Dress to Impress

As a soon-to-be college graduate I started attending events like job fairs, assessments and job interviews, which got me to our topic for today. I am going to share with you my tips on how to look when going on a job-related meeting, as I realize girls at our age are still used to dressing young and fun, but as we are entering adult life, this is no longer appropriate for every situation. I am not saying I want to make you look 30! You can still be stylish and cool, but professional at the same time. Of course, it is important what you bring to the table in terms of knowledge, attitude and behavior, but let’s face it – the first impression is formed in a few seconds and afterwards you cannot take it back… Like ever! So if you have a job opportunity thing coming up and have no idea what to do, this post is just for you!

My rule # 1 is to do some research and plan accordingly. You should by now have set aside a few classier shirts, dresses, pants, skirts and blazers, but still, you should research the style of the company you are going to. If you have the opportunity to do that, it might be a good idea to stand near the entrance of the company and see how current employees dress. That way the potential employer can imagine you on the job better. So if you can’t get first-hand info, at least know the industry. Here are some general groups of company styles…

Conservative – like accounting, law, finance. Here you cannot go wrong with something basic and classy like a black skirt suit, light shirt, black heels and handbag. If you decide to wear any jewelry chose more discrete pieces. I would not go for more than a watch and either earrings or a necklace. It is best to wear your hair up in a simple do and go for natural makeup

Creative – like media, advertising, graphic design, music. For industries like that you still need to dress rather formally, unless you are sure that particular office is super casual. But here you can add a personal accent like a colorful handbag, a statement piece of jewelry, a scarf or other accessories. You can also go more freely with the hairstyle and makeup, but again, never go too far!

Fashion industry – this a whole new separate industry! Research, research, research! If you will work with clothes you have to know clothes Go with the recent trends, but again be classy. Over the top is never okay, it is still a job interview :)