You’ve successfully landed a job interview, and now you’ve got to look the part. You already know the importance of dressing professionally, but what about accessories? The adage “less is more” certainly applies to a job interview, but it doesn’t bar you from adding a little flair to enhance your interview look. With the right accessories, such as luxury watches or sleek bags to tote around your portfolio, you can dress to impress and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. Here’s how to best accessorize an interview outfit during your next job interview.
Jewelry Pieces
Like most things, a little goes a long way, and jewelry is no exception. While you don’t want to overdo it with loud or gaudy jewelry, adding some tasteful pieces to your interview ensemble can help pull your look together and allow you to showcase your style. It’s best to avoid overly distracting jewelry such as nose rings, dangling earrings, or stacked bracelets, as these can detract from what you’re saying and why you are qualified for the job. Instead, try accessorizing with simple, tasteful pieces, such as a tennis bracelet, delicate necklace, or diamond stud earrings, to complement your attire’s colors and detail and help express who you are.
Wrist Watch
Even if you don’t wear a watch regularly, a job interview is a good time to wear one. A luxury watch is more than just a functional timepiece. Not only can a sophisticated watch help complete your look, but it can help send a message of reliability and professionalism.
Similar to other jewelry pieces, some watches may not be the right fit for your interview. For instance, it’s best to steer clear of overly large or flashy watches or colors or styles that don’t coordinate with your outfit. You also want to make sure you’re not dressing down your attire by wearing something too casual or sporty.
A classic men’s Omega Speedmaster 324.30.38.50.06.001 with a stainless steel bracelet and gray dial is the perfect refined piece to coordinate with any interview outfit. Or channel the chic sophistication of Jackie Kennedy with the timeless Cartier Tank WGTA0014 with its square face and supple leather band.
Professional Shoes
With the right pair of shoes, you can play up your interview look and make a good first impression. Closed-toe, neutral pumps, and dress shoes are a smart choice for any interviewee. And if your shoes match your purse, briefcase, or jacket, you’ll impress with your thoughtful color coordination.
Even in warm temperatures, it’s best to avoid overly casual summer shoes, such as sandals or flip-flops. Similarly, steer clear of sneakers or other sporty shoes that might dress down your ensemble. For the ladies who like to rock super high heels or platforms, those are best left for a night on the town. If your socks require shoes, your sock choice matters too. The color of your socks should match the color of your pants. If you are wearing a skirt or dress to your interview, wear a pair of sheer skin-colored stockings.
Hair and Makeup
Wearing makeup and doing your hair is a fun way to express yourself and try new styles. However, for an interview, go for a more conservative look. Whether or not you usually wear makeup, using minimal amounts to highlight your best features during your interview is acceptable. The key is to go for a more subtle natural look. The same applies to your hair and nails. Keep finishing touches like your makeup, hair, and nails simple by using more traditional colors, avoiding oversized scrunchies or hair clips, and sporting nails that are the appropriate length and color of nail polish.
Buttoned Up Look
Besides your nice suit, dress, or other business-appropriate attire, you can achieve a buttoned-up look by adding the right accessories. For instance, men who sport a suit during their interview should complete the look by wearing a tie. If your pants have belt loops, you can tie your outfit together with a leather belt for a professional look. These small accessories can go a long way in making a strong first impression.
Perfume and Cologne
Adding a light spritz of perfume or cologne to your interview ensemble adds a touch of sweetness and captures the attention of your interviewers. However, just as you should err on the side of conservative for your outfit, do the same with your perfume or cologne.
It’s important to remember that not everyone handles smells the same, and some may be sensitive or even allergic to certain scents. For this reason, it’s best to keep fragrances to a minimum in a professional setting. In some occupations, scent may be inappropriate, such as when interviewing for a position in a hospital or other medical facility.
Bags, Briefcase, and Purses
Man or woman, carrying a professional bag, briefcase, or purse into your interview can help you look coordinated and prepared. Besides sporting a sleek briefcase or bag that matches your outfit, you can easily transport your portfolio and other relevant documents to share with your interviewers. From extra copies of your resume to samples of your work, having something to carry these documents and other tools like a tablet, notepad, and pens can demonstrate to your future employer that you come prepared.
Coats and Jackets
Depending on the time of year, you may need to wear a jacket into your interview. If your job interview falls on a rainy or cold day, make sure you don’t just grab any old coat from the closet. Wear something that keeps you warm but also complements your look and speaks to your professional nature. Wearing a wool coat, for example, will make a much better impression than a casual zip-up.
You can also opt to use stylish outerwear that provides proper protection like these pieces from Canada Goose. Since it is filled with down, it can provide better insulation, thus keeping you warm throughout your interview. The coat or jacket can help further project your personality. Say, you want to emanate practicality and confidence at the same time. You can select winter wear in a muted color to help you with that.
Dress to Impress
Beyond a professional interview outfit, you can dress to impress your interviewers by adding tasteful accessories to complete your look. By sporting a classic timepiece, coming equipped with a sleek bag to carry your professional portfolio, and more, you can step into your interview with confidence and show why you’re right for the job.