Most job hunters get dressed every day. Some might remain in pajamas, but that is a personal choice. There may be a few who choose not to wear anything at all. Again, that is a matter of choice, but such choice probably wouldn’t go over well during the average job interview.
Did you know that all clothing is a fashion decision, whether intentionally hip, rebelliously avant-garde, or completely neutral? Personal preference drives the decision to wear this versus that, but what vibe must you exude in order to be determined hireable?
Professional branding expert, Michele Lando, notes that when considering what to wear for an informational interview, it is wise to consider time of day. Her article, “How To Figure Out What To Wear for an Informational Interview or Coffee Meeting” also touches upon advice such as:
- Considering the other person’s fashion sense
- Dressing in a way that feels natural to you
- Selecting items that are not wrinkled
I shall elaborate upon these key items as follows:
- Considering fashion sense:
What do you wear to a wedding? Probably not ripped jeans and a crop-top. What do you wear on a hike? Probably not a 3-piece suit. All activities in life tend to assume some kind of dress code, and the same goes for job hunters interacting with other professionals. If you are attending an informal or official interview, do your research ahead of time to explore what the company’s employees and managers tend to wear. Browse their website and identify color schemes. Do you see lots of pastel-colored polo shirts? Perhaps bright florals? Maybe you notice that in the company group photos, most people tend to wear white button-up shirts. Maybe their LinkedIn profiles feature creative hair styles or artsy jewelry. Whatever the case, gather as many clues as you can and try to apply them to your own fashion choice for your upcoming interview. Matching your interviewer’s overall vibe can help increase initial rapport.
- Natural for you:
It’s essential that you are comfortable in whatever you wear, particularly when you are facing the unfamiliar. While you want to attain a certain level of formality in how you present yourself, you need to be able to go through the motions with confident grace. This means you should express your own personality in some way, no matter how subtle. For example, if you notice that dark-colored, short-sleeved button-up shirts tend to be the norm among employees at your target-company, you might choose your favorite hue in that style. If you have observed that patterned ties, small scarves, or pocket-hankies are the trend, choose an accessory for yourself that has a positive story attached to it. Maybe you picked up the item during a fun vacation or you inherited the piece from your great-grandparent. Sentimental items are not only self-assuring reinforcements, they can serve as potential conversation pieces.
- Not wrinkled:
Wrinkled fabric brings to mind such words as disarrayed, disheveled, and even dirty. This doesn’t mean that wrinkles aren’t fashionable. It doesn’t mean that fashion is everything. Honestly though, assumptions are made irregardless of intent. When a person is performing the act of being interviewed while wearing something that is wrinkled, the interviewer could think—either consciously or subconsciously—that the interviewee just rolled out of bed. It might seem like the interviewee slept in the very clothes they had worn when mini-golfing the night before. While ironing might not be as popular a pastime as it was in the 1950’s, unwrinkled fabric is still considered a sign of professionalism. The way you groom yourself could even hint at your level of dedication to maintaining the details of your career life.
Where can you acquire your fashion for the job hunt runway?
Buying clothing can be expensive, and ironically, job hunters are less likely to have the means to splurge on such frivolities. Loads of stores boast fantastic fashion options in fresh-made condition, and perhaps you are in a position to buy whatever you desire, no matter the cost. However, there are ways to acquire equally fantastic fashion at minimal expense.
Thrift Stores:
If you have the time to wander, heading to a thrift store can be the most affordable way to clothe yourself. Keep an eye out for special sale days and when you arrive, ask the clerks where the professional attire section is. Note that thrift items, having been donated, might not be in the best of condition. You should always check for snags or missing buttons. It’s a real gamble, but on occasion, you will land a treasure that still bears its original tags. The intrigue is absolutely enthralling!
Consignment:
If you have a little less time or want a more curated experience, visit a consignment store. Their prices are often slightly higher than a thrift store, but so too is the condition and quality of clothing. This is because the owners of the items are selling through the shop itself and they are only paid for each item once it sells. The fact that the inventory is tracked and cataloged per seller also means that the store owner (or manager) is aware of what items they have available. Sometimes you can actually ask if they have a red sweater or black slacks in stock. Receiving a solid answer before beginning your search certainly saves loads of time.
Clothing Swap:
If you have friends who enjoy giving and receiving clothing, you might try setting up a professional-attire clothing swap in someone’s home—in tandem with cocktail hour, of course. This can be a fun opportunity to let go of things you might no longer wear, in exchange for fresh items. Swapping with friends who have a similar body type to yours is ideal, but you can always get something tailored later if you absolutely love an item and it just needs a little tweaking for the perfect fit. After all, the item was free!
Ultimately, remember that what you wear is a form of self-expression. Be mindful of the message you are giving potential co-workers, managers, and employers, as you network to make your big move.
What will YOU wear on the job hunt runway?
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