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| The wonderful Anh Sundstrom (pronounced On), manager, fashion lover, mom and blogger (9to5 Chic) and always, always impeccable, teaches us what to wear at work or for a job interview... I know, with Chanel handbags, Celine and designer shoes by Stella McCartney is hard to go wrong, (it's easy to play with axes in hand, as we say in Italy), but we can get some inspiration from Ahn look and buy something similar and less pricey :) |
Short Biography on Margaret Batting.
After more than 15 years successfully working for Fortune 500 companies, Margaret felt it was time for a personal change. In 2008, she combined her passion for fashion, teaching, health and well-being with her desire to inspire others to make positive changes in their life and started a corporate image comminications business. With her certified business, she works with different businesses on how to get employees to represent their companies in the best life and for individuals to match their personal image with their professional job.
What is your key piece of advice for women you go out for their first interview? How can we embrace the "look good, feel good" model?
"Invest in quality! Your outfit also needs to suit you, your personality and the environment you’re interviewing in. Wearing your mother’s suit is not going to cut it. It’s important to pay attention to key details like making sure your clothes fit well, jacket sleeves are tailored and your shoes are in great shape. Make sure your “business essentials” like your tote bag and pen complement your image and communicate a consistent message. No backpacks or cheap pens!"
What are 5 pieces you think all college girls should invest into their wardrobe for upcoming interviews? How do you feel about accessorizing? Is it affordable to have a professional wardrobe?
"1. One high quality stylish suit in a dark color like charcoal grey or black- pieces can be worn separately once you land the job.
2. A blouse to complement your suit- color and style will depend on the type of job and company. You have more flexibility if you are interviewing in Retail, Advertising, Marketing, PR or at start up company.
3. A pair of amazing black shoes no higher than 3 inches. Again, quality is key. Shoes speak volumes!
4. A winter coat or trench coat that fits you perfectly
5. A quality tote bag with minimal or simple hardware
Accessories are fine as long as they are not distracting. They should complement your outfit not detract from it. Also, if you can afford to buy an Iphone and drink Starbucks coffee you can afford a professional wardrobe. It’s about creating a plan, prioritizing, budgeting, and making smart purchases."
Can you please share a before/after success story that you worked with in helping making a young woman develop her image?
"I worked with two college students who had started a company while still in school. They were in the process of seeking funding to grow their business and needed help conveying a more professional image. The looked young and inexperienced and knew it was important for them to come across as polished, confident and credible when meeting with investors and VCs. As part of the image development process I reviewed their existing wardrobes for outfit options and realized they needed to invest in some new clothes. We then went to Ann Taylor where I pulled together outfits that suited their style, personality and image they wanted to convey. While selecting options I explained why certain styles worked for them and why they didn’t and what details they should look for when selecting professional attire. As a result they felt fantastic and were successful in making the impression they needed."
How can we get the "complete package?" Isn't it more than just the look but also about skill and confidence?
"There is no short answer to this question. Creating the complete package could be a full day workshop. The complete package includes more than just a polished presence but your image does play a big role. The complete package includes your attitude, behavior, communication and business skills, talents, strengths, experience, motivation, vision and goals. Developing it is a process that takes time and starts with evaluating where you are today and where you want to go."
How can we look professional but not that we are trying to hard or clearly out of our normal casual element?
"The goal is to choose clothes that feel right on you, reflect who you are and where you want to go. You can’t put on a suit or outfit that is clearly not your style and feel confident. Developing a wardrobe, style, and professional brand is a process that takes time. You may make a few mistakes along the way but like anything else, it is how you learn."
What exactly does business casual mean?
"Business casual is a more relaxed version of formal business attire. There are three levels of business casual attire; business casual elegant, business casual classic, and weekend attire. Most professionals struggle with business casual because they make their clothing choices based on how the “feel” or their need to be comfortable instead of thinking about what impression or message they want to communicate."
Where to get your inspiration?
"I believe everyone has the potential to be amazing. Developing a confident and credible image is not a luxury, but an investment in your success. My inspiration comes from my clients. When I receive emails, cards and text messages from clients sharing their success stories and telling me how great they feel it makes me feel like I am making a difference."
No matter what industry you are pursuing, it is always of the utmost
importance to look polished, professional, and put together. However,
while many interviews look for applicants to arrive dressed in a suit
with a pair of closed-toe, three inch, black heels, PERHAPS the world
is looking for something entirely different. The first step to landing
that dream job, is looking the part. If you believe that you look and
feel like you belong, then your interviewer will be more likely to feel
the same way.
I’m sure you all know that you obviously need to do your homework before you show up for your interview, but what you also need to do, is research the the style of the firm. This will give your interviewer the sense that you are the right fit for the compan.
When you’re going to an interview, it is always better to over-dress rather than under-dress. You would much rather be the girl that they remember because of her impeccable outfit and her professional look, rather than the one they remember only because she looked ridiculous and inappropriate. You want your potential boss/interviewer to be able to envision you in a position higher than the one you’re applying for, so make sure you don’t look like a bum!
