Apart from wanting to feel like your best professional self, you’re also meeting new people for the first time during a job interview. There are so many impressions you’re making simultaneously, so a smart decision is to have a confidence-inducing outfit locked down. Your outfit can be doing one job while your eloquent conversational skills are doing another. The last thing you want popping into your head during a recounting of your impressive resume is whether or not your outfit is appropriate for the task at hand.

Here, I’m wearing a suiting-inspired belted pinstripe dress by Jason Wu. It’s actually cut to resemble a sleeveless blazer and is belted with a D-ring belt at the waist to give it shape and polish. I really love that the dress provides a strong nod to classic professional attire, while offering a modern, unique spin. It says, I know the rules, but I’ve got the brains and wherewithal to break them when necessary. And, since I’d rather not freeze to death before I’ve had the chance to accept a new job offer, I’ve layered the dress with a simple, crisp white turtleneck. When it’s a fall or winter job interview, weather appropriate style decisions like this send a nice, strong I’m not an idiot message… which is never a bad thing.

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On the accessories front, the theme is pulled-together, stylish, and trustworthy. (Not unlike yourself. *winks*) You want your accessories to pull their weight and give you 100% confidence in their ability to convey that you are polished and without question, the best person for the job. Sound like a heavy lift for shoes and a bag? Not when it’s these two. I’m wearing Sarah Flint’s black “Perfect” pumps (which you may have heard me rave about once or 75 times). They come in three heel heights and there’s rarely an occasion where they’re not welcome, but due to their smart shape and serious comfort (read: ARCH SUPPORT OMG), they’re a natural choice for when you’re in interview mode.

I’m also carrying the ever-perfect Midi Maestra bag by Senreve, which is also a VIP recurring character on Memorandum. It’s got plenty of room should you need to have a portfolio or iPad in tow, plus any other interview essentials you need. This beauty can convert from a top handle into a cross body or backpack, so it’s ideal for workday commutes and business trips as well. Take my word for it, you’ll be carrying this sucker long after you’ve negotiated your starting salary.

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Whether you’re a recent graduate or an industry veteran, make sure your arsenal of interview attire is in tip-top shape.  You’ll undoubtedly amaze your interviewers with your impressive resume, but appearing polished and professional is a super important part of landing the job. It conveys competence, self-awareness and respect for your prospective employer.  Remember, these people don’t know you yet, so be conscious of all of the verbal and non-verbal cues you’re putting out there.

For more help on interviews, check out my posts on How To Answer The 10 Most Common Interview Questions, How To Tell If Your Outfit Is Office-Appropriate, and the four industry-agnostic interview style rules covered in last year’s 30 Dresses series!

Get forth and impress the hiring squad, I have every faith in you.

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