Picking the right job-interview attire -- Career Center Blog

September 22, 2009

Picking the right job-interview attire

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

Of all the things job candidates have to worry about before a job interview, the least important would seem to be attire. After all, common sense dictates that a conservative look is the best bet: A classic suit-and-tie combo for the men; a knee-length skirt or suit, with button-down shirt and comfy shoes for women. Nevertheless, many recruiters still tell tales of unkempt, overconfident job seekers showing up in T-shirts, jeans or flip-flops--so perhaps some periodic reminders are needed.

Adding to the confusion, the khaki-colored business-casual look has become such a uniform in tech-heavy Seattle, it's hard to know whether a suit--for either men or women--stands for serious professionalism that can make you stand out from the crowd or for the East Coast conformity from which many transplanted Seattleites came here to escape. The real answer, of course, depends on what is most comfortable for the job seeker. Wear whatever makes you feel the most confident (within reason) and shows off your personality, which is a large part of what interviews are trying to find out, beyond your background and basic abilities.

To give you some help in determining the right look for you, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Dress for Success event next week at the Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle. On Tues., Sept. 29, personal stylist Tiffany Wendel will offer free, one-on-one styling sessions for attendees and tips for repurposing an existing wardrobe.

Wendel is based in West Seattle but has worked with a number of celebrities, including Jessica Simpson, Leah Remini, Gabriel Union, Natasha Henstridge and Kristin Davis. For those who sign up in advance, Wendel will provide personal 15-minute styling-tip sessions from 4:30-6 p.m. and again from 7-8:30 p.m. In between these sessions, she will give a presentation on the latest fall fashions and how to make them work with different body types, lifestyles and budgets.

For more information about the event, which will include free appetizers from Boka Kitchen + Bar, visit the Chamber's events page or call 206-357-9455 to reserve your session with Wendel.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.