How to Dress for Your Upcoming Interview - CareerAlley

How to Dress for Your Upcoming Interview - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Lets face it, weve all been there. Youve finally scored an interview for your dream job and the preparation for the big day is already making you anxious. Besides gearing up for the questions you might be asked and doing all you can to research the prospective company, you also have to come up with the perfect attire. While its easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to putting together the perfect professional look, there are many simple reminders you can always look to when in doubt. As you get ready to dress for your upcoming interview, consider these important steps along the way. A general rule of thumb when it comes to interviewing attire is to dress a step above what you think you should be wearing. While this does not mean you should be wearing a fitted tuxedo when you walk through the door, you need to be dressed more professional than usual. Tweet This Always dress up A general rule of thumb when it comes to interviewing attire is to dress a step above what you think you should be wearing. While this does not mean you should be wearing a fitted tuxedo or a ball gown when you walk through the door, it does mean that you need to be dressed more professional than usual. Whether the company that is interviewing you dresses casual or not, dressing up is your safest bet. As you begin to pick out your outfit, ask yourself if the items you are selecting are items you would wear during your regular day-to-day errands. It should go without saying that jeans should not be on your list of options as you dress for the day of your interview. If you are someone who dresses even more casual each day than most, it might be in your best interest to shop for a brand new outfit altogether as opposed to pulling from items you already have. Though it might seem costly to splurge on some professional attire, keep in mind that you can use the same outfit for other interviews to come, as well as to wear on future workdays. The perfect dressier items you should never go without including a signature set of black pants, a matching blazer or suit jacket, and a practical pair of professional shoes. These three items will take your look from casual to classy in a matter of moments. Dont be afraid to go dressier the next time you prepare for your big interview. Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay Be comfortable No matter how dressy you go with your outfit, make comfort a priority. You can easily find professional pants that give you some breathing room or a dress that has soft yet flattering material to keep you feeling cozy and confident. While identifying where to find a more comfortable professional look might seem difficult at first, there may be more options than you think if you know where to look. Try saving on your look by choosing used clothing on thrift sites. Youll be able to easily shop name brands known for comfort to find the perfect interview skirt that wont break the bank or leave you feeling antsy in your outfit. Remember that when you arrive for your interview, your nerves might get the best of you. Be extra aware of tight clothing that might accentuate sweat stains or add to your anxiety. Its important to wear light, breathable clothing that allows for some wiggle room. Whether you find the perfectly plain and flowy dress to add a necklace too or a lighter suit jacket that doesnt weigh you down compared to others, be mindful of what items make you feel at ease. Stick to the basics Now is not the time to branch out from your signature style. If you know what flatters your body type, stick to that and own it. While trying out new looks can be fun and exciting when it comes to making a statement, it is always best to play it safe. First impressions can truly mean the world during an interview, which is why it is so important to stick to the basics with what you wear. Incorporate one bold color into your outfit as opposed to several. Though keeping things basic might feel as though you are playing it too safe, there are many ways you can be creative with outfit accents. You can always make a statement with what youre wearing without going too far out of the box. Make your basic bow tie pop by picking a red or yellow instead of a simple grey. Choose jewelry that adds some dimension to your look instead of items that lay flat. Putting on some fun socks, opting for red heels or a brighter lipstick color are all simple ways to be classic with your look and still manage to stand out. Image by bluebudgie from Pixabay Dress like yourself While this tip may seem a bit contradictory, its crucial to remember to dress in a way that reflects who you are. Clothing is in many ways an act of self-expression. Whatever style you rock on a regular basis, you can always incorporate a piece of it into your interview attire. Whether you wear the same necklace or ring every day, or the color blue is your favorite to put on, pick something that makes you feel like you. A huge part of landing your first job is letting your unique self shine through during an interview in ways that show your future employer why they need you to work for them. As you dress for your upcoming interview, pick something that you know makes a subtle statement about who you are to wear with your look. Though dressing for an interview can be a bit stressful at first, hopefully, the tips above can help you clear your head as you prep for the big day. As you get ready for your upcoming interview, remember to dress up, but stay comfortable, and stick to the basics, while still being your unique self. How to Dress for Success Price: $15.07 Would you like to get a better job, earn more money? Would you like your husband to move up the ladder of success, attract more friends? Then this is your book. Buy Now from Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: March 2, 2020 What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to nail the interview and get hired. 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