How To: Snag your dream job on a budget (Guest Post by Jackie Houston)

It's more important than ever to dress to impress when interviewing for a position. With so many people looking for a job you need to stand out! Jackie Houston is an image consultant whose stock in trade is her visionary combination of creativity and ability to brainstorm and edit — both visually and verbally. Her passion is helping clients identify, perfect and showcase their best possible image — with poise, grace and style — at all times. Her expertise includes a keen eye for design, a flair for the written word, and a gift for inspiring confidence and joie de vivre. Jackie gave up some of her best tips for dressing for an interview on a budget, read on for helpful hints!

           A professional demeanor, firm handshake, and winning smile are free. Your interview wardrobe will probably cost something but it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. These are my top five tips on how to dress for an interview on a budget:

1. Shop your closet. You may already own what you need, and you don’t need a lot. Classic pieces including a sheath dress, cardigan or tailored jacket, and trousers in neutral colors are right for most interview situations. Make sure every piece flatters and fits you perfectly. If necessary, take garments to a tailor for alterations or for upgrades like substantial new buttons to spruce up a cardigan or jacket.

2. Borrow from a friend. You might have the perfect pencil skirt, blouse, and shoes but a jacket — or trench coat or briefcase, etc. — just isn’t in your current budget. Make sure the garments you borrow fit you well and that you return borrowed items clean and in their original condition.

3. Shop consignment and discount stores. Apparel like suits, pencil skirts, structured handbags,and pumps are timeless so there’s no need to buy the latest designer versions. It’s cheaper to buy a gently used or previous season designer suit and have it updated as needed.

4. There’s no substitute for a good shoe. Shop sales and discount outlets for a pair of leather or vegan closed toe shoes in a neutral color. Consider a nude shade or a classic crocodile or snakeskin print pump. They’ll go with just about everything you own and add visual interest to your ensemble without being outré. Travel to your meeting in a pair of easy-to-stow flats to save wear and tear on your interview shoes.

5. Invest in suiting in a four season weight fabric so you can wear it comfortably at any time of year. Light heather gray, dark charcoal gray, and navy are all good choices and flatter most complexions. Black suiting is another possibility but it can be perceived as severe, especially for a first interview at a more traditional organization.

Whatever you choose to wear to your interview, make sure you feel comfortable and confident and you’ll be sure to make a strong and positive impression.

Check out Jackie Houston style here. Find her on facebook here.