Proper Attire for Job Interviews

I actually had a lot of sets of attire for job interviews before I get hired. Good thing my school had required us to wear business attire once a week so I didn't have a hard time digging my closet to salvage some clothes to wear. Before showing my closet space for corporate looks, let me tell you the points to consider on what to wear during job interviews. I have just discovered these pointers along the way after all!

1. Consider the company you have applied for. 
Because it's always bad to be either underdressed or overdressed. The first company who contacted me for an exam was a TV Network. Since it is one of the biggest network in the country, I prepared the best corporate attire I have in my closet. But as I approached the examination room, my co-applicants surprised me with their jeans and shirts! It came to my realization that people from the News and Current Affairs (the department I'm applying in) have on-the-go culture because majority of them are field reporters.

I also applied for a position in a bank, which strongly requires a business-corporate attire. Contrary to the prior company, you should look sophisticated, clean and smart. My mom who used to work in a bank strongly recommends applicants to wear skirt, long-sleeved polo, blazer, partnered with at least an inch high pumps.

But I discovered that most of the companies are not compliant to the conventional business attire anymore. And most of the time, it may be awkward to come in a very formal corporate suit while being interviewed by the HR officer who is just wearing a pair of slacks and a lacy short-sleeved blouse. So have your closet be equipped with 'safe', not-so-casual-not-so-formal attire. I will show you some examples later.

2. INVEST a Deceiving Shoes
When we say investment, it should be sturdy, durable and pricey so the shoe quality won't suffer. I had an embarrassing experience when my shoe-heels broke while I was walking down along the Ayala Triangle. Good thing I was already on my way home that time. I hope that anecdote explains enough why you should invest a good shoes for job hunting. Especially when you are applying on a walk-in basis.

Deceiving shoes are the not-so-high-not-so-flat shoes. It may be too informal if you wear flat-shoes during interviews and it may be too uncomfortable for you either if you use high heels. One or two inches high might be enough for a deceiving shoes. Better if you can look a platform heels for a more comfortable feeling. NEVER use wedge shoes because it's not a formal type of shoes for business attire.

3. Always Look Safe
As I mentioned, being underdressed or overdressed is always unpleasant, so always look safe. After all, you don't have to look so stunning, because you can be distinct by showcasing a simpler look. Sometimes, you can never guess the usual attire of the employees in a company. The simplest and the safest clothes to wear is a plain dress and a blazer, or short black skirt/slacks, long-sleeved polo as top and a blazer. If you think your attire might look to formal for the company, just remove your blazer and fold the polo into 3/4.

MUST HAVES!!!

After almost 3 months of job hunting, I realized that office attires have become my growing collection. Here are some of the basic clothes you MUST have:


1. Office skirt/Slacks
This is one of the major basics and must haves. It's also an investment! I got mine from Zara and it really made sexy and taller (because it's high-waisted.)



2. Blazer
It's a lifesaver. It can save you from a casual look if you have an urgent meeting with the boss. I was in Manila with my friends when a potential employer called me for a final interview. I was wearing a shirt and a black jeans that time. Good thing I had a blazer with me and my look was converted into a corporate attire with just a snap! After all, blazers nowadays are fashion statements so better have a fab blazer in your closet! My cousin gave me a Baby Phat blazer last Christmas. It is chic and edgy so it's suitable for both corporate and casual looks. BLAZERS are fit for FAB and BIZ!

3. Cardigan

I'm hired in a not-so-formal attire environment, so instead of wearing blazers and long-sleeves everyday, try cardigans! Some offices have large split-type air-cons and you don't want to answer your interviews while chilling. Cardigans will save you from extremely cold temperature inside the office and can cover yourself if you feel like wearing a lacy sleeveless blouse for work. Plus, it looks so fab as well.

4. Not-so-formal's
As much I recommend to buy basic clothes in branded stores, I can now allow these not-so-formals to be bought in tiangge's and thrift shops. Not-so-formal clothes are those attires that can be worn once, unlike the basics (blazers/skirts/slacks) so no need to buy something pricey. These are colorful lacey tops, colored skirts, and colorful dress that can be either casual or formal.

Colorful tops, flowing cardigans, dresses: Not-so-formal attires but acceptable for corporate looks.

Always remember to consider your budget when buying corporate attires. ALWAYS SPARE your budget for the most basic... something you have to wear everyday. The rest, you can always find good buys from thrift shops, if you just plan to wear it once in a while since it might be awkward to repeat distinct and colorful clothes once a week ;) unlike the basics, where it's somewhat hard to distinguish if you wear it repetitively simple because it's classic.

Meanwhile, here's some of the clothes I bought for work!

Goodluck!