Making a Good First Impression - Part 3, Women's Attire

This is the third entry in a 3-part series on Making a Good First Impression. Be sure to check out Part 2 on proper Men's Attire for an Interview.

Here are a few suggestions for dressing for an interview:

Women's Interview Attire

·        Wear a suit. A pants suit or skirt suit is fine, as is a suit-dress. A solid color is best, but a subtle pattern is ok too. Make sure it fits properly. If it does not, spend a few dollars to have it altered. An inexpensive suit can look great as long as it fits properly and is accessorized well.

·        Coordinate a blouse, shell or cami. (A cami does not mean a silky, sexy, lingerie cami.) Keep it classy ladies. Keep the cleavage to minimum, in fact none at all is best.

·        Wear moderate heels. This is not the time for Jessica Simpson 5” platforms, nor is it the time for the cliché "grandma" shoes. A medium, comfortable heel is good; a classic pump is best.

·        Limit your jewelry. Nothing too big or too flashy; but definitely use your accessories an expression of you and your style.

·        Have a neat, professional hairstyle - get your hair out of your eyes.

·        Wear tan or light hosiery. Yes ladies, contrary to what the fashion police may say, it is still not only appropriate to wear pantyhose to an interview, it is expected. Bare legs are fine for after you get the job, assuming their dress code allows it.

·        Go easy on the makeup and the perfume. You do not want to look like you’re headed out for the night with your girlfriends. If wearing lipstick, check your teeth before going into the interview.

·        Manicured nails with no polish or light polish.

·        Take it easy on the spray tan.

 

Remember, it does not have to cost a fortune to look good for an interview. Even if you don't have the basics to start with, you can still dress for an interview for under $100. Utilize TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Wal-mart or your local thrift store, Goodwill or Salvation Army. Buy something inexpensive that looks good and spend your money on having it altered. Also, there are plenty of resources out there now to help get people into the professional world by helping you with donated business clothing.

Woman can try Pennsylvania Women Work or Dress for Success.

Check out these sites for additional information on dressing to make the right first impression at an interview:

Dressing for the Interview by Industry

Interview Appearance and Attire

Dress for Interview Success

Dress for Success

Woman’s Suits Buying Guide

Proper Business Attire

Dress Codes


A word to the wise is sufficient.