Land Your Dream Job Accelerator (LYDJA) starts Thursday, October 6th.  To learn more about and to register: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Dy066dj7gm5chND-FfIcd-vZNeS0y4Tdbbf6Jr_oP8/edit#heading=h.9en890oi4qsu  We’ve gotten very relaxed in our dress since Covid, especially those of us who have worked from home. Even many companies have relaxed their dress standards – so what does this mean for how to dress for a job interview?  Many screening interviews and even subsequent interviews are still being conducted via Zoom or Teams. Even though they may only see you from the waist up, I strongly recommend you fully dress for the interview – you’ll show up differently if you do.  Of course, you’ll need to dress appropriately from head to toe for an in-person interview. What, exactly, you should wear varies depending on your industry, the company culture, and the position you’re interviewing for.  Remember that dressing appropriately shows respect for the company and the position you’re applying for. When in doubt, it’s usually better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. You might also reach out to the company’s HR or the person who scheduled the interview to ask about the dress code if you’re uncertain.  Why is dressing appropriately important? -You’ll likely be more confident in yourself during the interview. -You are demonstrating to the employer that you have a good sense of judgment and can successfully read a situation. -It shows your commitment to professionalism and that you genuinely want the job. -It can set you apart from the other candidates. -It demonstrates your respect for the business you’re interviewing with and those you are meeting with.  -Makes a good impression on the hiring manager – you never have a second chance to make a good first impression.  Here are some general guidelines for dressing for the interview: 1.    Research the Company: Before the interview, try to learn about the company’s culture and dress code by looking at their website, social media profiles, and even asking current or former employees if you know any.  2.    Grooming and Hygiene: No matter the industry or company culture, it is important that you are clean and neat. Your clothes should be wrinkle-free, shoes polished, nails groomed, and hair clean and neat. If you wear glasses, clean them! Avoid perfumes or even scented lotions or hair products that may offend some people.  3.    Accessories: In general, keep to a minimum. A watch, one bracelet, one ring on each hand, simple earrings that don’t swing or make noise, and one simple necklace. Alternatively, women may choose to wear a scarf; if so, minimize jewelry even further.  4.    Footwear: Men should wear closed-toed dress shoes that are polished. Women should wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a minimal heel or flats. 5.    Colors: While you have more latitude with creative roles in creative companies, in general stick to neutral or conservative colors such as black, grey, navy blue, and white for shirts. Petite women may choose to brighten their palette up to give themselves a larger presence.  6.    Try everything on: Before the day of your interview, try everything on to make sure it fits and looks good together. Decide on your accessories and try them on. While I don’t recommend wearing brand-new shoes, if you do, break them in and scuff up the soles ahead of time so you aren’t uncomfortable and don’t slip and fall.   Next, let’s talk about the levels of business attire. 1.    Business professional: If the company has a formal dress code or if you are interviewing for a professional or more senior role, it’s generally best to wear a business professional outfit.  For men: A well-fitted suit and tie. How loud or creative your tie and shirt choice are depends on the position, the industry, and the company culture – as well as your personality.  For women: A pantsuit, skirt suit, or conservative dress with jacket, with closed-toed shoes (low heels or flats). Av