While you don’t have to go out and buy a pair of brand new, $1,000 Louboutin heels, you should make sure the shoes that you wear are either new or appear to be new. You never want to show up in a pair of shoes that look like they are old and ragged. The nicer and cleaner your shoes appear, the more put together your whole look will seem.
You would be surprised at how many women think it is okay to wear a low cut shirt or a short dress/skirt to an interview in the fashion industry… They think, “Oh I just need to look fashionable and I will have that job in a minute”, when in reality yes, looking good is a huge factor, but maintaining a modest, professional appearance and having the right experience and background is just as important as what you are wearing.
With that being said, keep it classy! Make sure you are wearing more conservative options. If you’re wearing a dress, it should come to (or below) the knee and it should not be revealing or low cut AT ALL! If you’re wearing a top with pants or a skirt, make sure the top is not too revealing or low cut. If you’re wearing a skirt, make sure it is an appropriate length (same guidelines as a dress!).
With these simple tips, you’re sure to make a good impression. Good luck with that interview, go get ‘em girl!
XOXO Kristen
"I worked with two college students who had started a company while still in school. They were in the process of seeking funding to grow their business and needed help conveying a more professional image. The looked young and inexperienced and knew it was important for them to come across as polished, confident and credible when meeting with investors and VCs. As part of the image development process I reviewed their existing wardrobes for outfit options and realized they needed to invest in some new clothes. We then went to Ann Taylor where I pulled together outfits that suited their style, personality and image they wanted to convey. While selecting options I explained why certain styles worked for them and why they didn’t and what details they should look for when selecting professional attire. As a result they felt fantastic and were successful in making the impression they needed."
How can we get the "complete package?" Isn't it more than just the look but also about skill and confidence?
"There is no short answer to this question. Creating the complete package could be a full day workshop. The complete package includes more than just a polished presence but your image does play a big role. The complete package includes your attitude, behavior, communication and business skills, talents, strengths, experience, motivation, vision and goals. Developing it is a process that takes time and starts with evaluating where you are today and where you want to go."
How can we look professional but not that we are trying to hard or clearly out of our normal casual element?
"The goal is to choose clothes that feel right on you, reflect who you are and where you want to go. You can’t put on a suit or outfit that is clearly not your style and feel confident. Developing a wardrobe, style, and professional brand is a process that takes time. You may make a few mistakes along the way but like anything else, it is how you learn."
What exactly does business casual mean?
"Business casual is a more relaxed version of formal business attire. There are three levels of business casual attire; business casual elegant, business casual classic, and weekend attire. Most professionals struggle with business casual because they make their clothing choices based on how the “feel” or their need to be comfortable instead of thinking about what impression or message they want to communicate."
Where to get your inspiration?
"I believe everyone has the potential to be amazing. Developing a confident and credible image is not a luxury, but an investment in your success. My inspiration comes from my clients. When I receive emails, cards and text messages from clients sharing their success stories and telling me how great they feel it makes me feel like I am making a difference."
Dress To Impress: How To Look Professional, Classy, And Stylish For A Job Interview (by Kristen Blair)
Rule #1: Research The Company
I’m sure you all know that you obviously need to do your homework before you show up for your interview, but what you also need to do, is research the the style of the firm. This will give your interviewer the sense that you are the right fit for the compan.
Rule #2: When In Doubt, Over-Dress
When you’re going to an interview, it is always better to over-dress rather than under-dress. You would much rather be the girl that they remember because of her impeccable outfit and her professional look, rather than the one they remember only because she looked ridiculous and inappropriate. You want your potential boss/interviewer to be able to envision you in a position higher than the one you’re applying for, so make sure you don’t look like a bum!
Rule #3: Wear New Shoes
While you don’t have to go out and buy a pair of brand new, $1,000 Louboutin heels, you should make sure the shoes that you wear are either new or appear to be new. You never want to show up in a pair of shoes that look like they are old and ragged. The nicer and cleaner your shoes appear, the more put together your whole look will seem.
Rule #4: Always Steer Towards The Conservative Side
You would be surprised at how many women think it is okay to wear a low cut shirt or a short dress/skirt to an interview in the fashion industry… They think, “Oh I just need to look fashionable and I will have that job in a minute”, when in reality yes, looking good is a huge factor, but maintaining a modest, professional appearance and having the right experience and background is just as important as what you are wearing.
With that being said, keep it classy! Make sure you are wearing more conservative options. If you’re wearing a dress, it should come to (or below) the knee and it should not be revealing or low cut AT ALL! If you’re wearing a top with pants or a skirt, make sure the top is not too revealing or low cut. If you’re wearing a skirt, make sure it is an appropriate length (same guidelines as a dress!).
With these simple tips, you’re sure to make a good impression. Good luck with that interview, go get ‘em girl!
XOXO Kristen
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