| Deciding what to wear to a job interview can put | | | | sits at the front desk all day? You can call the |
| you in a stressful quandary. On one hand, you | | | | receptionist to confirm the company's street |
| know that you always want to look professional | | | | address and nearest intersection, then ask if they |
| and give the impression that you are serious | | | | have a few minutes. Tell them that you're coming |
| about the company and the position. On the other | | | | in for an interview in the next few days, and ask |
| hand, if your only suit is navy blue and wool and | | | | if they can help you get an idea of what people |
| the temperature outside is roughly 80 degrees, | | | | are wearing. He or she should be able to tell you |
| you're probably better off leaving it at home. | | | | the basics of the dress code, and you can use |
| Here's some simple guidelines and tricks to figuring | | | | the above guidelines to decide what is appropriate. |
| out the correct thing to wear. | | | | Know the industry. I was speaking with someone |
| Use the Stalker Method. This involves sitting in the | | | | recently who is in the restaurant industry. She |
| parking lot or across the street from the | | | | said that she showed up for job interviews in |
| company and watching employees as they walk in | | | | casual pants and blouses, and all of her |
| in the morning, go to lunch, or are leaving to go | | | | interviewers were relieved that she looked like |
| home. If you see many men in suits and ties, and | | | | she knew the industry-and that formal business |
| the women wearing skirts and suits, then you | | | | suits are not the norm. If there is an industry |
| know it's business formal and that showing up in | | | | standard or if the place you are interviewing is |
| less than the best is going to stand out in a bad | | | | known as very formal or very casual, then use |
| way. If men are in kakis and polo shirts, and the | | | | that as your guide. |
| women are similarly dressed, then you don't have | | | | The Blue Suit/White Shirt/Red Tie (women in |
| to go full business formal, but I wouldn't | | | | skirts) Theory. There are some interview coaches |
| recommend matching their level of dress. The | | | | who will tell you to stick to this uniform no matter |
| same goes if you see many people in jeans and | | | | what. They will insist that studies have shown that |
| pullover sweaters or the equivalent. In this case, | | | | this outfit exudes confidence, power and |
| you want to look nice, but men should still put on | | | | authority. I'm sure that the studies are true, and |
| a sport jacket, and for women dress pants with | | | | that people do look great in those suits, but I |
| a nice blouse and silk scarf are appropriate. | | | | think it's more important that you feel |
| Employees can dress any way they want after | | | | comfortable in what you are wearing and that |
| they work there, but you want to show that you | | | | you present a professional image. Dress |
| still respect their time and the company by looking | | | | appropriately for the weather, and wear |
| like you put some effort into it. You don't need to | | | | something that makes you feel powerful and |
| overdress, but never underdress. | | | | confident. That's the image of yourself that you |
| Chat up the receptionist. Who better to know | | | | want to remain with the interviewer. |
| what people are wearing than the person who | | | | |