|
The traditional interview suit may not be mandatory.
You'll still want
to save jeans and T-shirts for the weekend.
Women can increasingly get away with wearing pants.
In a Business-Casual
World, How Do I Dress for an Interview? Just a few years ago, everyone
knew the answer to this question. The standard interview uniform was suit
and tie for men, and suit with a skirt for women.
Anyone arriving at work in a new suit was presumed to be interviewing
elsewhere that day. But now that workplace dress codes have relaxed, both
men and women have more choices when it comes to interview attire.
Does That Mean the
Uniform Is Out? Not necessarily. It's still important to make a good impression.
You just face more decisions about how to do that. How Will I Decide What
to Wear to the Interview? Remember, each company has an individual culture
and environment.
Try to find out what the standard is for the company before the interview.
When you schedule the interview, ask what would be appropriate. Or call
the human resources department and ask what the company's dress code is.
Sometimes an interviewer will tell you what to wear: "We don't dress
up here, so a suit is not necessary." Some people actually go to
the place where they will be interviewing and stand outside at lunchtime
or after work to check out employees' clothes.
If Not a Suit, Then
What?
A good rule of thumb is to wear something somewhat dressier than what
the employees wear to work. Never wear jeans and a T-shirt, especially
slogan T-shirts. A jacket is always a safe bet for men and women, with
slacks or a skirt. Somehow a jacket seems to pull the outfit together
and can cover a multitude of figure problems as well. But the suit is
still a staple in some professions. Sales people, for example, prefer
the suited look, as do other professionals such as lawyers and bankers.
Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it fits properly and is of the
best quality you can afford. What seems like a big investment now will
pale in comparison when you get the job. How About Women Wearing Pants
or a Pantsuit to the Interview? This question is still somewhat controversial.
Some observers say women should always wear a skirt. But a recent issue
of Biography magazine offers proof the rules are changing. A feature about
first ladies shows several presidents' wives, dating back to the 1900s.
All the women pictured are wearing skirts and dresses, until Hillary Clinton.
Clinton is wearing her now-trademark pantsuit.
Whether you are interviewing
at an Internet company or a bank, it's always best to keep your outfit
on the conservative side. You're giving the interviewer a picture of yourself,
so make sure it reflects well on you.
|
