How to Look Wealthy for a Job Interview

Want to impress your potential new boss? Dress like a wealthy, successful business woman for your first interview and you will increase your odds. Now, you may be wondering why this article stresses looking "wealthy" rather than professional. Well, "professional" is a word that encompasses a great deal of fashion choices, and in the minds of some the word also includes chunky loafers and lumpy sweaters. Therefore, the word "wealthy" will be used in reference to looking as if you didn't have to fight through a bargain basement for your interview duds. It's ok if you did, but let's not tell anyone, shall we? After all, no one is hiring the desperate, and looking as if you haven't been able to afford a new handbag in years might give your interviewer the impression that you haven't been successful. Avoid this interview killer by dressing with the following rules in mind.

First, don't try to fool your interviewer by mocking the look of expensive fabrics with your knock off versions. Faux silk, cashmere, and animal furs are easily detected, and make the wearer look, well, cheap. Instead, focus on the structure of each article of clothing, rather than the actual composition. It's ok if the suit is a blend, as long as it has good clean lines, fits exceedingly well, and is stiff in structure. To achieve this "wealthy" look on a budget for your interview apparel, try taking advantage of the new mass market lines that designers are releasing in regular department stores. (Think Vera Wang and Kohl's)

Next, purchase a slim, patent leather belt to wrap snugly around the center of your outfit. Black patent belts that are one inch or less in width can be used to bring any outfit together, from dresses to business suits. Also, only the most stylish and sophisticated seem to be wearing them, so put yourself in that group and stand apart from the others interviewing for the position. Your outfit will look more polished and put together instantly, regardless of its price tag.

Next, leave the diamonds at home and use statement jewelry that closely matches your outfit. This part can be a little tricky, so pay attention for just a moment. Statement jewelry today is the equivalent of the red "power lipstick" of the eighties and nineties. However, this doesn't mean it should be loud and distracting. If you are wearing a purple dress, pair it with chunky silver and amethyst colored jewelry, not pink or black. Pink is too much, and black is too boring for this outfit. You get the picture. Also, despite what you might be thinking, wearing your biggest diamonds for an interview doesn't say "wealthy and successful" anymore. It says "I don't have enough money for professional jewelry, so I had to put on my 'special occasion' jewelry." Don't make that mistake.

Next, avoid prints of any kind if you want your interviewer to buy that you are well off when you're not. Prints only work well when they are on the most sumptuous of fabrics, and those fabrics come with a hefty price tag. Avoid them altogether, at least in your main pieces, and stick to solids.

Next, make sure that your hair has a bit of gloss to it before your interviewer sees you. One of the first signs of a successful and well off business woman is her well taken care of hair. A bottle of shine spray is only about $3.00 at any drugstore, and the sheen will last for a couple of hours. Lightly spray a hair brush with your choice of shine product thirty minutes before your interview, and brush all the way through, concentrating on the ends. Your hair will look healthier instantly, even if you have been using 99 cent store shampoo for months.

Finally, pay special attention to your shoes and handbag. These pieces can make or break your entire outfit. If you want your interviewer to think you are a wealthy professional who has style and taste, it is essential that your shoes and handbag tell them so. Higher heels are OK now for interviews, and as a matter of fact, they are far more professional looking than the thick, low heels our mothers had to wear to be taken seriously. Handbags play a similar role to your power jewelry, meaning they should make a statement without standing out on their own. In other words, if your purse is larger than your briefcase (or acts as your briefcase), it's too much. Both shoes and handbags should be sleek, structured, and polished without saying "glamazon" or "frump queen." Find a middle ground.

Remember, looking "wealthy" for an interview meanings looking successful. If you give off the impression that you are financially secure, you are letting your interviewer know that you take yourself and your career seriously. Not only that, but you will give off the impression that you are responsible and driven. The way you dress does most of the talking for you during an interview, so let your style help you land the job.