Dressing for Success in an Informal Job Interview

Funny how deciding what to wear is often the last thing people consider when preparing for an informal job interview. Rather, candidates fill their head with the correct answers to probable questions, contact references and research the company instead of contemplating the most important detail of them all - attire.

The right outfit will make all the difference in landing an offer. Informal job interviews, while casual, still need to be representative of the conservative American workforce. Interviewers look at you as a package and will decide whether or not you will fit into the climate of their business setting.

James Thornton describes the Halo Effect as "The extension of an overall impression of a person (or one particular outstanding trait) to influence the total judgment of that person." This should be taken into consideration for an informal job interview as well. Often interviewers will subconsciously use the Halo Effect and determine within the first five minutes whether or not a candidate will be extended an offer.

Bypass the Halo Effect by dressing appropriately for an informal job interview. Make certain to call ahead and ask the receptionist of the attire. If the receptionist is not overly helpful, then read the tips below.

Typically an informal job interview does not mean jeans. That is too casual. Perhaps it is a good fit for a fast food establishment, but for most types of employment jeans is not recommended.

Face it, men have easier clothing options than women in the workforce. For men, a polo shirt and khaki pants are appropriate for an informal job interview. Brown or black shoes may be worn as long as they are in coordination with belt and socks.

For women, the line is a little more blurry and is somewhat seasonal dependent. For an informal job interview held in the summer or spring time, a sun dress is quite appropriate. Just be certain your shoulders are not overly exposed. A nice cotton skirt and short sleeved sweater are also considered appropriate. If a woman chooses to wear open toed sandals be certain that exposed toenails are clean and polished.