ATLANTA -- Most job seekers know they should be prepared for an interview, but they may not realize the importance of "dressing the part".
Connie Chiasson of MDI Group, IT Workforce Solutions offers several bits of advice for job seekers considering what to wear for an upcoming interview.
Chiasson says job seekers should dress conservatively. That means wearing classic styles. She says an interviewee should avoid, loud, trendy or flashy clothing styles.
Job seekers should also consider the prospective employer's dress code, Chiasson says. Over-dressing could be just as harmful to your interview as under-dressing.
If an employer maintains a formal work environment, a suit for men or women is appropriate. If an employer maintains "business casual" around the office, interviewees may want to consider dressing accordingly.
Chiasson advises job seekers to dress "one level up" from the standard of potential employer's workplace.
Job seekers should also present themselves and neat, and well-groomed. ""Set aside items in your wardrobe specifically for interviews," Chiasson said. "Be prepared for various types of business environments. Have a nice suit. It just needs to be well-fitted, and pressed and cleaned at all times so you're ready to go at the last minute."
Here are a couple of resources for job seekers:
Esquire.com | How to Dress for a Job Interview on an Unemployed Man's Budget
Or at least the budget of a man looking for a bigger paycheck. The good news in an otherwise treacherous employment market? The suit is out there. Herein, a few tips on dressing above your price point.
Medzilla.com | Interview Attire
We've pulled together the do's and don'ts for interviewing attire as a general guide. If in doubt about interview attire at a particular company, don't be afraid to ask the recruiter what is or isn't appropriate to wear.
CareerBuilder.com | Have You Tried These Interview Tips?
Check out these interview tips from real job seekers around the country. Have you tried any of them yet?
