Many times, when you are looking for a new job, it can be a challenge to keep your job search confidential. If your boss or others in your office were aware that you were talking to other employers, you might find yourself out of a job, ahead of schedule.
We've all done it at some point in our lives. You know, having to leave early because you have a “doctor's appointment” when you are really going to an interview. The problem is, if you show up dressed much nicer than usual, no one will believe that you just want to look nice at your appointment.
So, how can you wear business casual clothes at the office and still be interview ready after work? Here are some tips that can help:
Women:
- Opt for a cardigan – If you are wearing a dress, or even a suit, leave the nice jacket in your car and wear a cardigan sweater. Sweaters will help dress down your outfit and you can always change to the blazer after you leave the office.
- Throw makeup in your bag – If you don't wear a lot of makeup at work, showing up wearing a great lipstick might generate a lot of compliments and raise some questions as well. It's a better idea to bring makeup and touch it up after work.
- Wear flats – Keep the heels in the car, you'll be more comfortable and you can change shoes later.
- Keep an interview bag in your car – Put together an interview bag that has breath mints, toothbrush and tooth paste, makeup, deodorant, emery board, nail polish remover wipes, safety pins and anything else you might need before your interview. This way, after you leave the office you can handle almost any fashion emergency.
Men:
- Keep the tie in the car – For men, you can get away with a dress shirt and slacks at almost any business casual office without anyone raising an eyebrow. Keep the jacket and tie in the car and you're all set.
- Wear casual shoes – Leave the dress shoes in the car. Shiny shoes on someone who typically wears loafers is a huge clue that something is going on.
- Pack an emergency bag – This is similar to the tip for women. Put together a bag with a razor (if you get a shadow by 5 o'clock) cologne, lotion for your hands, a can of static guard, breath mints and anything else you think you might need to get ready for your interview.
What other things do you think could help keep an interview on the down low? I would love to hear your suggestions in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for FinancialJobBank. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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