If the Acme dress code is relatively casual, take it up a notch for your job interview.

If the usual office attire is khakis and polo shirts, wear a casual button-down shirt and middle-of-the-road jacket to your interview, with a tie. If you show up and feel you're overdressed, you can always get rid of the tie in the men's room and put it in your pocket.

If the usual office attire is a designer suit with a pocket square, then wear that to your job interview.

If the usual work wear is jeans and rock and roll teeshirts, wear a button-down shirt and khakis with no tie.

The take-it-up-a-notch advice is exactly the same for women. If the women at your future employer wear sundresses with spaghetti straps and jelly sandals to work, come to the interview wearing a casual fun dress or slacks with some kind of topper, like a little sweater or a casual jacket.

If the employees wear navy slacks and silk blouses with pearls to work, dress the same way for your job interview.

I heard from an ad agency VP one time that he wanted to hire a sharp young designer for his firm, but the designer came to the job interview in dress trousers and a white shirt with a tweed jacket. The ad agency VP said he couldn't hire someone who dressed like that, no matter how talented he might be.

I told the VP I thought that was the stupidest thing I had ever heard. How was the designer supposed to know about your random sartorial preferences? I asked him. I'll bet that designer has his own firm now and is doing brilliantly.

Sometimes people come to job interviews feeling a bit overdressed and then after that, they come to subsequent interviews and meetings with the employer dressed more casually. That's okay, but I don't recommend that you take it too far.

Our friend Philip had a third interview with a leadership team. They were meeting for dinner at a steakhouse in New York. You can wear jeans and a tee-shirt to a steakhouse, but why would you? It was still a job interview. Philip wasn't thinking.

He came to the steakhouse in jeans and a teeshirt with a leather jacket. The executives were there in business attire.

"Our mistake," they said. "We thought this was a business appointment."

Philip knew he had blown it. His mind raced. He said "I'm sorry to have misjudged the attire for this meeting. That was a bad lapse on my part. If you feel that it's just not a fit, I'm happy to let you get on with your evenings. I don't want to use up your time." The executives respected that. They told him not to worry about it.

"We're going to hire you," they said. "Make sure to dress appropriately for business functions." Then everyone relaxed. Philip had a great dinner and got a great new job.

If you sense the presence of an elephant in the room, it's always better to mention it than to keep silent!

Think about your interview attire before the big day or the night before. Get everything ready including your shoes, socks and underwear, and check your clothes for spots, thread pulls, or signs of wear. You want to feel great on your interview, and looking great is a big part of that!

Wear colors that look great on you. Make sure you can breathe in them! If you're wearing a skirt, practice sitting down in it to make sure that when you're seated, you're not flashing too much flank and distracting the interviewer from the conversation. Make sure your lingerie straps don't show.

I prefer closed-toed pumps or flats to open-toed shoes for women, but the world is changing and if you think I'm too stodgy, then follow your instinct. If you wear open-toed shoes, get a pedicure before the interview!

If you like to wear makeup and jewelry, go for it. It's you going on the interview, and you in person is a big part of your brand. I don't want you to change who you are for the job interview, because if you do that then the organization is going to hire a fake version of you.

It's up to you. Some organizations will love you and some will hate you no matter who you are or how you dress, so there's no use trying to squeeze yourself into a box for someone else's convenience or comfort.

That being said, the more 'out there' your look, the fewer organizations are likely to get you. That might be fine with you! If they don't get you, they don't deserve you, whether you are Buttoned Down Corporate Person to the nth degree or Creative Colorful Person.

We give image and wardrobe advice in our coaching but I have only ever given unsolicited wardrobe advice once. I was speaking to an audience of job-seekers and a gentleman approached me after my talk. He was a very nice fifty-something fellow with smiling blue eyes and his original aviator shades from the seventies.

The aviator glasses had a broken frame which was taped shut on the bridge of the gentleman's nose. "I heard that aviator glasses are back in style," he said to me apropos of nothing. I figured he wanted my opinion. "No doubt they are," I said, "but not that pair -- you have to get new glasses."

"That's exactly what my wife says!" said the gentleman. "Smart woman," I said.

Whether you're a man or a woman, make sure your shoes are clean and shined and try walking on a hard floor in them, to make sure they don't squeak or make a loud noise. That would be uncomfortable for you, and you don't need any more stress than the typical job interview provides on its own.

