Interview attire (lotion, head, male, scent)

[thorpe]

Is it appropriate for a female to wear a nice pair of dress slacks and a blouse to a interview? I was alwasys told females should wear a dress or nice suit for a job interview but I know times I changed....but I know dark clothes or good for interviews. What is good interview attire?

[newtoli]

A well fitting suit. Pantsuit is fine, it the office is more conservative (like a law firm) then a skirt suit. Always err on the side of dressing more professional.

[Ohiogirl81]

A suit with a skirt, or a dress and a jacket. Times have not changed on that score.

[andreaspercheron]

Originally Posted by thorpe

Is it appropriate for a female to wear a nice pair of dress slacks and a blouse to a interview? I was alwasys told females should wear a dress or nice suit for a job interview but I know times I changed....but I know dark clothes or good for interviews. What is good interview attire?

I have always worn a pant suit and always did well at interviews. You should dress in what your comfortable in as far as business attire goes in. If you don't normally wear dresses then you're going to be uncomfortable and feel out of place. If you normally wear pants, find a nice pant suit with a jacket too and be comfortable.

[LynnePatrice]

I think you need to consider what the job is before you decide what to wear.

If I was interviewing for a desk type job in a conservative company I would wear a suit.

If I was interviewing for a job in a more creative field I would go with something less conservative but still appropriate for work.

[Magnolia Bloom]

I think it depends upon the job that you are applying for and the area of the country that you are in. For sure I'd wear a jacket or overblouse if you aren't in an area where a full-fledged suit would be expected. If a more formal environment- law office or something- then a suit would be appropriate, IMO.

I wouldn't just wear slacks and a top. If finances are an issue, head to a thrift store. In my area, the Humane Society and domestic violence thrift stores have great professional women's clothing at next to nothing. I think it's because professional women who donate clothes tend to support those causes here.

[vlorak]

i agree with other posters about wearing a suit, which I have never done (serious industry.) I wore a suit one time (got the job), and hated every moment of the interview. i kept thinking about my jacket the entire time. my last interview (scored the job too), i wore a cardigan set from ann taylor (pink/orange color), black pants and flat shoes (hate heels). so, go with what you're comfortable with. if you do not mind suits, suit is the best. if you do, go with 2nd best

[Tracysherm]

My rule of thumb is if you are interviewing in a "suit" environment, definitely wear the suit.
If it is a "business casual" environment, dress about two steps higher (more businesslike) than what the people wear there day to day. Depending on how "casual" they are, this might mean the whole suit thing, or the jacket/no tie thing. For women this would be a blouse with blazer and dress pants or skirt.

[cb at sea]

Whatever everyone else wears in that enviroment, you should try to "match"---if they wear suits, wear a suit, if they wear slacks, wear slacks!

[pitt_transplant]

I always wear a modest dress below my knees that isn't tight
Flats
Mascara,face cover, and tinted chapstick
NO PERFUME - never wear perfume to an interview...
Jewelry - watch and small silver or gold studs or very tiny hoops
Breathspray/strips
Unscented lotion to put on my hands 15 minutes before "the shake"
extra pair of nylons and clear nailpolish

I also suggest to get a facial before so you look fresh and alert
Line the inside of your eye with white Kohl Pencil to make them look wide and awake
Curl your lashes to make them look wide and awake
Have a cup of yogi detox tea to flush out circles fast
No coffee or smoking before the interview. An apple or a cup of juice will wake up faster and if you really need that caffeine pop 1/2 a vivarin to avoid caffeine headache.




Dressing for Success - What to Wear on an Interview

^^^ they suggest pants/suits.