My office dress code is business casual. We are not a suit and tie kinda company but we are a dress nice-enough-to-meet-a-customer and comfy enough so your wardrobe isn't a distraction kinda company.
I do a lot of interviewing with potential candidates. When we post a job opening, it is not uncommon to receive 50-100 applicants. Your first impression is your resume. Employers have no way to judge you except your resume. (read my interview tips)
If you make it through that, your next test is the in-person interview. The reality is, we are judged from how we act, what we say and how we dress. Knowing that you even made it to an interview is a victory in itself. There is something in your credentials that says you could be hired for this job. Don't miss your opportunity by missing the mark with your appearance.
An interview is not the time to wear your new platform heels. Leave 'em at home. Jeans? No way! Do the best with what you have and borrow from a friend if necessary. Starch and ironing can go a long way to make some inexpensive slacks look more high end.
I found some great options, less than $100 that I think would be good looks for office-casual environments. I love the dress shown. Polished and approachable, the perfect look. Like the pictures show, I would lean towards a closed-toe heel or a peep-toe for interviews and daily office wear. Pair the dress with some simple earrings from your jewelry box and a neutral bag and you are sure to make a great first impression.
My other three combinations are blouses with skirts. Skirts and slacks are worth a good investment, you'll get years of wear from them. Tops I tend to spend a little less on so I can buy for each season and trend without draining my bank account.
These tops shown are perfectly polished, giving a sweet feminine look without the need to reveal much skin. Tops and blouses from LOFT average $40-$60 and they often have sales so you can save as you spend.
My jewelry showing wasn't in my $100 budget but they were too cute not to post.
A few more tips for making a great first impression:
I do a lot of interviewing with potential candidates. When we post a job opening, it is not uncommon to receive 50-100 applicants. Your first impression is your resume. Employers have no way to judge you except your resume. (read my interview tips)
If you make it through that, your next test is the in-person interview. The reality is, we are judged from how we act, what we say and how we dress. Knowing that you even made it to an interview is a victory in itself. There is something in your credentials that says you could be hired for this job. Don't miss your opportunity by missing the mark with your appearance.
An interview is not the time to wear your new platform heels. Leave 'em at home. Jeans? No way! Do the best with what you have and borrow from a friend if necessary. Starch and ironing can go a long way to make some inexpensive slacks look more high end.
I found some great options, less than $100 that I think would be good looks for office-casual environments. I love the dress shown. Polished and approachable, the perfect look. Like the pictures show, I would lean towards a closed-toe heel or a peep-toe for interviews and daily office wear. Pair the dress with some simple earrings from your jewelry box and a neutral bag and you are sure to make a great first impression.
My other three combinations are blouses with skirts. Skirts and slacks are worth a good investment, you'll get years of wear from them. Tops I tend to spend a little less on so I can buy for each season and trend without draining my bank account.
These tops shown are perfectly polished, giving a sweet feminine look without the need to reveal much skin. Tops and blouses from LOFT average $40-$60 and they often have sales so you can save as you spend.
My jewelry showing wasn't in my $100 budget but they were too cute not to post.
A few more tips for making a great first impression:
- Clean and polish your shoes and remove scuff marks as much as possible
- Carry a neutral, clean handbag and place it on the floor, not on the top of the desk
- Keep jewelry simple and nails polished
- Pantyhose are only necessary for executive positions, unless otherwise stated. Business casual is okay with tights or bare skin.
- When in doubt, add a blazer. A blazer will always take your outfit up a notch. A good fitting blazer is key. Worry about fit, not brand.
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