Interview Attire

Dear Glinda:

What's appropriate for job interviews depending on the level of job qualifications? It’s so confusing nowadays! Is a suit ALWAYS necessary??????

Judy

Judy:

The business world is changing and with it the rules of what to wear to interviews. My first thought is that you need to know what type of business you are walking into. If it is a very corporate environment you definitely have to show up in a suit. The way to figure this out is to simply ask when the person calls you to schedule your interview. Simply inquire as to the businesses dress code for day to day employees.

If the environment is more corporate dress you will have to wear a suit. However I do not agree with the old idea that women must wear a skirt suit. You can wear pants or a skirt no biggie anymore. If the environment is business casual or casual you could get away with a nice work dress with a blazer or even “suiting separates” like nice trousers, a good blouse and a blazer.

If you are applying for a low level job I think there is nothing wrong with coming to a job interview at a business casual or casual environment in a simple blouse and trousers or that good ol work appropriate dress. However the rules NEVER change for a corporate dress environment no matter what position you are going in for wear a suit.

If you are going in for an interview in a corporate environment and need to find a decent suit for not a lot there are a few good places to snap up a good looking suit for little cost. H&M has some great inexpensive suiting pieces so does NY and Company. Suit sizing can be different, look for it to fit you well not snug. Your bottoms should be loose and your jacket should button with ease. Look for good pieces to go underneath like a button down, wrap top or whatever. However be certain that there is no cleavage popping out.

Remember a job interview is not the time or place to show personal style unless it is a creative field then you can have some more leeway. You want people to see you are serious about getting the job and you want your qualifications to speak for you not your clothes. Suits or interview clothing should typically be in neutrals so that no one is distracted by what you are wearing.

Fashionably,

Glinda