A job interview outfit is one of the most important fashion events you will plan for. Sorry ladies but it’s not just what’s on the resume these days. Today’s market is more competitive and fierce than ever. There is a look that needs to accompany your fabulous skills and talents. I’ve worked in HR/Training for many years now and I’ve seen my share of train wrecks. I remember one candidate that stuck out to me; (quite literally) the girl with the HUGE stain all over her shirt. Come on. Fail to plan and plan to fail.

I can even admit my own job interview disaster back when I was 18. I remember going for an interview in an outfit that I would have also worn to the club. That’s right; cleavage, glitter on the cleavage, butterfly clips in my hair, and spandex. Wow. What was I thinking?

Nope, I never even got a return call. See? My point exactly.

So, what should you wear to a job interview?

Think classic with a sprinkle of irresistible flavor. Having worked in corporate America for 10+ years, I can’t stand being victim to “falling in line”. However, I’m a firm believer that there is a time and place for everything; especially when it comes to fashion. You want to take the timeless interview fashion rules but mix your personality into them. You don’t want the company hiring a robot. You want them to hire you for who you really are. Never lose yourself for a job. Believe me, it’s not worth it.

As a recruiter, they have a lot of faces to see. You want to stick out in the employer’s mind out but not for the wrong reasons. A power suit never goes out of style. However, how you style it does. You want to walk in that room and own it. Your outfit should complement your resume and say “Yes, I’m the perfect woman for the job.”

Job Interview Fashion Do’s

~Get your hair done. I think it looks best pulled back, pulled half way back but not all down if it’s long and not hot curled like you are trying to be a seductress. No bedroom hair!

~Get a manicure or a fresh fill-in. Our hands do a lot of talking!

~Wear a tailored jacket to pull your look together. It’s polished and illustrates maturity.

~Keep the color patterns neutral but don’t lose your personality.

~Don’t forget shoes and a matching handbag. You need to look pulled together. Nothing can mess this up more than a mismatched handbag or horrible shoes.

Job Interview Fashion Don’ts

~Don’t show an ounce of cleavage.

~No body glitter. Ok, seriously let’s move on to the real don’ts

~No leopard print. I love animal prints but remember there is a time and place. First interview are not the place.

~No hooker makeup. Are you interviewing to swing down a pole or to showcase your professionalism?

~No gaudy jewelry. You know I love my chunky rings and crazy necklaces. Keep it simple and elegant.

~No ghetto fabulous nails. Sorry, but no 3D Hello Kitty nails. Come on, now.

~No fur. No studded shoes. No spikes. No metallic leggings. You get my drift?

~My biggest pet peeve of all: NO GUM!! EVER!

Another piece of advice, never get dressed the day of the interview. Try everything on a few days before and practice sitting, walking, and even shaking hands with your dubs on. When you look good, you feel good and it radiates into everything you say. Lastly, don’t forget to practice for the interview and give it all you got, Miss Irresistible!

Contributing writer, Aimee “Mimi” Beltran is an instructional designer and blogger with an obsession for all things fashion!  She spends her time designing training programs in addition to managing two blogs; Irresistible Icing and Irresistible Pets. She loves spending time with her husband, their Chihuahua, Chuy, dancing to merengue, eating icing, and anything that sparkles! Follow Mimi on Facebook and @MyIcing on Twitter!

Tags: dress, fashion, interview, job, outfit, professional dress