Something About That

what to wear to a (casual) job interview

in Fashion, Outfit Post on

Up until recently, I hadn’t interviewed for a job in a few years. No one enjoys looking for employment, but it’s something that we all need to do from time to time. My friend recently had an incident at work and now she’s trying to sort MMI with her lawyers. Luckily she’s going to get compensation but things like this really put me off getting a new job. Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and start applying. Before you even get to the interviews, you have to apply online with a resume. I hadn’t done this for a while, so thankfully my friend was on hand to recommend some resources that I might need. She told me about Cultivated Culture and their online resume templates, they would definitely come in handy. It can be difficult to know where to start with a resume, so having a template to follow is really helpful (download the templates here). After submitting some resumes, you should start hearing back from employers soon. Then, you’ll know whether or not you need to find an outfit!

In the last few weeks, I’ve gone for a couple of interviews at marketing agencies, looking to work as a Brand Ambassador this summer. Like I’ve already said that I haven’t had an interview in a while, I was determined to do my best. So I took it upon myself to research the sorts of questions I could be asked during the interview, as well as something similar to the Berke assessment solutions that a friend of mine recommended I looked into, which I appreciate greatly. Finding out why employers ask these sorts of questions allowed me to prepare even more than before. I think having an idea as to how you are going to answer questions can help make all the difference when it comes to your confidence. A role in marketing is the perfect job for me right now, because there’s a ton of flexibility, you meet a lot of people, and it’s fun! Toronto is home to countless agencies, so there’s a lot of opportunity to find work. The tricky part? Nailing the interview.

Interviewing is always going to be nerve-wracking, but one of the main things I worry about is what to wear. Isn’t that half the battle? Not only is your outfit a key component to your first impression, but it also impacts your overall confidence level. From something as simple as picking an outfit gets you in the right frame of mind for an interview. If you feel and look ready, then your mindset will match this, giving you a better chance of getting through this successfully. Another fact that I have been told previously is that employers look up potential employees online, through platforms such as an online phone book and social media accounts. So first impressions definitely counts for a lot.

When you decide what to wear to an interview, it’s important to determine the company’s culture, as well as the type of industry you’re interviewing for. While it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, you don’t want to look too stuffy or inappropriately casual. If you completely miss the mark on the outfit, you may give the impression that you’re not the right fit for the company.

Lucky for me, I’ve worked with marketing agencies before, so I knew the type of look I was going for. They dress casually, often in jeans. I was looking for one step “nicer” than jeans, so I ended up wearing linen pants with a light summer blazer. I made sure to add personality to my outfit with a printed blouse and a statement necklace. The outfit was so perfect that one of the women interviewing me complimented my outfit. (I later realized that I put together something similar to this look).

Oh – one last tip. Make sure that you do not go into an interview with chipped nail polish! One of my colleagues told me that nails are one of the first things she looks at when she interviews. Chipped nails show a lack of attention to detail. If you notice your nails are chipped when you’re getting ready to leave for an interview (like I did the other day), just take it off! Thanks, PK 🙂

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Photography by Cory

What I’m Wearing:

Blazer – H&M (Similar)

Blouse – Joe Fresh (Same)

Pants – Urban Outfitters (Similar)

Sandals – Sam Edelman (Similar)

Tote – Gap (Similar)

What are your tips for dressing for a “casual” interview? I’d love some more ideas!

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Comments

    • Jackie says

      Accessories are always a fun way to add personality to a more conservative outfit, but I’m glad the nail polish tip was helpful!

  5. Shae says

    Great look for a casual interview. I’ve been interviewing recently too, but all of my interviews are professional and conservative attire. I would love to find a job where i can wear something more casual.

    Shae @ Current Habits

    • Jackie says

      It’s almost easier when you KNOW you need to dress more conservatively! Best of lucky with all of your interviewing 🙂

  6. Rach says

    OMG no idea about the nails. Sometimes I get lazy and don’t want to bother with it haha. Note to self if I ever had an interview. I like the concept of just a step up from wearing jeans for a casual interview. J. Crew would probably be my go to for such an interview! Good luck with everything!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

  9. Tracy says

    Love this look for a casual interview! I also like the Express editor pants (crop for summer) with a blazer and flats, not sure if that is too dressy, or a nice dress with a blazer and lower heels. I used to interview people when I was a manager and yes I looked at every detail, including nail polish 😉 I know you’ll land a great job with your cute wardrobe 🙂

    Tracy
    http://www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com

  11. Tereza Opatril says

    you look great, and I totally agree with the chipped nail polish. I personally notice it right away on peoples nails, one of my girlfriends wear’s red nail polish and it’s always half shipped off, drive me nuts lol.

  14. Deborah says

    Will keep this post in mind for the future! Job interviews are so nerve-wracking sometimes it’s good to have a go-to outfit formula handy. I LOVE your linen pants – they add a touch of sophistication to an otherwise casual look! Very chic!

  15. Jessica says

    I totally agree about your tips for researching the company & its culture before going in for an interview. I believe it is important to show your personality through your clothes, but maybe just a bit toned down version of oneself for the first impression 🙂 Good luck with your interviews!
    xx
    Here&Now

  17. Ashley says

    I love what you did here- polished, but not too formal. I would also consider a jogger + wedge/pump, blouse, then a blazer. Not quite as dressy as your classic office-appropriate trouser, but definitely a professional vibe. 🙂

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  21. Erin Ollila says

    Really useful for anyone who is attending an interview for a marketing job. Preparation is so important and doing your homework can make all the difference. It is also good to think you will present your research on the company in the interview… you do not want to appear like a know-it-all yet interested in the company and position so remain humble and knowledgeable. Lots to remember but breathe and be yourself!

    • Jackie says

      That is also such great advice! It can be tough to come off knowledgable without being “know-it-all-ish”, but that can make or break an interview!