What to wear to a job interview? Need help!

[traces7]

I haven't had an interview for 5 years, that's how long I've been at my current job. And I've never felt comfortable in what I wear to interviews, I always think I'm overdressed!
First of all, I work in the graphics field. Right now, at a newspaper and I can wear pretty much whatever I want, so I'm not used to dressing up. My last interview outfit still fits and it is just some dark blue pants and blazer with a red top and low heeled pumps. I almost feel like this is too much for my field, not sure though!
I'll be interviewing for a job at a catalog company, still in the graphics field.
What would you suggest I wear for an interview? Any ideas? Thanks so much for the help!

 

[pha1226]

I think your interview outfit sounds fine. I've always read it's better to be overdressed (and more conservatively dressed than normal) for a job interview. Once you're hired, you can see how everyone dresses. Good luck!

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I agree that your interview outfit sounds fine, and that it's better to be over- than under-dressed. The interviewer will notice that you cared enough to look your best for the interview.

 

[Crazoo]

I've always thought over dressing is ok? Personally, I'd rather be over dressed than under dressed...

Can anyone in the HR tell us if over dressing can be bad?

 

[traces7]

Thanks for the advice, guess that's what I always thought, better to overdress!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Like they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I would dress up and after you are hired (think positive) you can dress based on what the other co-workers are wearing.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

I think your interview outfit sounds fine. I've always read it's better to be overdressed (and more conservatively dressed than normal) for a job interview. Once you're hired, you can see how everyone dresses. Good luck!

I agree.

I've always told my kids to dress for the job you want and not the one you have.

 

[5 Disney Fans]

I 100% agree with what others have said. I am not in HR but I interview people very often and I am always impressed with the people who took the time to dress nicely.

Also, not that you asked.... but some unsolicited advice ....ask for the interviewer's business card so you can send a proper thank you after the interview. The "thank you" leaves a good impression and if you have the person's card you have the correct spelling of their name and email address.

good luck on your interview!!!

 

[poohs4me]

I was told once to analogize dressing for an interview to a birthday present, which do you like better initially - the one that is gift wrapped or the one in brown paper? You would hate to be cast aside simply because you did not dress well enough.

 

[Hedy]

I go with the classic black suit while interviewing. I've been overdressed before, but I got the job anyway.

 

[BibidiWannabe]

I also think you have to look at the company you are applying to. If it's a more of a corporate environment, I'd go conservative and make sure you look good. If it's a casual, relax environment, I'd try to dress as one of them.

Good luck!

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I also think you have to look at the company you are applying to. If it's a more of a corporate environment, I'd go conservative and make sure you look good. If it's a casual, relax environment, I'd try to dress as one of them.

Good luck!

I think if it's a causal, relaxed environment, you should still wear the same outfit but maybe wear some fun, funky jewelry or other accessory. Even if the work environment is jeans-and-T-Shirt, I would NEVER show up for the interview dressed in jeans and T-shirt.

I like the birthday present analogy above!

 

[robinb]

If your interview outfit is 5 years old, I would verify that it is not terribly out of date. For instance, the rise on the pants or the lapels on the blazer may make you look old fashioned or dated. You don't need to be cutting edge cool and hip (although it seems that it might help given your career) but you don't want to look like you walked right out of the 90's either.

 

[Mickeylover6]

Your outfit sounds great, except I would go with a more conservative white blouse instead of red. I agree with all the others, that being over dressed on an interview is much better than being under dressed. Also, great advice on asking for a business card. That follow up thank you is VERY important! Good Luck!

 

[Robert 31320]

Just my $0.02...regardless of what you wear, be EARLY for your interview. I had a person show up late for their interview this week. I didn't waste "their" time.

 

[WDWBarb]

I conduct interviews and do hiring for my department and I have to say that it is always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed - without a doubt.

And it was great advice about getting the business card and following up with whomever interviews you. At this point I expect to hear from people I interview! I also suggest you send an email and do so as soon as possible after the meeting (if you are interested in the job this just confirms it to the interviewer). You also need to mention something specific regarding the position or the meeting so that it doesn't come across as just a "form" email.

Good luck!!