Every other week, Maggie Mistal our radio channel's career consultant AND host of "Making a Living," will answer all your burning job and career related questions! To ask Maggie a question, email her at coaching@maggiemistal.com or ask your question in the comments section below.
Dear Maggie,
I have a job interview next week and I want to look very stylish but professional. What do you suggest I wear to the interview? I find suits to be very boring but I want to look polished. Also, I heard you have to wear pantyhose during an interview even during the summer? Is this true?
Thanks,
Clothes Call
GET MAGGIE'S ANSWER AFTER THE JUMP
Your interview outfit just like your cover letter and resume, needs to match the position you are interviewing for. A conservative, navy suit may work well for an interview in finance but a more trendy (though
classy) skirt and blouse work well in media.
To know for sure, do your homework. Find out who you know at the company or in the industry. Sites like LinkedIn.com are great for this kind of research. For instance, type in the company name under "Companies" and it will tell you who you are connected with (1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees of separation) at that organization. Then reach out to the contacts you uncover to get the best advice on what to wear.
If that's not possible, a suit that fits well and a signature piece (i.e. heirloom broach) adds style and helps you stand out yet remain professional. In regards to pantyhose -- they have traditionally represented a more professional and polished look. If those are important qualities for the job for which you're interviewing, it makes sense to wear them, even in summer.
For more tips, check out A Fashionable Life, a radio show. One of the co-hosts, Jayne Chase was a recent guest on Making a Living, and shared her dress-for-success advice on air. Thanks for your question! - Maggie
