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| Job Interviewing: Decoding "Dress for Success" By: Jennifer Heath Okay, you have your interview time and date set, your mapquest directions printed and your resume looking sharp. Then the looming question that affects many hopeful interviewees hits you, “what are you going to wear?” This isn’t like the first day of school, when you lovingly meditate over all your new fall purchases wishing that you could wear each outfit that first day of school because it’s your chance to prove how much style awareness you received this summer. No this task is different. You need to find something that shows you are the three P’s “polished, professional and prepared.” Dr. Randell Hansen from quintcareers.com explains the importance of making a good first impression. “Dressing conservatively is always the safest route, but you should also try and do a little investigating of your prospective employer so that what you wear to the interview makes you look as though you fit in with the organization.” It may help to see what people are wearing in that environment. Channel Nancy Drew and spy on current employees to see how they dress. This will give you a clue about what is appropriate attire. Let your personality do the talking, not your clothes. Simple, put- together outfits allow the interviewer to focus on your words and intelligence rather then distracting clothing. Choose neutral colors such as blues, blacks, grays or browns. (You can always dress more expressive after you get the job!). Need some inspiration? Athena Magazine put together a few looks to get you started. A great interviewing look doesn’t have to be expensive. One of the benefits of being a young woman is that you get to shop at junior stores where the clothing quality may not be the best, but for one day’s use it won’t break the bank. Here are three possible outfits for under $55 that are sure to wow over future employers. Look 1: Business Casual Shirt - Blue Felt Silk Keyhole top Skirt - Ash Grey Pencil Skirt Old Navy ($20.00) Old Navy ($25.00) Shoes - D'Orsay Flats in Classic Gray Old Navy ($9.99) Grand Total: 54.99 Look 2: Sassy and Chic Shirt - Polka Dot Chiffon Blouse Skirt - Smock front black skirt Charlotte Russe ($16.99) Target ($17.99) Shoes - Noah Mary Jane Flats, Alice + Olivia for Payless ($19.99) Grand Total: $54.97 Look 3: Feminine and sophisticated Dress - Geometric Shirt Dress Shoes - Satin Black Flats Forever 21 ($22.50) Forever 21 ($18.80) Grand Total: $41.30 |
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