Hi friends! Today I’m here to share a new post that I’m very excited about. Today I wanted to share How to Look Your Best for a Job Interview. If you’re preparing for a job interview, you probably have your resume handy, already thought about your questions and answers,  and you’ve done some research on the role. Now all that’s left is how you plan on presenting yourself at your interview.

The goal is to convey yourself as someone that is serious, professional, and competent enough to take on this position. The first way interviewers will determine if you possess any of these characteristics is your appearance. 

Learning what’s appropriate for a job interview you want is essential to set yourself up to succeed. First impressions are very important, so it’s crucial that you look the part to get the part. Your appearance gives potential employers an idea of how you present yourself professionally.

1. Consider the job you’re interviewing for

Take a look at the job you’re interviewing for and attempt to dress the part. I am a clerical at a Prosecutor’s Office, so when I went for the interview, I knew that I would dress business casual. I wouldn’t wear a pants suit to that interview. If I were a prosecutor and I was interviewing for a prosecutor job, I would know to dress more business professional. I wore navy blue slacks, a beige blouse, a navy blue cardigan, and nude pointed-toe pumps. This is also the type of outfit I wear on a day-to-day basis at work.

I also want to note that the rest of these tips are highly dependant on the type of job you’re interviewing for, and their dress code! Most of these tips are geared towards business casual and business professional jobs.

2. Stick to neutrals

Bright colors can be distracting and look less professional. Neutral colors always look classier and will make you appear more serious. Try to stick with black, blue, gray, or white.

3. Make-up

Don’t go overboard with a full glam face of make-up. A little bit of concealer, powder, mascara, and neutral-colored lipstick or lip gloss is all you need. 

4. Hair

For hair, I prefer to have it straightened. It looks neat and well-polished. These tips are also to not take the attention away from your interview to your looks. If you keep your hair natural, make sure to style it. I have naturally wavy and very frizzy hair, so leaving it natural is something I tend to opt out of!

5. Minimal jewelry

This has become a little repetitive, but again big, bulky and flashy jewelry can be very distracting and just doesn’t look as professional. Avoid anything dangly and noisy. Wear studs or very small diameter hoop earrings, simple small band rings, dainty necklaces, and a simple watch or single bracelet. Remember; less is more!

6. Three-inch heels

Wear heels that are 3 inches or lower. It is much more practical and professional looking. Avoid wearing platforms, too. I highly suggest this in case you end up doing a lot more walking than expected!. Most likely when you go for your interview you won’t be walking much, but I’d rather not take the chance. When I had to go for my drug test and had my I.D. picture taken for my job, I ended up getting a tour of almost the entire four-story building!

7. Light perfume

Don’t wear perfume that’s too overbearing. Or avoid wearing any perfume at all. It may seem small, but you never know how someone may react to the scent of the fragrance you’re wearing. Even if you feel you went lighthanded, your interviewer could have a sensitivity or react badly to certain fragrances. A bad reaction to your perfume is definitely memorable and could hurt your chances in the interview

8. Well-manicured nails

Make sure your nails are nice, clean, and polished with a muted or neutral color. I would stay away from bright, and dark colors as well as nail art and glitter. You want to give your interviewer the impression that you are serious and ready to work in a professional setting.

9. Dress modestly

You don’t need a turtleneck, but don’t wear plunging tops. Keep your neckline high enough. Always wear closed-toe shoes. If you’re wearing a skirt, avoid wearing anything too high above the knee. Keep your shoulders covered, as well. Again, you want to look serious about getting the job.

A few bonus tips:

Always remember to smile!

If you’re feeling anxious or nervous, try meditating every day leading up to the day of your interview.

Always bring extra copies of your cover letter and resume.

Practice and go over interview questions and answers.

Always be prepared with questions to ask!

I hope this helped! Please share if you liked this post and make sure to share with your friends and family that may be getting ready for their next interview!

If you want to look your best for an interview, work or just in everyday life, but on a tight budget. You might want to check out my How to Look Expensive on a Budget blog post!