I want to continue our look at the top 10 must do’s for working women when dressing for a successful interview with tips 4-7:
4. Conservative colors
Conservative colors in various shades of blue and gray are best. Yes, it’s important to add some color (see #2), but an interview is not the time or place to make a fashion statement. If you are applying for a job in an art field, you can be more adventurous with your style. But most people should keep it conservative. Take your 4 basic colors, black, blue, brown and grey, with these color palettes you have a multitude of outfits in your closet that I know can be interchangeable. Dressing for success also means looking at what you have in your closet, then putting a look together that gives you confidence and makes you fell successful.
5. Find something that makes you feel empowered and ready to take on the world!
Don’t select that pair of pants hanging in your closet that are an inch too long or short. You know the pair I’m talking about…. the ones you haven’t had time to hem. Trust me; those pants will make you feel and think frumpy, not fabulous. Remember you can always match a jacket with a different skirt or pair of pants...be creative.
6. Make sure your shoes are CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN….and polished.
Nothing is worse than scuffed, worn-out looking shoes. I cannot stress this enough! Nobody is expecting you to go out and buy a pair of brand-new shoes for your interview. But definitely take the time to give your shoes a good clean and polish the night before your big day.
7. Clean, trimmed nails.
Polish is fine…as long as it is conservative and matches the rest of your appearance, a natural polish is always best. But please….no little painted on pictures and your fingers or toes. The 4th of July may only be 2 days away, but your interviewer will not find the little red, white, and blue flags painted on your nails amusing or professional - just inappropriate. Leave that look to your teenage daughter. Trust me, it will not give the impression you want.
Continue to join me this week as we take a look at tips 8-10 for working women when it comes to dressing for a successful interview.
Remember, if you shoot for the moon and miss, you are still among the stars!
Valerie Fitzgerald
