What to Wear to Snag that Job January 25, 2013My FashionOff

Whether too casual or too revealing, inappropriate wardrobe choices, can keep you from getting your dream job.

A whopping 65 percent of hiring managers admit clothes could be the deciding factor between two similar candidates.

College career centers are now advising grads to keep the following in mind when prepping for an interview:

  • Dress up not down.
  • Conservative hosiery (no runs!).
  • No purses; carry a briefcase instead.
  • Modest nail polish.
  • Natural-looking make up.
  • One, simple set of earrings.

Associate Director of Employer and Alumni Relations at Emory University, Britney Fields, agrees with most of that.

Fields advises grads to, “Dress on the conservative side, wearing navy or grey dress or pantsuit ensembles.”

“Conservative doesn’t have to be boring,” she quickly adds.

Tasteful choices in accessories can exhibit a candidate’s style sense and a little personality. You can still be trendy and fashion forward, while being appropriate and professional. Getting the balance right can make the difference.

Depending on the industry, there may be some leeway in the definition of professional. What’s acceptable at fashion magazines certainly differs from the dress codes of major accounting firms. This is where researching company culture becomes beneficial.

But, when in doubt?

Fields insists, “Err on the side of traditional professionalism.”

And, remember to ask yourself, “Will this skirt ride up when I sit? Will standing result in an awkward skirt tug to get it back to appropriate length?”

Fashion fit violations can be distracting, too.

Bonus PINK Link: The Forty Year-Old Intern.

How do you make wardrobe decisions for interviews?

By Alexandra Woehrle

“I like being a woman, even in a man’s world. After all, men can’t wear dresses, but we can wear the pants.” Whitney Houston

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