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blessedinnyc -> RE: what to wear to interview (8/7/2008 1:47:37 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: imforlife
I am a woman interviewing for an executive director position. I would assume a suit but it is like 95 degrees. What options do I have? What is appropriate? What kind of accessories could I wear with a black suit? Don't want to look like I am going to a funeral and I want to be stylish. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
I would dress to match your interviewer, with the caveat that you should dress in a way that makes you and the interviewer feel comfortable.
When I was originally doing my first on-site interviews, I was a frightened 20 year old college student who had never been to New York before. I was told by my Dad that most of the people at the interview would be wearing dark suits, but the morning I was scheduled to catch the flight, I decided that I would feel more comfortable in light gray instead.
After I was extended an offer at one place, they informed me that I was known as the nice kid from Illinois who was wearing the odd gray suit.
So dress to match the interviewer, but within that, just wear what makes you feel comfortable. You don't have to match the other interviewees to a T- that would be boring. [:D]
quote:
Maybe a nice white shirt and a black shirt.
You can probably get that at Wal-mart, since it's cheaper than most stores.
I am going to be ever so slightly pretentious here and just remind folks that it's important to dress for the job. Wal-Mart would be a great place to shop in many circumstances, but not all. One of the problems with Wal-Mart is that they use a lot of (clingy) polyester. I've never seen them selling a 100% wool Men's suit, and polyester suits don't always work well in interviews.
However, if you are applying for a female executive position, you may want to consider something a little nicer. For a $80K-$110K/year job, a typical guy would spend about $300 on the suit, shirt, and tie (add an extra $100 for the shoes/belt). He might shop at Macy's, Lord and Taylor, or Bergner's/Carson Pirie Scott/The Boston Store and wear something made by a designer like Tasso-Elba, Calvin Klein, Claiborne, or Ralph Lauren. As one other poster suggested, Ann Taylor would probably be a good equivalent for women. Most of the sales associates at these department stores can give you an excellent idea of what you should be wearing, but don't let them pressure you into spending more than you need to.
If you are going for a higher paying job, you may want to wear something nicer. The people two or three levels above me probably are wearing as much as $2K worth of clothing when they walk in.
More important than what designer you wear, however, is just a polished appearance. Shine your shoes, make sure your hair is combed (and maybe use conditioner), and that your clothes are cleanly pressed (and not polyester). Keep your hand in your pocket (to keep it warm) before you shake hands with your interviewers, and just try to relax.
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