The How-to Chronicles (Part One – How to Dress for THAT Job Interview)
There are certain situations in life where whilst the outfit is crucial, it is also one of the most complicated factors to figure out. Job interview? First date? Friend’s wedding? Ugh. Where. Do. I. Start. Well, that’s where I hope I come in. Over the next few weeks as part of my column I’m going to walk you through those key outfit choices and where you should being.
This week, I’m going to start with Job Interview.
So, you’ve applied for that job, sent your CV and cover letter in, and have been waiting anxiously to hear back a response, when finally they ring. ‘Could you come in for an interview beginning of next week?’. Yes! You got through the first challenge. You are buzzing and text all your mates and your mum to tell them the good news. But then. Oh no! What will I wear? First impressions are everything so when your interviewer comes out to meet you and shake your hand you want to make a lasting impression. And not for being the ‘did you see what she was wearing?!’ candidate. Here are a few tips and suggestions on how to put together your job interview outfit, and hopefully score you that position or second interview. 1. Think about what job sector/job position you are going for. If you are interviewing for a bank or financial job you are going to want to dress completely differently to how a fashion retail or librarian would. 2. It’s important to consider how far and how you are travelling to your interview. Long stint on the train? or drive down the motorway? You might want to reconsider that suit. Unless creased is the look you are going for. Do you really want to wear those 6inch heels whilst trying to negogiate the tube? In terms of interview, I would divide the categories into two. (approximately…) Arts/Media or Finance/Office/Retail. With Finance/Office/Retail you want to look as professional as possible, whilst giving an inkling to your personality. This is because the majority of your job role will be in a professional setting where the ‘norm’ is businesswear. Do a bit of research on the company you’re interviewing with. If you google them and on the company website they are dress in suits, chances are you’re going to want to smarten up. Here are a few outfit suggestions for this type of interview: Pussybow Blouse – £27 Dorothy Perkins, Macrame Skirt – £26 Miss Selfridge, Toe Cap Court Shoes- £35 Dorothy Perkins White Shirt – £20 H&M, Straight Leg Trousers – £22 Topshop, Black Court – £23 Office With an Arts/Media job interview you have the chance to be a bit more ‘artistic’ (for want on a better word) with your outfit. They are wanting to see how creative you are and using your outfit is a great way to show that. But remember – this is still a job interview, you don’t want to go TOO casual. Here are a few outfit suggestions for this type of interview: Jersey Shawl Blazer – £28 Miss Selfridge, Tea Dress – £35 A/Wear, Shine Court Shoes – £22 ASOS Peplum Top – £28 House Of Fraser, Snake Jersey Trousers – £36 Topshop, Nude Ballet Pumps – £18 Debenhams Overall I find it’s not so important WHAT you are wearing, but how it makes you feel (awwwwwww). If you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing you are going to be comfortable and confident in how you are acting during the interview. They’ve already chosen you to interview, you’ve gotten that far. They must’ve liked something. Just stand tall in your suede pumps and smooth out that pencil skirt and show them what you’re made of. Mollie Elizabeth x (Don’t forget to have a look at my personal fashion blog, peterpancollars.blogspot.com!)
How to dress for THAT job interview:
