Do you remember your very first interview? I know I do. I remember mine all too well: what I wore, what I said, and how I acted. I didn’t take it seriously because, for me at 16 years old, a part-time job at a pizza joint wasn’t a life or death opportunity.
Looking back, I cringe and feel embarrassed for my teenage self because I didn't come prepared, meaning, no resume, no prepared answers, or proper interview attire. I was naive and now realize that I took those opportunities for granted, especially since so many people struggle to find work to be able to support themselves and their families.
Rest assured, I learned from my mistakes as I progressed through my teenage years and into my young adult life. I began to do thorough research on the employer and even developed a list of interview questions I’ve ever been asked so I could use them as a resource in the future. I began to realize that interview attire is an unwritten rule, meaning nobody tells us what to wear, but there is a general understanding of what is and isn’t appropriate. And while my wardrobe improved with each interview, I still to this day have a tough time deciding what to wear. Do I wear heels or flats? A dress or pantsuit? A nice blouse with or without a blazer?
You can Google your heart out, ask friends and family, or read up on the company to get a better understanding of its culture, but there’s still a gray area with interview attire. Of course, you want to put your best foot forward, but at the same time, you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard or look out of place.
According to a recent survey, 34% of men and 26% of women think interviews are one of the most confusing occasions to dress for, so at least I know I’m not alone.
StyleCaster.com. Whether it’s your university career fair, an interview for a summer internship or your first post-grad job, my best advice is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.