【For Women】 Grooming Tips Before You Sit Down for an Interview | First Impression Is Key!

For Starters

It is said that a person’s first impression is determined within about 6 seconds of meeting. Furthermore, it is said that information received visually plays the biggest role in judgment. This is the same in American job interviews, where it is no exaggeration to say that the first impression given to the interviewer can influence the subsequent decision of acceptance or rejection. However, please be assured. By following the points explained from now on and taking care of your appearance, anyone can make a good impression.

In this article, aimed at women who are about to face job or career change interviews, we cover:

• Appropriate attire for job hunting
• Ideal outfit examples
• Pre-interview grooming checklist

We will explain these topics by breaking them into sections. Let’s thoroughly prepare and get that job offer!

Appropriate attire when you are job hunting

For job interviews, unless specified otherwise, for example, being asked to “please come in casual clothes,” it is basically expected that you wear a suit. When attending an interview as a new graduate or if you are trying to find a better job, you should always wear a proper suit .

Here, we will explain appropriate grooming for women in interviews, item by item.

Let’s groom ourselves while keeping in mind cleanliness and appropriateness for the time, place, and occasion (TPO).

Suit

Choose a suit in a subdued color, not one in a flashy color. Safe choices include black, navy blue, and gray. In particular, navy and gray are popular among women and are colors that are easy to match with inner layers. Beige and light gray may also be used, but they can give a somewhat casual impression, so caution is needed regarding the brightness of the color. For suit patterns, it is safe to choose either solid colors or stripes that are not too conspicuous. It is considered proper etiquette to button up all the buttons on the jacket.

Skirt／Pants

For bottoms to pair with a jacket, both skirts and pants are acceptable. Choosing a skirt can add femininity and give a composed impression. On the other hand, pants can give an active impression, so it’s good to choose what suits you best. If you opt for a skirt, choose a knee-length tight or semi-tight skirt. When selecting a belt for pants, choose one in a color that matches the suit.

Innerwear

Standard innerwear includes dress shirts, blouses, and knit tops. For innerwear, it’s also acceptable to choose light colors or pastels such as white, light blue, or pink, but choose something that balances well with the suit and avoid flashy colors. Be careful not to choose tops with too much cleavage. Additionally, pairing a simple white blouse or white knit top with a black suit can give off a recruit suit vibe, so be cautious if you are dressing for job-hunting activities.

Shoes

For interviews, black pumps are the classic choice, but beige or brown can also be suitable depending on the color of your suit and bag. Choose heels that are between 3 to 7 centimeters high and opt for a simple design without any decorations. Additionally, make sure to check for any noticeable scratches or dirt before the interview.

Bag

For interviews, choose a business bag in a dark color (such as black or navy blue) that can fit A4 size documents. The material can be either leather or nylon, but ensure it doesn’t have any noticeable stains or scratches. Backpacks and tote bags are not acceptable.

Stocking

Wearing stockings is considered proper etiquette in business settings, not just during interviews. Even if you are wearing a pantsuit, ensure to wear stockings or tights so that your bare skin is not visible. Natural colors, such as beige, are preferred.

Accessories

Remove flashy earrings, necklaces, rings, and other accessories. It is recommended to wear a simple watch. Avoid items that are obviously branded.

Example of Ideal Outfits

Pre-Interview Grooming Checklist

1. The suit is cleaned properly coordinated

Once you’ve decided on a suit, take a look at yourself in the mirror to see if it all comes together cohesively. Check if it’s appropriate for the time, place, and occasion (TPO), if the size is right, and if there are any stains or debris on it.

2. No noticeable stains and/or scratches on shoes and bags

Dirt on pumps or bags can be surprisingly noticeable. To avoid giving a negative impression, make sure your shoes are polished and your accessories are in clean condition.

3. Jacket buttons are properly fastened

Make sure all the buttons on your jacket are fastened.

4. Hair and make up are appropriate

If your hair reaches your shoulders, tie it back with a band or similar. Black hair is preferred, but dark brown is also acceptable. Apply natural makeup to make your expression appear brighter. Avoid going to the interview with a bare face or overly heavy makeup.

5. Accessories and nails are appropriate

Remove flashy accessories. Nails in colors close to your skin tone are acceptable, but remove any brightly colored polish.

In Conclusion

This article was aimed at those in the job-hunting process, explaining the key points of appropriate grooming for interviews. We’ve highlighted some points that may not usually be a concern in everyday situations, so there might have been things you didn’t know or had forgotten. However, the most important aspect during an interview is to maintain cleanliness and understand the time, place, and occasion (TPO). Interviewers evaluate whether you are the right candidate based on these criteria. Practice the points explained here thoroughly to secure your job offer!

At HRAIT, our services extend beyond matching you with your ideal job. We offer full-scale support for your employment journey and career transitions. From free consultations to resume crafting, we’re dedicated to assisting you at every step. Join us in pursuing career growth in the United States!