5 Dos of Dressing for a Job Interview

Everyone knows that scoring a job can be a difficult and tedious process. The most important part, though, is nailing the interview, and that starts with dressing your best for the job you want. Check out these interview dressing dos to help you land your dream job (or at least one that pays the bills), then put them into practice tomorrow (Wednesday, September 12) at the WNY Diversity Job Fair at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.

DO: Pay attention to the field you wish to work in. For instance, if you want a job in finance, you will want to be in a full professional ensemble. Nobody wants to trust their money to someone who looks like they don’t have any of their own. If you are looking for a trade position, a simple nice set of pants and professional top will do the trick.

DO: Keep your outfit simple. You may be proud of your on-trend neon clothing and dance recital-red lipstick, but now is not the time for it. There may be eight piercings in each of your ears, but this might be the moment for just one pair of earrings. Don't overwhelm your interviewer, and keep it classy.

DO: Have your clothing look up to date. Make sure your wardrobe reflects modern times. If you still have the same suit you were wearing 15 years ago (good for you that it still fits!), it may not fit the new job you want. Having a current outfit can show that you take pride in yourself and, therefore, your work.

DO: Try on your outfit before the interview. An outfit dress rehearsal will only take a few minutes and can save you a world of trouble. Your go-to suit could have a hole, your tights could have a run and your crisp white shirt may have a stain. All of these problems can be quickly fixed if you're aware of them the night before.

DO: Leave the non-wardrobe accessories at home. A Tim Hortons coffee cup, iPod, cell phone and chewing gum may be your everyday essentials, but keep them in the car for an interview. You want to make sure the interviewer sees you, not someone who is distracted and unprofessional.

Contributed by Megan Ziemianski