Decide what you're wearing to the job interview and put your interview ensemble away in a safe place in your closet where your kids can't spill anything on it. Rise early on interview day and take an awesome hot shower. You're going to be brilliant, and they're going to love you. Let's hope the people you meet are worthy of your talents!

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For years the standard advice to job-seekers about job interview attire was "Dress as though you have the job." You can't do that now! There are companies where everybody wears shorts and flip-flops to work. There are other places where women still have to wear skirts -- and I'm talking about employers in the U.S.!

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Men can easily put together an interview outfit that is appropriate for the job, but still stylish and professional. Here's the best interview attire for men.

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Making a good first impression is vital during an interview, perhaps even more so when you're a teenager. You have to prove to your prospective employer that you're mature enough to be relied on and that you'll be an asset to his business. The first thing he'll notice is how you present yourself, so it's very ...

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Picking an outfit for your job interview can be a challenge. (That, and knowing what questions you should be prepared to answer, of course.) After all, if you want to set yourself up to do your best, you'll want to look your best, too.

But what if you have no idea what to wear?

Not every job interview requires you to wear your special-occasion tie and a polished pair of shoes. In fact, doing so might reveal that you haven't done your research. So before you dust off that suit, know that your outfit will depend heavily on the company culture and the kind of work you'd do there.

I connected with Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group Ryan Kahn and Samari Majerus, who runs talent management at Knot Standard, to learn more.

Step one, says Kahn: "Get to know the company you're applying for." Research the company by looking at their social media platforms and company careers page. Typically, you'll get a vibe for what people wear to the office. Or, ask someone you know who works there. If that doesn't provide results, err on instinct-what do people in this industry typically wear to work?

Step two: Plan on dressing slightly nicer than everybody else. "If the company's culture is to wear shorts and a t-shirt, you'll do something one-up from there," says Kahn.

Step three: Get a little inspiration by checking out this cheat sheet I've put together below. It'll help you know exactly which clothes to pull out of your closet the night before your job interview.

Business Formal

You'll likely want to wear business formal if you're interviewing at a more traditional or old-fashioned company. In addition, for any job where you might be working with important clients or be the manager of a large team, this is usually a safe bet.

Business formal dress is exactly what you think it is-a suit. Plan on basic business colors: black, navy, brown, and gray. You don't want to do anything too crazy (like wear bright colors or distracting patterns). Majerus also says you can jazz it up with a "pocket square and a nice pair of loafers or lace up shoes" if you'd like.

Business Casual

You'll want to wear business casual clothing if the office seems a little less formal than a suit and tie, but people aren't running around in ripped jeans. Wear a button-down shirt or nice sweater that shows you still mean business...but you can "lose the tie," says Kahn.

This is also your chance to whip out a more fun item of clothing-like a pair of colorful socks, for example-for some (subtle) personality.

Smart Casual

You'll want to wear smart casual if it's a really small company or startup and you feel 100% sure that this is the right look.

For this, you can go with tailored jeans, a crisp shirt, and nice, clean sneakers.

I hate that I have to say this, but I'd avoid shorts, tank tops, flip flops, and hats-no matter how hot it is.

The key is to remember that this is an interview first and foremost, meaning you want to put yourself in the best possible light right away-so you can never go wrong leaning on the over-dressed side.

And, says Kahn, "When you're looking for a job, this is a good time to pamper yourself. Invest in yourself-get that haircut or that clean razor, whatever makes you feel like your best. When you feel really good about yourself, that translates into walking through the door, and it's going to pay off for you."

As Majerus states, "if you feel good in your outfit, you can focus on what is important-the interview."

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What Guys Need to Know About Interview Dresscodes

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Figuring out what to wear for your interview can be a challenge. After all, if you want to set yourself up to do your best, you'll want to look your best, too. But if you have no idea what to wear, here's some advice to make the right call.

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What you wear to a job interview can positively or negatively influence your chances of getting a job. Therefore, you want to dress properly, so that your clothes give the best impression, as they play a large part in communicating who you are to the interviewer. Your aim is to dress professionally and respectfully to send the message that you are serious about the position and confident that you can perform the role successfully.

To make a good first impression, you should dress appropriately by separating your social image from your professional presence. Even if you're interviewing at a start-up with a casual dress code, it's important to dress professionally to ensure that you communicate success.

