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What women should wear to a job interview

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By glassvisage

http://www.eiu.edu
http://www.eiu.edu

There are a couple of main rules to keep in mind when dressing for a job interview: it's better to dress conservatively and men don't like hiring women who wear pantsuits.

As to the first statement, you never want to be remembered for what you wore. Try to have your clothes be the least noticeable thing about you.

The latter statement is sad but true. Men would rather hire women who wear skirted suits. Yeesh.

Here are some little tips to keep in mind when dressing for the interview:

• Yeah, it might look good, but if you'd wear it to a date or dancing, you shouldn't wear it now.

• Suit: Wear a two-piece matched suit. Pantsuits are beneficial in that you don't have to worry about being exposed when sitting or getting out of vehicles. They should be creased and tailored and not too tight.

If you wear a skirt, make sure it covers your thighs. Sit in front of a mirror and see how it looks; that's how your interviewer will see you. It should be at least to the knee; longer is fine so long as you can walk still. No high slits in the skirt; if there is one, it should be a small one in the back or on the side.

• Color / fabric: Navy, dark gray, brown and black are safe. Avoid extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, and high quality blends and synthetics are apprpriate.

• Shirt / sweaters: Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that goes nicely with your suit. A good quality knit is also good to wear under the jacket. And, of course, no cleavage!

• Jewelry / accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. It depends on the industry; some may go for more creativity, but generally keep it simple.

• Cosmetics: Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color.

• Shoes: Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Choose closed-toe pumps. No matter what's in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; no stumbling!

• Hosiery: Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer (not opaque) and in neutral colors that go with your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.

• Purse / bag: If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a briefcase. Its color should go with your shoes. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens are also acceptable.


Comments

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beachartist profile image

beachartist  says:
2 years ago

Really really an excellent and timely article. I know employers are more scrutinizing when hiring women employees. This article will work great in non-work related occasions too. Nice job.

MrskS  says:
2 years ago

Women should be able to wear pantsuits to interviews!

bonnieweelass profile image

bonnieweelass  says:
16 months ago

good tips. I Haven't worn a skirt in all of my interviews.

avantgardebkk  says:
14 months ago

Why not wear some lovely body jewelry - www.silver-thailand.com

Sandilyn profile image

Sandilyn  says:
14 months ago

Very nice article. Looking professional brings about the right appeal to your interviewer. I have seen it all in FL. Some people have even showed up in flip flops. Those are ok for the beach but not for the office. I also agree with limiting the jewelry and no body wear. No one wants to see your nose rings! If you have one, show it off somewhere else.

Tickle me Pink profile image

Tickle me Pink  says:
13 months ago

I think what you wear should depend the job, eg, if your applying as a buyer for clothing store, you should wear what represents your personality, show you have an eye for fashion and style, accessories are very important to create an individual look.

Be confident, do your research, be comfortable, let them know what you will bring to this job....how you will be of benefit to them!!!

glassvisage profile image

glassvisage  says:
13 months ago

Very true! Thanks everyone for your comments and ideas... while it depends on the job, though, hopefully everyone is meeting some level of professionalism and decency! :)

Jetes profile image

Jetes  says:
10 months ago

It also matters that you dress for the job you are interviewing for. Great article.

RavynSteel profile image

RavynSteel  says:
10 months ago

The Skirt/pants thing is a little sexist - I've been to plenty interviews and been hired, despite wearing pants. At the end of the day, if you get turned down for a job because you didn't wear a skirt, you've had a lucky escape from a sexist moron of a boss! Otherwise, a good hub.

Juliet Christie profile image

Juliet Christie  says:
6 months ago

Great tips here. Very helpful

Big Dawg  says:
3 months ago

OK ladies - on the skirts, dresses thing - is this really so sexist?

I would say a pantsuit is "dressing down" compared to a skirt suit. The simple fact so many seem to prefer it seems to support this claim.

If I'm waring a suit coat and tie, and you come in in a pant suit, well frankly you are underdressed relative to me. If I'm going to go to that effort, you should too.

drpastorcarlotta profile image

drpastorcarlotta  says:
3 months ago

Great Tips!!! Great Hub!!!! Blessings!!! Come visit me!

csd1509 profile image

csd1509  says:
2 months ago

definitely having that in mind for my next job interview!

ciidoctor profile image

ciidoctor  says:
3 days ago

useful info thnx

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