What Not to Wear - Dressing Appropriately 101

We all know the expression, “The clothes make the man.”  Well, it applies to women as well.  We all want to present our best self in our interview – it is the first impression that counts the most so when interviewing, try to keep in mind that you want to be noticed for your brains and accomplishments, not what you’re wearing.

You might want to check back in the blog to Resume 101 – The Do’s and Don’ts of How to get Noticed (for the right reasons).  Part II in our III part Series.  Do not forget to call the recruiter to ask about the dress code.

It’s absolutely fine to be fashionable but unless you are interviewing at a company that is fashion or particularly art-oriented, it is best to start out conservatively.  Ladies – you really do want to make sure your skirt is not too short or too tight, and make sure you are not over-exposed up top!  I once had a manager come out of an interview with a perfectly pleasant and qualified young woman who happened to be a bit busty wearing a very low cut top.  He walked straight into my office and said, “No way.  Did you see how she is dressed?  I can’t send her out to meet customers dressed like that!”  That was that; she lost out on a great opportunity.  This is not discrimination, in case that’s what’s going through your head right now.  This is called making a business decision based on the facts in front of you.

Let’s talk shoes.  Who doesn’t love them?  And doesn’t everyone look at other people’s shoes?  For an interview – and once employed, please remember that what are on your feet will be judged.  Think of it this way – if you have ever worn a pair of heels out clubbing – do not wear them into an office environment.  They are most likely not appropriate.  Recently I saw a young woman coming out of an interview wearing a very nice – and conservative – black suit.  She looked great, but a fraction of a second later I looked at her shoes – 4” platform, hot pink suede, peep-toe heels.  Pretty shoes, absolutely, but so incredibly inappropriate for the office.

Gentlemen, please make sure your shirt is ironed, at least the front if you are wearing a jacket.  Make sure your tie is straight and at an appropriate length; the bottom of the tie should not hit the middle of your stomach.

It is a fact of life that how we portray ourselves is how we will be perceived.  We all judge people based on what they are wearing.  In a formal business setting, what you’re wearing could cost you further interviews.  How you present yourself to a hiring manager is important; you want to portray that you take yourself seriously and that you do not want to be objectified in the office.