What Not to Wear to a Job Interview

Wearing certain items could give the impression that you don't take pride in your appearance, or that you don't respect the company and interviewer. It's best to avoid wearing the following:

Flip-flops or sneakers

Undergarments that are visible to others, such as boxer briefs, lacy camisoles, and bra straps

Shorts

Jeans

Skirts that are too short

Pants that are low-rise, distressed, or tight

Blouses that are low-cut or short

Body jewelry such as nose and lip rings

Clothes should be neat and clean, and appropriately cover private areas such as the chest, stomach, back, and upper thighs.

Trendy vs. Classic

Consider the following tips to determine your interview outfit:

Wear a classic interview suit or outfit. Select clothing that is appropriate for your career field or industry.

Be cautious of trendy outfits. Err on the side of dressing conservatively when you interview, as your idea of trendy may differ from that of the interviewer.

Shop wisely. Visit outlets, shop sales, shop online, and use coupons to get the most mileage out of your interview budget.

Plan ahead. Haveone classic interview outfit on hand, so you're prepared for future interviews.

Your Professional Presence

When you show up for an interview, you're there to make a strong positive first impression, not to create a distraction. Therefore, don't wear risque clothing, strong scent, body jewelry or clothing that shows off your tattoos, which communicate a social rather than professional presence. You risk having people form snap judgments that could prevent you from succeeding in the interview or landing the job. Be mindful of the following:

Your social vs. professional presence: What you wear off-the-job and socially doesn't have to be what you wear for interviewing or at work. In fact, your professional presence may be very different from your personal presence, and that's fine. You can have a closet full of fun clothes and a wardrobe of work clothes.

Perfume and cologne: Your scent can be an issue. It can be distracting and remind your interviewer of a similarly scented person they would prefer to forget, such as an ex-spouse. This could reduce your chances of getting a job offer. Therefore, wearing no scent is the best choice.

Pantyhose: The question of whether women should wear pantyhose on a job interview creates a lot of discussion. Pantyhose are a good choice, as they give a professional appearance that pairs up well with a professional outfit. Bare legs communicate a more casual look that will not match well with a business skirt.

Tattoos and piercings: Consider covering your tattoos and removing your facial rings. These do not give a professional appearance, and some companies have policies that limit both.

Conclusion

When you are dressing for a job interview, how you present yourself is a key factor in conveying who you are as a potential hire. You want to dress conservatively and professionally, so the interviewer focuses on what you are saying, not on your revealing outfit, sneakers, or tattoo-covered arm. Your image is the first impression given to a potential employer, so make sure it communicates success to increase your chances of getting the job.

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What you wear to a job interview can positively or negatively influence your chances of getting a job. Therefore, you want to dress properly, so that your clothes give the best impression, as they play a large part in communicating who you are to the interviewer.

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How to Dress for an Interview for Teens

Because many teens have limited experience in a professional workplace, they might not understand the importance of dressing properly for a job interview. They may also figure that if the job they're interviewing for is in a casual environment, where employees typically don't dress up, they don't need to wear anything special for the interview. In reality, teens should "dress for success" just as their adult peers do when interviewing for most jobs.

Talk to someone who works at the company where you're interviewing to find out what the standard attire is for the employees. If you don't know anyone, contact the human resources department to ask a hiring officer what she recommends.

Follow the standard rule of thumb for interview attire for jobs in a corporate or office environment - dress like those one level above the job you're seeking. In most cases, this means dress for your interview like your potential boss does on a daily basis. Dress up for these interviews even though you know employees don't have to dress up on the job. The exception is for jobs in fast food restaurants or outdoor jobs, where very casual attire is the norm.

Wear tailored dress pants and a tucked-in, button-down shirt, if you're a teenage boy. Err on the side of conservative style: you can never go wrong by wearing a tie. If you're interviewing for a job in a bank, law office or other traditionally conservative professional setting, wear a suit or dress pants and shirt with a tie and jacket.

Dress in a tailored dress or skirt and blouse if you're a teenage girl interviewing for a job. Tailored pants are acceptable for interviews for some retail or fast food jobs. Skirts should be knee-length and not too tight. Keep your midriff covered and don't show cleavage. Make a statement with a colorful scarf or one interesting piece of jewelry, rather than by wearing clothes more appropriate for a party or a day on the beach.

