I have an interview, but nothing in my closet!

You have an interview tomorrow, but aren’t sure what to wear.  I know it sounds vapid talking about clothes when you might have a PhD from Duke, but it matters.  Even if you’re interviewing via Skype or FaceTime, you need to look professional, well at least from the waist up.  Now I know what you are thinking...why do I have to dress up when even President Obama doesn't wear a suit jacket in the Oval Office?  Well, that's because he's the President and when you run your own company, you can wear a hoodie and flip flops like Zuckerberg too.  But until then, you need to make a positive impression to get the job.  There are many variables in deciding what to wear, but you can streamline that by researching the corporate culture of the company you are visiting.  Each industry has its own tacit rules about dress.  Do your research and go on sites like glassdoor.com and network to find out what your next employer is really like.  Make sure when you are interviewing for a job, all photos of you from your bachelor party are deleted because you will get Googled even before a phone interview is set up.  So, keep your online brand clean.

• Bring your resume in a leather bound folder .  No Trapper Keepers.  You want to look organized in a streamlined fashion.  Make sure your shoes have no scuffs and polished or look new.  That goes for purses or handbags too.
• If you are interviewing for a position at a creative company like in advertising, social media or publishing, you can dress casually.  But, remember you don’t want to go overboard.  Khakis and a nice shirt for men is a safe choice and pants and a nice top for women is great.  I would wait until your second day to break out your inner fashionista.  But don’t worry because chances are that your boss will not be Miranda Priestly. 
• If you work at a company that handles people’s money in any way, you must wear a suit.  A pant suit is fine for women now as we are no longer in the era of “Mad Men”.  And make sure that it’s a conservative suit; please save the red suit for your next job at GQ. 
• If you work in sales or consulting, wear a suit or nice dress respectively.  You want to sell, so shine!
• Don’t poor on the Drakkar or Bath and Body Works’ Cucumber Melon.  You want to smell clean not like the first floor of Macy’s.   The same goes for too much makeup.  Kim Kardashian need not apply.
• Get dressed up even if you have a phone interview.  “Act as if” and smile too while you are on the phone.  If you are dressed up, you will feel more confident and your voice will sound better.  Little extra tip:  Stand up when you have a phone interview.  The blood flows better and therefore your answers will be more in-depth.

               

If you are unemployed or most likely on a budget, you can still look amazing for your interview.  Stores like H&M, Kohl’s and Target sell professional clothes that designers make specifically for these stores.  Also, Goodwill, Junior League and Salvation Army sometimes have really nice suits.

Please note this article was written in a University of Michigan football tee and yoga pants, but that’s for another article.  Now, go get that job!