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Dress
for Success: Casual or Casualty?
by Carole Martin
Summary
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The traditional
interview suit may not be mandatory.
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You'll still want to
save jeans and T-shirts for the weekend.
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Women can
increasingly get away with wearing pants.
In a
Business-Casual World, How Do I Dress for an Interview?
Just a few years ago, everyone knew the answer to this
question. The standard interview uniform was suit and
tie for men, and suit with a skirt for women. Anyone
arriving at work in a new suit was presumed to be
interviewing elsewhere that day. But now that workplace
dress codes have relaxed, both men and women have more
choices when it comes to interview attire.
Does That Mean the Uniform Is Out?
Not necessarily. It's still important to make a good
impression. You just face more decisions about how to do
that.
How Will I Decide What to Wear to the Interview?
Remember, each company has an individual culture and
environment. Try to find out what the standard is for
the company before the interview. When you schedule the
interview, ask what would be appropriate. Or call the
human resources department and ask what the company's
dress code is. Sometimes an interviewer will tell you
what to wear: "We don't dress up here, so a suit is not
necessary." Some people actually go to the place where
they will be interviewing and stand outside at lunchtime
or after work to check out employees' clothes.
If Not a Suit, Then What?
A good rule of thumb is to wear something somewhat
dressier than what the employees wear to work. Never
wear jeans and a T-shirt, especially slogan T-shirts. A
jacket is always a safe bet for men and women, with
slacks or a skirt. Somehow a jacket seems to pull the
outfit together and can cover a multitude of figure
problems as well.
But the suit is still a staple in some professions.
Sales people, for example, prefer the suited look, as do
other professionals such as lawyers and bankers.
Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it fits properly
and is of the best quality you can afford. What seems
like a big investment now will pale in comparison when
you get the job.
How About Women Wearing Pants or a Pantsuit to the
Interview?
This question is still somewhat controversial. Some
observers say women should always wear a skirt. But a
recent issue of Biography magazine offers proof the
rules are changing. A feature about first ladies shows
several presidents' wives, dating back to the 1900s. All
the women pictured are wearing skirts and dresses, until
Hillary Clinton. Clinton is wearing her now-trademark
pantsuit.
Whether you are interviewing at an Internet company or a
bank, it's always best to keep your outfit on the
conservative side. You're giving the interviewer a
picture of yourself, so make sure it reflects well on
you.
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