Pay attention to the details. Ensure that your shoes are clean and polished, for example. Keep your hair, nails and makeup neat, and avoid extreme looks or loud colors. Limit jewelry to a watch, ring or bracelet, and keep body piercings - other than ears - and tattoos covered up during interviews. Don't wear hats, T-shirts, jeans or sneakers, and leave the chewing gum at home.

Tip

When in doubt, ask a trusted adult to check out your interview outfit before you go.

About the Author

As a national security analyst for the U.S. government, Molly Thompson wrote extensively for classified USG publications. Thompson established and runs a strategic analysis company, is a professional genealogist and participates in numerous community organizations.Thompson holds degrees from Wellesley and Georgetown in psychology, political science and international relations.

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Dressing for success is just as important for teens going to a job interview as it is for adults. While the clothing requirements can differ depending on the job, there are several attire do's and don'ts that apply to any interview.

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When you show up for a job interview, you're trying to make a good impression. You got in the door because you wowed them with your resume. Heck, you hired a professional to write it. So what you wear has to be on par with your impressive resume.

As much as you hope people will hire you for your experience and ingenuity, your outfit can harpoon your chances before you even have a seat.

"I was working with a client a number of years ago who arrived at my office for our first meeting wearing a tube top," says Roy Cohen, a career counselor and executive coach in New York City.

"She was, and is, an attorney and is considered an expert in her area of specialization. At the time, she was interviewing for a partner position at a number of firms and couldn't understand why she was failing to move beyond the initial meeting."

To help you get called back for round two, know what not to wear to an interview:

Fashion faux pas #1: Too casual

Even if your interview is held in an informal setting, it doesn't mean you can dress like you're going to a backyard barbecue.

"Attire that is always inappropriate for a job interview includes flip flops, wedge sandals, ripped jeans or shorts, tank tops, halter tops, sandals, strapless tops and dresses, and athletic attire like yoga pants and sneakers," says Devoreaux Walton, an etiquette expert and founder of TheModernLady.com.

She says it shows your potential boss that you don't take the job seriously enough to dress the part.

"Always err on the side of overdressing," says Melissa Coleman, an executive recruiter. "You can always take off a jacket or tie or accessories."

Fashion faux pas #2: Too ill-fitting

You may not think it matters if you're swimming in your clothes, but a recruiter may have a different opinion.

"Do yourself a favor and wear pants and jackets that fit properly," says Temeka Thompson, president and career coach with Next Level Solutions.

"Take your garments to your local dry cleaner or tailor so they can properly hem and tailor your clothing. If you appear sloppy, the hiring manager may perceive that the work you produce is also sloppy."

Fashion faux pas #3: Too uncomfortable

Those shoes might look amazing, but if they're pinching your toes and rubbing blisters into your heels, they're not worth it.

"When your feet hurt, it shows on your face," says Felicia Johnson of performance coaching company Sevenfold Coaching.

"It impacts your confidence level, and you're distracted during the interview, because you're thinking about your feet."

Fashion faux pas #4: Too different from company culture

It used to be that you always went to an interview in an interview suit, but today a suit can seem awkward unless you're interviewing for a job in a more formal industry.

"Unless you're going into the finance industry or legal fields, why show up in a suit?" says Danica Kombol, CEO of social media marketing firm Everywhere Agency.

"It's off-putting. I think the best thing a potential hire can do is to conduct some wardrobe recon. Check out the firm's Facebook page and get a sense of what the attire is of the employees."

Another way to check out the culture? "Drive by and park in the parking lot a few days before to see what people are wearing," says Mike Smith, founder of staffing firm SalesCoaching1. "I would suggest you dress at least one level up from that."

Fashion faux pas #5: Too scented

No matter how good you think your perfume or cologne smells, wearing it could backfire.

"It could be overbearing to someone with sensitive allergies," says Noelle Johnson, owner of interview prep company My Interview Buddy.

"Also, scents trigger memories, and this can work against you. I had a hiring manager once have zero feedback on a candidate because he couldn't stop thinking of his ex-wife-same perfume. Keep it neutral."

Our suggestion: skip fragrance for interview day and let the sweet smell of success fill the air instead.

Fashion faux pas #6: Too distracting

Wild or bright prints can be jarring to an interviewer, as can your shoulder-length chandelier earrings. Keep the noisy or chunky jewelry for another occasion.

