Preparing for your first job interview can be intimidating. What questions will they ask? Is the company a good fit for you? What should you wear? Though that last question may seem comparatively mundane, you only get one first impression. Choosing a professional outfit can give you confidence and ensure your interviewer takes you seriously. It’s how you get your foot in the door.
Though most of us have a general grasp of interview dress – suits, blazers, no wrinkles – choosing accessories can be especially hard. While the right piece of jewelry can dress up a simple outfit so that it looks more professional, the wrong accessories can be distracting and detrimental to our presentation. Before you step out the doors, here’s what accessories will help you make your mark, and which to avoid.
Keep It Simple
The most important rule to keep in mind when choosing jewelry for an interview is that you should always keep it simple. This applies to both the number of items you wear and the types of items. Skip the giant earrings, piles of bracelets, and giant statement necklaces. And always keep Coco Chanel’s basic styling rule in line: “Once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.”
Rings And Things
Most of the conversations about rings for interviews focus on whether engagement rings and wedding bands are appropriate. (Hint: they’re totally fine.) But what about other rings?
Skip the big willytail rings and instead opt for a simple band or a small birthstone ring. Birthstones like August’s peridot gem or July’s ruby are also a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit without going over the top. Maybe they’ll even bring you luck – many people think wearing or carrying your birthstone can offer special protections.
Rock A Watch
Whether you’re a man or a woman, you can never go wrong wearing a watch to a job interview – as long as it’s not covered in gems or glitter. Watches show that you’re concerned about timeliness and responsibility, and will also keep you from continuously looking at your phone. Men can also compliment a watch with a pair of simple cufflinks.
Necklaces And Necklines
If you’re going to wear a necklace, there are a few rules you should follow. First, make sure you have a high neckline so that it doesn’t seem as though your necklace is drawing attention to your cleavage. This is unprofessional and can be perceived as flirting. You should also avoid chunky necklaces or large religious pendants. Instead, opt for a thin chain and small pendant or a thin strand of pearls.
Avoid Jangling And Dangling
Finally, when choosing accessories, skip distracting items like jangling bracelets that make noise when you move against something or large, ostentatious earrings. You want your credentials to speak for themselves, and noisy and dangling jewelry can take away from your presentation. If there’s any reason to keep your accessories to a minimum, it’s this – keep the focus on your abilities, not your appearance.
The finer details of what to wear when going on your first job interview depend on the type of job you’re interviewing for, but these rules will help you make a great first impression. So take off all those extra accessories and grab your resume. You’re ready to rock your first interview.
