What to Wear When...

I recently wrote that I attended a career fair at my university. I spent hours agonizing over what I was going to wear. It got me thinking about how important your outfit can be in an interview. Within the first few seconds of meeting someone people make assumptions of who that person is based upon what he or she is wearing. Imagine meeting someone in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. What do you think about him or her? Now imagine that you see that same person in a suit. Do you think about him or her differently? Most people do. Therefore, it’s important to dress appropriately. Below, I will outline the best attire for different job-seeking scenarios.

Phone Interview

Wear whatever you want! No one can see you and therefore cannot make assumptions about you based upon your attire. However, some studies suggest that people are often more professional sounding while wearing professional clothing. My suggestion, wear something that makes you feel confident. If you feel confident, you will sound confident!

Video Conference Interview

In today’s digital age, videoconference interviews are on the rise, especially for jobs that may be quite a distance away. Just because you are in the comfort of your own home, however, does not mean that you can roll out of bed and speak with someone in your pajamas.

Many people cut corners when conducting an online interview by only dressing professionally from the waist up. I used to think this was a fabulous idea. Anything to make you feel more comfortable in what can be a very stressful situation. I recently heard from a mentor, however, that sometimes interviewers ask the candidate to stand to see what they are wearing under the table. While I doubt this happens often, it stuck with me. Therefore, it is my recommendation to you to dress as though you were walking into the office just in the off chance that this may happen to you. It’s best to be over prepared!

Career Fairs

Career fairs can be slightly overwhelming if you’re not properly prepared. For more information about how to prepare for a career fair, click here. When dressing for a career fair it’s important to be comfortable, yet professional.

Ladies, this means opting for flats or low comfortable heels. There are a lot of people to talk to, which means a lot of walking! You don’t want to be nursing a blister while trying to land your dream job.

Gentlemen, things are a bit simpler for you: wear a suit, a tie, and be well groomed. Similar to the ladies, shoes are very important; make sure that your shoes are properly broken in. Brand new shoes that have never been worn before should not be taken out for the first time at a career fair. It’s a recipe for disaster.

If you read several different recommendations about what is proper career fair attire it will list dark colors, minimal makeup, and limited jewelry. I believe that often these are a bit restrictive. I feel that a proper balance of colors and darks, light makeup, and modest jewelry can be just fine.  Your outfit should be professional, clean, and modest.

Onsite Interview

The onsite interview is where you should look your absolute best; shoes shined, teeth cleaned, and firm handshake at the ready. You don’t have to wear the most expensive designer suit, but you should look put together. Unkemptness will get you nowhere. If you look well dressed and professional you’ll be remembered for your skills and abilities. If you look sloppy and unkempt, you’re more likely to be remembered for how you dressed.