"I interviewed a candidate who showed up to their interview wearing a small fortune of bangles and bracelets on their wrists," says Zachary Vickers, hiring manager and resume expert at Resume Companion.

"Normally, I wouldn't have thought twice about how someone chose to accessorize, but the sound of metal clinking and clanking, every single time they gestured with their hands, was completely distracting."

If you're interviewing for a conservative company, you might consider covering tattoos and piercings as well-at least until you get a feel for the place. "However unfair, you will be judged based upon your body art and not your ability," Cohen says.

Fashion faux pas #7: Too revealing

"Even in our casual society, for professional positions, candidates should be dressed in a conservative manner," says David Schein, director of graduate programs and associate professor at the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

That means being cognizant of necklines, hemlines, and the way your clothes fit.

"If there's even a slight question that something might be too low-cut or short or tight, change," says Paul DeNigris, head of VC relationships with BAM Communications.

"It's best not to risk it with that sort of thing as you never know who you will be interviewing with."

Ask for help

"If you are debating what to wear, send pictures to your inner circle and ask them which one is more 'you,'" says Ashley Adair, founder and Chief People Coach of Blue Shoes Leadership. "You'll be surprised at how quickly your circle will be able to identify the better choice."

And keep in mind that your clothes are only part of your interview package-you also need to ace the questions.

Need some help in that department? We've got you covered. Join Monster for free today. As a member, you'll get career advice and job-search tips-including how to answer those tricky interview questions-sent straight to your inbox. We'll help you look smart, so you can put your best polished foot forward.

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7 interview looks that say "don't hire me"

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As much as you hope people hire you for your experience and ingenuity, what you wear can ruin your chances before you even have a seat. There are, simply put, some wardrobe choices that just say "unprofessional." To help you get that second interview, we've listed the most egregious wardrobe missteps-so you'll know before you go.

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Click Here To Discover His Best Selling Program

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8 Style Essentials For A Job Interview | Proper Attire And Look For Job Seekers

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This is it - the most important interview of your life. How do you make sure you get the job? Should you wear a suit? Does your tie complement your shirt? Are you wearing the proper attire for an interview? There are eight things men must know about job interview dress code.

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A trip to the barber can easily transform your sense of style from dull to debonair. With a smart head of hair it's easy to feel just as confident as you look.

For any man who wishes to head out the door in the morning with charming good looks, these top 50 best classy hairstyles for men are the ticket.

In reality, a good head of hair says a lot about you when it comes down to making the right first impression. Every man knows this...

However, when it comes to choosing a high-class haircut that matches your level of sophistication or professionalism, it can often be a challenge. Don't worry, I've put together a really sharp collection of classy cuts that are sure to cultivate plenty of respect.

In this guide you'll find styles with lengths ranging from short to long, yet all will perfectly blend in with a fine tailored suit. For formal events to the average day at the office, each handpicked haircut you'll find below is sure to give you a refined, suave presentation.

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70 Classy Hairstyles For Men - Masculine High-Class Cuts

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A trip to the barber can easily transform your sense of style from dull to debonair. With a smart head of hair it's easy to feel just as confident as you look. For any man who wishes to head out the door in the morning with charming good looks, these top 50 best classy hairstyles for men are the ticket.

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It's no surprise if you are nervous about the approaching job interview.
For women knowing what to wear is much more complex than for men, because there are so many little innuendos that can inadvertently occur when a woman makes one little attire error.

You can take away at least one stressor simply by knowing what the appropriate women's job interview attire.

Dressing for the Interview
We often hear that no matter what the job you are applying for you should dress modest and always look professional.
While this applies in some cases it is not always so. There are several positions where you should dress according to the work environment.

Proper Interview Attire for Women

Match the Attire to the Job
Any jobs in the corporate or business world should have modest professional business attire, with moderate jewelry, and all piercings or tattoos covered up.
We'll talk about this more in a bit. However, if you are applying for a position at a tattoo shop then your interview attire is exactly the opposite - you want trendy and funky with your piercings and tattoos showing. And of course there are all those positions in-between. However, we cannot stress enough - any workforce where the dress code only leans slightly means you need to wear with your professional business attire.

What Clothing to Avoid for Your Job Interview
When you show up to the interview you want to knock their socks off with your talents not your clothing.

This means no short skirts and no shirts with cleavage. No stilettos, no bright colors, and no clothing or shoes that you would wear to a cocktail party or out on the town.

