NEW CASTLE —
Congratulations on scoring an interview for your dream job!
Now the big question is, what do you wear?
A couple things you should keep in mind: it's better to be overdressed than underdressed, and always research the company dress code before the interview. Because it's always advisable to research a company in-depth before an interview, make sure that you're taking note of the dress code as well.
Sometimes you can find employee pictures on a company website or Facebook page, or if you happen to know an employee at the company, ask what the typical dress code is. Try your best to keep with what the employees normally wear.
Also, think about the industry you're interviewing in. Is it a conservative industry such as banking or legal? Do the employees dress in a more business casual manner like advertising or sales? Or are you interviewing in an artistic environment like fashion or graphic design? This is very important to think of when planning your interview attire.
Here are some other guidelines:
•It is OK to show personality through your wardrobe, but make sure that isn't the only thing the interviewer notices. Keep your personality touches to accessories, like a great scarf or shoe. A great piece like that can be a conversation starter, but you still want the interviewer to notice what you're SAYING, not just what you're WEARING.
•Less is more, for the most part. You don't need to be wearing the newest trends. In fact, this could be a distraction. Instead, stick to classic pieces that are still modern and updated. Black suits are always classic, but the silhouettes have changed since the 1980s. You want to make sure you look like you're still living in this decade. Also, be sure everything fits you well, it'll make you look much more polished and put together.
If you look to the right, I've put together three looks that represent the different industries I've previously mentioned. First is the conservative environment. A suit is an absolute must. As I noted above, make sure it fits you perfectly. Tailors can make a suit look like it was made for you even if you happened to get a great deal.
If you notice in this outfit, I've kept the whole look fairly neutral but have added a bit of extra color in the shoe. The color of the shoe also ties into the scarf that is tied to the briefcase. It's a way to show personality without going overboard.
The second look is for the more business casual environment. This may be a bit more dressy than you would wear to the office. However, as I said earlier it's better to be overdressed. A classic pencil skirt and tie blouse is flattering on most everyone. Because the pencil skirt is a bit trendy with the burgundy color (very popular for fall) and leather trims, I kept the rest of the accessories very simple.
Finally is the artistic environment. Sometimes this is the hardest industry to dress for because you don't want to be too casual but you also don't want to look too "suited up." For this outfit I again stuck with classic pieces but with a twist — the peplum top is a classic shape but still very on trend, and the burgundy skinny leg trousers are also very trendy. Adding a scarf in a great print to tie the look together, and classic mary jane shoes make your look more sophisticated.
If you don't feel you're dressy enough, just add a blazer to the outfit, though in a different color than the pants so it doesn't read as a suit.
Now that you have the outfit picked out, it's time to go in and snag that job you've been dreaming of.
(Have any fashion questions for me? Email me at sarah_stright@yahoo.com. And check out my personal style blog, www.comingunstitched.com.)
All About You ...
Related Photos
-
Sarah Stright is a Neshannock Township resident with a passion for fashion, and a love for the written word. Her “Fashion ... Help?” blog will appear each Wednesday on www.ncnewsonline.com.
-
Three different looks for your dream job interview — conservative, business casual and artistic.
Discussion
Sarah Stright: What to wear for your big job interview
- All About You ...
-
-
Your Tax Money: Four districts undecided on vo-tech budget
Four school districts are still deciding whether to support the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center’s 2013-14 budget. The New Castle, Wilmington, Mohawk and Ellwood City school boards are waiting until June to vote on the proposed spending plan as they contemplate a growing debt the center owes to six of its eight member school districts.
-
Making a Difference: Volunteers put up home for young mother, son in three days
The Blitz was on this weekend in New Castle. Habitat for Humanity had a “Blitz Build” for its latest Lawrence County house at the corner of Newell and Madison avenues in Mahoningtown. Over Thursday, Friday and Saturday, concrete block was laid for the basement, the ground floor was constructed, the roof was built and walls went up.
-
Culinary Conversation: A day in France— or close to it
Here’s some advice: If your spouse packs your lunch, never complain about the contents. I wasn’t actually griping. I just noted that it lacked excitement. The response from spouse was — our kitchen isn’t the Ritz Carlton.
-
Dave Ramsey: Avoid college loans if you can
“Dave Says" is a weekly column featuring financial advice from nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. His column is filled with timely, relevant questions and answers taken from actual letters and calls on Ramsey's radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show.”
-
Lori Brothers: Be ready to stay healthy during storms
At any time during the spring and summer, we may get a signal from our local officials that there is inclement weather that can turn threatening. It is always important to pay attention during alerts to assure that your family, including your pets, are safe in the event of an emergency such as tornado, flood or power outage.
-
Sarah Stright-Hartley: Looking for stylish way to pack your possessions? It’s in the bag
One of the most personal things a woman buys is a handbag. It holds all of her prized possessions. So when shopping for a new bag, there are a lot of things to consider. Size, color, quality, fabric and length of use. Is she looking for something to use year round, or something that can be changed each season?
-
Kali Davies-Anderson: I’m now a year older — and a lot wiser
On May 7, I turned 28 years old. I understand this is still considered “young,” but I feel as though I have lived many lives in my 28 years. And in those many “lives” I have learned vast and various lessons.
-
Making a Difference: Custodian makes clean sweep of kids’ hearts
When Croton Pre-Kindergarten Center students recess for summer vacation next month, “Mr. Pete” will walk out the door with them. And it will be for the last time.
-
Culinary Conversation: 25 easy treats to make for Mom on Mother’s Day
The sweetest person you know deserves something equally sugary on Sunday. That would be your mother and the occasion is Mother’s Day. A luxurious brunch and a vase full of tulips are perfectly acceptable, and so is breakfast in bed, especially when big hands help little hands and someone (not her!) cleans the kitchen.
-
Dave Ramsey: How do mutual funds work?
“Dave Says" is a weekly column featuring financial advice from nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey. His column is filled with timely, relevant questions and answers taken from actual letters and calls on Ramsey's radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show.”
- More All About You ... Headlines
-
