This past year I started a new job – I am approaching 40 and read in magazines that this is the stage for a career change. Between sending out my resume and asking friends for introductions, I realized that a big issue in the process is: what to wear for a job interview?
Fortunately, I got to meet Gali Belleli– the beauty in the picture above.
Gali is currently in Dublin for a relocation, and is facing two major challenges: deciphering Irish accents and finding spicy food.
When she’s not taking pictures of her cats – Jacqueline and Aria – Gali is a talented writer, Facebook Communities Manager and HR consultant. During my research, I received a lot of inspiration and tips from Gali for finding the right job for me. And here’s the good news – she agreed to share some tips on dressing for job interviews based on her experience in recruiting.
Ready? Here are the questions you need to ask in front of the mirror, before heading out to your next interview (whether it’s on video or in-person, the rules are pretty much the same):
/////
-
Which styles are acceptable at the organization you’re interviewing at?
Dress codes are understandably different at a government office where binders count as decor and a hipster start-up where a yoga room is a given. You’d better not show up in a three-piece suit while your interviewer wears a pair of Havaianas – and vice versa.
Before your interview, check – how do employees dress in that organization? The answer can be found through some light exploration on social media and on the company’s website.
As a tribute to Gali, I’ve put together some Instagram examples of Dublin-based companies.
If we were interviewing for this company, we would wear smart casual. In yolk yellow:
View this post on Instagram
If we were interviewing for this company, we would slightly button up:
View this post on Instagram
If we were interviewing for this company, we would wear stilettos. Just kidding:
View this post on Instagram
For pros: If you know in advance who will be interviewing you, you can find them on social media and get a sense of their personal style. Use discretion! If the feed is made up of bikini photos, go back to the previous step (and stay there).
/////
-
What makes you feel comfortable?
Make sure to wear clothes that will make you feel relaxed. Our body transmits signs throughout the interview session, and we do not want it to convey “discomfort”. You appear to be most professional whenever you are most comfortable:
View this post on Instagram
A little off-topic, but here’s Celine Dion. And she looks comfortable:
View this post on Instagram
/////
-
What did you already wear?
The tendency to buy new clothes for a new job expedition is understandable. There is nothing like a fresh, crisp garment to signal “I really have my shit together, I even read wash & care instructions” or: “I’m up-do-date with recent professional developments, and also with Spring 2020 trends”. Sometimes, you just have to get something new for an interview, because all the clothes you own suck (don’t worry, my guide for buying clothes that don’t suck is coming soon).
So, it’s all very understandable why you might want to, but still – resist the urge to show up at a job interview in a new outfit. in the moment of truth, the fiery acquisition may turn out to be too tight / transparent / short. Far better to wear an outfit that already has some seniority, that is adapted to your shape and has already proven itself.
Jenny Walton demonstrates – there’s nothing like a tried-and-true skirt to put you into a good mood:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
/////
-
What about color?
The motto is “reserved, but not anemic.” Try to wear pleasant and flattering colors, but ones that won’t make you disappear.
Reserved, but not anemic #1:
View this post on Instagram
Reserved, but not anemic #2:
View this post on Instagram
Not reserved? Save for another time:
View this post on Instagram
/////
-
Do you have a personality?
Great! You are welcome to – and should! – include an element that will express it. This could make you more “memorable” and may be an opening for small talk.
But, this element doesn’t have to be, meaning it better not to be bombastic (no offense).
For example –
This minimalist jewelry makes the look:
View this post on Instagram
Textured flats and belt turn a plain look into kind of cool (my husband claims – and also ugly. I – disagree, buying the outfit):
View this post on Instagram
Hair pin – maximum impact by minimum surface area:
View this post on Instagram
/////
- What role are you interviewing for?
If you are interviewing for a senior position – consider rising one step above the company’s dress code.
View this post on Instagram
If you are interviewing for a junior job – don’t overdo it with formal items, and keep a clean and respectable appearance.
View this post on Instagram
/////
And finally – Meghan Merkel back in her commoner days, wearing the “way too low unbuttoned blouse for work” look:
View this post on Instagram
Made it this far? A job interview’s got nothing on you. Go get them!