Ask BX: What do I Wear to an Interview?

Posted by Kristin Bassett on November 25th, 2009

Dear BX,

Like many people, I’m looking for a job. I haven’t been back “on the market” so to speak for quite a while. Do I still stick with a basic suit for interviews? I don’t want to appear too stodgy or old; I know I have a lot of competition and need to be up on the latest fashions.

Thanks,

Kelly Rockland

Kelly, let me first say congrats and good luck on getting back into to the job market. Now on to your question. A classic suit will always be appropriate for a job interview…unless you happen to be applying for a job at a hippy commune.

If you are worried about appearing too stodgy or old, you can spice up your suit with boldly colored button-ups or trendy jewelry. If where you are applying is less corporate and more laid back, you can mix and match more formal pieces with trendier ones for a younger feel. Whatever you wear, make sure that you are comfortable so you don’t spend your entire interview picking at your outfit instead of conversing with your potential employer. Here are a couple of sample outfits to give you some style guidelines for your big day.

Good luck!

Look 1- Suited Up