Open Mind Fashion
  • OMF Home
    • The Open Mind Mindset
    • Top 10 Fashion Rules
    • What is Open Mind Fashion?
  • Blog
  • Lost and Found
    • Lost Forever >
      • Laurie's lost class ring
      • Sarita's lost & recovered jewels
      • My car stole my barrette
      • Lost embellished black top, worn in school photo
      • My aubergine-colored GAP cardigan
      • Lost: slim leather jacket
      • Escaped: Juliet's beaded lost French cape
      • Lost Camp Fire Girl ceremonial gown
      • Suzie's lost ballerina dress and Tibetan bracelet
      • Except from Suburban Soliloquy #113 The Overcoat
      • Jessy's lost green shaker sweater
      • Lost (and found!) J. Crew sweater
      • My lost orange necklace
    • Search Party
  • Ask Fashion Feline
    • What to wear to an NBA game
    • How should I dress for my job interview?
    • I need an affordable cover-up for my bikini
    • Help! I can't wear this blouse!
    • What are the latest fashion rules and must we heed them?
    • How does one best preserve the shape of one's sweaters?
    • How do you know which online stores are safe?
    • How do I break in a new item?
    • What's my size in kids' shoes?
    • Teach me how to wear high heels
    • Please suggest some casual work skirts and dresses
    • How do I match my tops and bottoms?
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • What people are saying about OMF
    • Publication credits
  • Permanent Fixtures
    • No Money and Nothing to Wear
    • 10 Reasons to Shop Online
    • Mind the GAP >
      • For any woman
      • For smaller women
    • 10 Reasons Why We Need Fashion Blogs
    • Tried & True: 6 Solid, Seasonless Staples
    • Sunday Tees
    • Gotta Stretch that Dollar Bill
    • How Much Should You Pay for Shipping?
  • The Stories of Our Rings
    • Monica's rings
    • Amy's star sapphire ring
    • The Countess' ring
    • My engagement ring

How should I dress for my job interview?

Question:
Dear Fashion Feline, I have a job interview coming up, and I was going to wear my best navy suit. But maybe the rules have changed? --Alexa

Answer:
Dear Alexa,
Most job-hunting guides still suggest that you dress in your best, most conservative suit for a job interview, and I'm sure you'll make a good impression in that suit. But suits are pretty stiff and masculine, so I suggest you add something to your outfit like a colorful blouse or a necklace, earrings, or scarf that makes your look unique and conveys a sense of who you are. For example, I love how Hillary Clinton softens and updates her professional persona by adding a statement necklace to her outfit (see photo below) for her meeting with Burmese first lady Khin Khin Win.
Another great technique to use is called "mirroring": model your outfit on what you imagine those interviewing you will be wearing (or research it if you can), and they're sure to think you fit in naturally with the organization. Take a look at this fascinating photo story by Noreen Malone of Hillary Clinton mirroring the outfits of those with whom she has met:
 
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/12/secret-to-hillary-clintons-diplomatic-success.html 
Here's sending you my best orange kitty luck for your interview! Too bad you have to find a job and can't just lie around sleeping and thinking about fashion all day like I do :-).--FF >^.^< 

Picture
Hillary Clinton with Burmese first lady Khin Khin Win. Photo by Saul Loeb
Picture
Check out more examples of Hillary's mirroring technique by clicking on this photo or going to http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/12/secret-to-hillary-clintons-diplomatic-success.html. Clinton with Aung San Suu Kyi, photo by Saul Loeb
Picture
Banana Republic beige stripe lightweight wool blazer, $69.99
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.