How to look good on a budget

You don’t have to spend in excess to be appropriately dressed for that important interview

Whether it’s an interview for a job, college, internship, or work experience, the first impression must be the best, and you will only get one chance to make it. How you appear at that interview is, therefore, crucial.

When you’re just starting out and too young to have a sufficient work wardrobe, getting that ‘I mean business’ look can be expensive.

Wanda Armstrong has been helping young people navigate interviews for nearly two decades. Currently human resource and culture manager at BHS, she was previously senior manager and head of the graduate programme at international, ‘Big 4’ accountancy firm, KPMG, for 17 years.

Ms. Armstrong has extensive experience from both sides of the interview process, so we asked for her advice about how to dress for success on a budget.

Research

Before deciding what to wear, she says you must do your homework and research the company or school you are interviewing for. Some will have a more formal dress code; others may be more relaxed. If in doubt, it’s ok to ask.

Regardless of what you are interviewing for however, you should always look professional and polished.

Too formal better than too casual

It’s easier to take off a jacket or tie than it is to magic one out of nowhere. If you’re unsure how smart to be, go formal.

For ladies, Ms. Armstrong recommends a dress or skirt with a jacket. If it’s not a suit, be sure that the jacket matches the rest of the outfit.

The dress or skirt must not be too short. If it’s above the knee, stand up, put your hands down by your sides, and if it falls above your middle finger, it’s too short. You never want to have to pull down a skirt during an interview.

Shoes must not be too high. It would be embarrassing to trip up in front of someone you are trying to impress. High heels are fine, but not stilettos. If you choose flat shoes, avoid sandals or backless shoes. Enclosed shoes provide the most professional look.

Men can’t go wrong in a pair of blue or black smart trousers with a matching jacket. The ideal shoe style is tied-up lace shoes, but moccasins or loafers are also acceptable if they are polished and not worn out.

Ties are becoming increasingly optional, but if your interview is with an international company, a tie always looks business like and professional.

When it comes to colours, Ms. Armstrong advises against anything too flashy.

Hair and Accessories

The same applies to hair and jewellery. You don’t want anything to distract the interviewer. A watch, rings, and earrings are all fine, however she recommends removing other piercings such as nose rings or multiple ear piercings before an interview.

If you have visible tattoos, Ms. Armstrong suggests you cover them up for interviews. For some types of positions, tattoos may be perfectly acceptable if they are not offensive. But in other industries they may not be appropriate, or match the vision and image of particular professional firms.

Hair, whether long or short, must be brushed, combed, and secured in place.

Finally, always have a notepad and pen, and therefore something appropriate to put it in. All interviewers will ask if you have any questions and, says Ms. Armstrong, you must always have at least two questions to ask. To help you remember them, write them down on a notepad. Never bring out your phone in an interview. It doesn’t give a good impression.

Where to Shop

If your budget is tight, Ms. Armstrong recommends The Barn, Red Cross, or Salvation Army thrift shops, which nearly always have a great selection of business clothes and shoes. Location and opening hours are:

The Barn, 53 Devon Spring Road, Devonshire

Open: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 9am – 2pm

The Red Cross Thrift Shop, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget

Open: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday, 9am – 3pm

The Salvation Army Thrift Store, 44 King Street, Hamilton

Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 3pm