You’ve landed the interview, researched the company and interviewer and you’ve prepared for all possible questions, now it’s time to figure out what to wear. We’ve all had the problem of not knowing what to wear for an interview.

Your outfit isn’t going to ultimately land you your job, but it helps. A great outfit can help you exude the confidence you need to ace the interview. You don’t necessarily have to wear a suit and tie or black pencil skirt, but you have to look professional. This means looking clean cut and coordinating you color scheme. A well-tailored outfit suggests that you’re conscientious and detail-oriented in other areas.

A splash of color or print never hurt anyone, as long as they’re worn in moderation. You don’t have to go for the all black look, but be mindful that the colors you wear have more of an effect than you might expect. For example, the color of your tie or pattern of your dress can have an effect on your interviewer. There is a little more leeway here when looking into creative roles. For a breakdown of what colors represent on an interview and how to wear them, click here.

It comes down to understanding the job and industry you are interviewing in. If you would be meeting with many clients in the potential role or in sales or finance, a suit is usually your safest bet. For more behind the scenes roles, business casual is usually acceptable. As for shoes and accessories, a watch is always a good call; ladies try to avoid flashy jewelry or loud bangles. Going with the basic shoe colors (black or brown) is the way to go when unsure.

Be sure to take the sit-down test, some outfits look good when you’re standing up, but when you sit down your outfit might bunch or worse, leave little to the imagination. At the end of the day it all comes down to 2 professional options: smart suit or smart casual and when it doubt, suit up.

In a recent article by Refinery 29, five successful Chicagoans were interviewed on what they think are the best pointers to scoring your dream job. Each person interviewed had varying and helpful answers to the same six questions:

• What is the first step to take when searching for the perfect job?
• What is the wisest piece of interview advice you’ve ever been given/given to others?
• How can readers make themselves stand out professionally among other job applicants?
• What is one job hunt mistake, and how can someone avoid it?
• What are some fashion musts when going on an interview?
• What interview question should all interviewees be prepared to answer?

Try and answer these questions on your own before clicking this link to see the actual interviews.

Some of our favorite points included:

• If possible, gain some internship experience in the field where you’re applying
• Do you research before every interview
• Even if it’s just an exploratory interview, always send a handwritten thank you card
• Understand that there is a fine line between being persistent and being a nuisance
• Try and gauge the dress code of the company and dress accordingly for the interview
• Have answers prepared for the questions – “What can you bring to the table” and “What separates you from the stack of resumes I have on my desk”
• Make sure you emphasize your accomplishments and not your credentials
• Always come prepared with questions to ask the interviewer
• Customize your resume
• Stay positive throughout the interview process – “You’ve got to stub your toe once in a while.”

We hope you enjoyed this post. Have a great weekend!

By now you have probably heard about our amazing and opportunity filled Open House taking place next week from 8am-12pm, Monday – Friday.

If you’re wondering how to attend an Open House with the best chance of receiving a job opportunity, follow these steps!

Before

• Make sure the Open House is focusing on what you’re looking for. For example, this Open House is geared towards those looking for Seasonal Fashion Retail Opportunities this holiday
• Have multiple copies of your resume ready for viewing – you never know how many people you are going to meet
• Plan for a professional outfit
• Confirm directions and plan to arrive early. The busiest time is usually smack in the middle of 8am-12pm. Get in early and spend more time with a recruiter

During

• Set aside some time. This Open House is first come, first serve. If you come at a busy time you may have to wait.
• While you’re waiting, befriend candidates around you. You never know who they know!
• Get business cards! Ask recruiters for their contact information so you have a point of contact for follow up

After

• Send a thank you card!
• Continue to follow up
• Find us on our social networks as we’re always posting new job opportunities as they come in

We’re looking forward to meeting you!