How to Dress for Your Next Job Interview

As someone who has been on SEVERAL job interviews and has actually even had jobs that involved interviewing applicants, I'd like to think that I've picked up on a few things.  Below are just some suggestions that I have found helpful when it comes to dress and grooming- and this is coming from the perspective of both sides of the desk.

1.  Hygiene.

It is important to properly bathe and wash your hair, so please do not replace a real shower with gallons of perfume or cologne.  Just. Don't.  We don't want to smell your presence after you've been gone for an hour.

2.  Hair.

When I see someone come in with super tightly curled, heavily sprayed hair, my mind immediately starts thinking, "Gurl.  Calm down."  It's always best to err on the side of more natural looking waves or straight hair.  I will say though, that buns are a big turn off.  I have no idea why- they just are.  Pony tails pass.

3.  Clothing.

It's been said that you want to dress for the job that you're applying for.  My husband has mainly worked in construction and he honestly has shown up to his interviews with dirty work boots and jeans and landed the job!  Of course, I have always made him at least comb his hair.

I on the other hand, have always had office jobs, so I like to wear a skirt or dress pants with a flowy top and cardigan (it's kind of my uniform).  Beware of bright colors like red, yellow, or orange- they can be distracting and aren't always super flattering under fluorescent lights.  You can never go wrong with black, grey, navy, or white.  If you choose to have some color, definitely just go with a splash, such as in an accessory, which brings me to my next tip...

4.  Accessories.

Job interviews are not the time to be showing off your new statement necklace or stilettos.  Again, you want to appear put together and classy, and even though these items are trendy and can dress up an outfit, you should just wait until you land the job, get a vibe for how others dress, and then give those sparkly gems a go.  ;-)

5.  Makeup.

Smoky eyes are for da club.  Now, you can certainly do a very neutral version of this look, but leave all of the dramatic stuff for another time.  Go easy on the blush and bronzer and please...no fake lashes!  Be careful to not draw on your eyeliner too thick, but don't be afraid to have fun with a discreet cat eye.

6.  Nails.

I feel like a lot of women forget this one!  As a DIY-home-manicure type of girl, I would say that I have my nails painted about 3 1/2 weeks out of the month.  When it comes to special events, church, and yes, work, I prefer for my nails to look fresh and fully polished.  When prepping for a sit down interview, go with softer, more neutral colors such as cream, white, or even blush.  AVOID RED.  Yes, it's a pretty shade, but it comes off  super strong and high maintenance when you're interviewing.  

If you're not the nail polish type, then please cut, trim, file, and buff those puppies.  And if you're feeling a little dangerous, brush on a clear polish or nail strengthener for a little something extra.  :-) 

7.  Your handbag.

I personally feel like the purse you carry says a lot about your personality.  It's true that not everyone cares about handbags and is as emotionally invested in them as I am, BUT STILL.  If you're applying to a company that has a high level of professionalism, go for a sleek, structured tote.  If the job is going to be in a more business casual setting, you could go with a satchel or maybe even a cross body bag.  Big note on the cross body though: don't actually wear it across your body.  Just let it hang from one shoulder so that you don't come off as too informal or even worse, make us all wait while you struggle to get the bag off when it's caught on your earring or something.

Now go get 'em tiger.

Love.  Peace.  And buttermilk biscuits.