It also means keep the bling out of the office. No lose or baggy pants, no jeans, no sportswear, and no casual clothing of any kind.

Avoid wearing perfume, as many work environments have become fragrance free.

The Right Accessories
When it says to wear modest jewelry it doesn't mean you have to go naked.
Wedding rings, simple bracelets, and necklaces are all okay. You just want to avoid wearing any kind of jewelry that might distract the interviewer from what's at hand - you getting the job.

Job Interview Dress for Women - Professional dress code

When you are attending an interview for the majority of jobs you can feel confident wearing professional, modest, business attire.
What does business attire look like? What is the appropriate dress code? Well it's really quite simple.

Business suits made up of a skirt or fitted pants

Colors should be gray, black, or navy for your suit

Blouses should be white or other conservative colors

Heals should be worn that are 1" to 2" heals

Hosiery should be worn unless you live in a climate where it's acceptable in all jobs to not wear

Jewelry should be modest

Hair should be neat and tidy so as not to fall into your face and cause a distraction

Dressing to Get the Job
Finally, you are what you eat, but you are also what you wear, so dress the part, and get that dream job!

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job interview attire for women – what should women wear

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Job Interview Attire for Women - What Should Women Wear

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It's no surprise if you are nervous about the approaching job interview. For women knowing what to wear is much more complex than for men, because there are so many little innuendos that can inadvertently occur when a woman makes one little attire error.

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You've prepared a compelling resume.

Written a strong cover letter...

...and out of 1,000 applicants, you were selected.

Now it's time to prepare...which brings up a question.
How should you dress for the interview?
An interview is an occasion for the sharpest outfit a man can wear.

A suit is a required and appropriate for most interviews and business-related occasions.

But getting a job as a bulldozer driver in a construction company may not call for Hugo Boss.

Workplaces have changed a lot in the past couple of decades.

The startup and tech culture of Silicon Valley introduced a casual approach to dressing.

As a result, the suit is no longer the blanket interview uniform.

Some thought and preparation needs to be put into your dressing before meeting with a prospective employer.

What are the instances where you should consider leaving the suit in your wardrobe while attending a job interview?

#1 If The Suit Doesn't Fit You

If you are planning on wearing a suit to a job interview, it has to be of top quality.

Men holding the highest ranks in executive and sales positions still wear suits. But you can't just grab any suit and interview for these positions. If you're going to bother wearing a suit, it needs to fit you perfectly.

A bad-fitting suit will leave a much worse impression than under-dressing by wearing a smart business casual outfit.

A custom-fitted suit will make you look and feel better. A sloppy fit on a suit is going to make you look like a rag doll begging for employment.

If your suit doesn't fit you right, do yourself a favor and don't wear it to an interview. It is better in this case to wear a fitted dress shirt, a tie and dress pants with formal shoes.

#2 The Interview Is With An Unorthodox Company

Some start-ups have unorthodox approaches to interviewing. You might find yourself invited to a game of paintball with the team to test your ability to cooperate with others under pressure.

A Silicon valley uniform of jeans, t-shirt and messenger bag is acceptable for an entrepreneur in those circles. Show up in a suit for a meeting with likely partners and you may alienate your chances of connecting with them.

First impressions count. But they also count towards whether people want to associate with you. An entrepreneur who is surrounded by people in smart casuals should imitate the intention of their style.

The difference is how you put your clothes together. It is possible to dress smart casual and still look like the best-dressed man in the room.

Check the fit of your jeans. Wear a smart shirt, with rolled up sleeves. Pick a pair of smart boots and smart sneakers. Carry a leather satchel.

Blend in but own your style to the point where you win the respect of your peers.

#3 The CEO Would Never Wear A Suit

It can feel awkward when you show up to an interview and you are dressed much smarter than the interviewer.

Or you are applying for a job that doesn't require a suit. It's a construction company where even the CEO wears outdoors clothing. Again, your first priority is to connect. Make a good impression. Don't appear too stuffy and formal when the occasion doesn't require it.

STYLE VIDEOS

Steve Jobs wore turtlenecks, jeans, and sneakers. Mark Zuckerberg has a standard uniform of gray t-shirt and dark jeans. Satya Nadella often gives public presentations in a t-shirt. If the company CEO wears jeans, why would you go for a suit?

