First impressions are important. I don't care what anyone else says, you are judged by what you wear. This may not be a big deal for you, but if you're up for promotion or looking for a new job, how you present yourself could be the difference between getting the job or continuing the search. It’s a competitive job market out there and you want to make sure that your clothing is helping, not hurting, your chances at getting gig.

 

Seattle has a very diverse job market: technology, healthcare, finance, marketing/advertising, and education are all prominent in the city. Layer on the city’s more casual atmosphere and dress code, it can be very difficult to know what to wear to an interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you’re interviewing for a job that will give you a better title and pay you more money, which you most likely are, you should dress like you already have that job. This gives the appearance that you know what you’re talking about and that you are ready to handle the challenges you may face.

 

2. Keep it simple. Stay away from mixing a lot of bold patterns and leave the sequins in your closet. When you leave the interview you want the interviewer to remember you for your poise and skills, not the wild tie or super high heels you wore.

 

This should also be applied to hair and makeup. Long hair should be pulled back - a low pony tail or neat bun is always a safe bet. Make-up should be natural looking - no wild eye shadow colors or over the top makeup tricks.

 

3. It is never okay to show your toes at a job interview. I don’t care where you’re interviewing or what job you’re going after, keep those little piggies in your shoes. The only exception is for women wearing a peep-toe shoe. And in that case, make sure your pedicure is chip-free.

 

4. Dress for the environment you’re entering. If you’re interviewing for anything in the health care or education field, a suit will always work. If technology is your industry, you can get away with something a bit more casual, but should still steer towards slacks and a nice top or a dress. If you’re unsure, call the human resources rep you’ve been working with and just ask. It will let him/her know that you care about the interview and are truly interested in the job.

 

5. Ask yourself, “Would I wear this on a Friday night?” If the answer is yes, then it’s a no for a job interview. This isn’t the time to show off your assets. Minimize cleavage and chest hair exposure, keep skirts and dresses at just above the knee or longer, and pass on anything that is skin tight.

 

Select what you're going to wear the night before the interview to make sure it is clean and wrinkle-free. If you haven't worn it in a while, try it on to make sure everything fits correctly. The last thing you need is to put something on the morning of the interview only to find that it's gotten too tight or a moth went hungry, hungry catapillar on it. There's enough stress that comes with interviewing, but what you wear doesn't have to add to it.