It shows that you haven't done your research about the corporate culture and you may come across as stuffy and risk adverse.

How do you dress well enough to make an impression? Do your research about the workplace culture before your interview.

Find out what is appropriate to wear to the interview prior to your appointment. When in doubt, wear smart casual pants and a button down shirt with a sports jacket. You can throw on the jacket to formalize your attire and leave it off to be more casual

#4 The Company Culture Is Casual

Every organization has a culture. Think of it as the personality of the company.

What is the culture of the workplace you are interested in? Are you interviewing with a company where the employees wear suits every day or do they wear t-shirts and jeans?

If you show up wearing a suit and tie and all the employees are wearing shorts and flip-flops, you will look out of place, feel uncomfortable and may give off the wrong energy. The same is true of the opposite. If you show up wearing shorts and flip-flops to a company that wears professional attire, it could give the impression that you are not a good fit for the company.

The industry you are interviewing for should also be taken into consideration, as the dress code for an accounting firm is likely to be different to that of a construction company, for example.

Ask the recruiter or company contact person if you are expected to dress in formal clothes for the interview. Check if they would recommend a suitable dress code for your appointment. Remember that being the best-dressed version of you does not involve always wearing a suit and tie combination.

If you are interviewing at a construction site, a mine, or a landfill, you would not be required to adhere to a business dress code. A suit would be out of the question unless you want to be the butt of white-collar jokes.

What about online interviews? Is it right to wear a suit on a skype call with a potential employer? The answer requires research into the company's culture and expectations for the role you are applying for.

#5 When It's Too Hot

When the weather doesn't permit wearing a suit - switch to alternatives.

A smart and well-fitted trouser/shirt combination is a much cooler way to deal with the heat. How about a waistcoat with a knitted tie? You could opt for a seersucker or linen blazer if you still need to look sharp.

The last thing you want is to be sweating bullets by the time you arrive at the interview location. Maintain a cool facade by dressing in light, breathable fabrics.

Wearing what you're going to feel comfortable in and ensure that your clothes are neat and clean. It may feel strange wearing a button down shirt and shorts with loafers to an interview, but it wouldn't be out of place if you were meeting your company contact person at a beach restaurant to discuss your future employment.

While it is hard to say that a job application would be turned down just because a man showed up in a suit, chances are, you will lose a crucial moment of connection with the interviewer if you do not reflect the culture of the workplace where you are intending to work.

In most formal job interviews, you will always have a better chance if you're wearing a suit over wearing casual clothes. However, with the changes in corporate and workplace culture in modern society, wearing suits for interviews is no longer necessary. Consider this before dressing in your best suit for your next job interview.

Your appearance is the first thing people notice about you and it affects hiring decisions. The hiring manager needs to visualize you in the position they are trying to fill.

Remember, dress for the role you are trying to fill.

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When NOT To Wear A Suit To An Interview | Can Wearing Suits To Interviews Hurt Your Job Opportunities?

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You've prepared a compelling resume. Written a strong cover letter... ...and out of 1,000 applicants, you were selected. Now it's time to prepare...which brings up a question. How should you dress for the interview? An interview is an occasion for the sharpest outfit a man can wear.

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Wear a Navy Blue Blazer for Endless Options

These blazer and blouse combinations are great business interview outfits that consist of three pieces that are simple, yet extremely versatile. A navy blue blazer is a great addition to your interview wardrobe. Not only can you wear a blazer on numerous occasions, but it also works well with many different outfits-over a button-down, with a blouse, and even with a dress, for example. The gray collarless jacket with three-quarter-length sleeves is a less formal look.

A navy blue blazer also looks great paired with a simple blouse or button-down shirt. It's a staple combination that you can wear with khaki pants, a khaki skirt, and even dark-wash jeans in a casual workplace or to a casual interview.

A matching skirt or slacks, or a khaki skirt or dress pants, round out the outfit. A khaki skirt is a good addition to your working wardrobe because it can be worn with many different tops. Like the blazer, it can also be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion.

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Here Are Some Tips for Women on What to Wear to a Job Interview

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These blazer and blouse combinations are great business interview outfits that consist of three pieces that are simple, yet extremely versatile. A navy blue blazer is a great addition to your interview wardrobe. Not only can you wear a blazer on numerous occasions, but it also works well with many different outfits-over a button-down, with a blouse, and even with a dress, for example.