This is a guest post by Ann Smarty. Ann is a blogger and search marketer. Her recent project is My Blog Guest – a community of guest bloggers that welcomes new members.
It’s important to look sharp when you walk into a job interview, but you don’t have to blow your entire paycheck at Ann Taylor just to work it for your future employer (professionally, of course). No matter whether you’re rejoining the job hunt after a long hiatus or dashing into the fray for the first time, you can update your interview attire and look like the right (wo)man for the job without spending a fortune on your outfit.
- Go thrifting — One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and you just might strike gold by searching for affordable attire at your local thrift shop, or browsing on eBay. Be on the lookout for timeless suits, or those that are still in good shape, despite their age. Use tricks like removing buttons (fewer buttons make a blazer more modern) to update any piece that’s passed its prime.
- Trade with friends — Hand-me-down office-wear is no cause for shame. If one of your buds is retiring a dress that’s too snug, don’t be bashful about taking it off her hands.
- Have it tailored — Well-made separates usually lend themselves to alterations, which will cost far less than buying something new off the rack. Look for deals on pieces that might not fit quite right, then let your seamstress work her magic. No one will be able to tell you had those half-priced pants taken in, and you’ll look smart without paying top-dollar for the newest designs.
- Capitalize on coupons — Deals can come along at any time, and you have to be ready to pounce when you stumble upon a killer discount on interview clothes. Since you never know when you might need them, don’t be afraid to take advantage of limited-time savings by using coupons and coupon codes to compile the perfect professional wardrobe for future use.
- Mix it up — There’s no reason to pay top-dollar for an undershirt that’s just going to peek out from behind your expertly tailored suit jacket. Use more affordable pieces like t-shirts from the Gap as suit shells to keep your spending down without betraying your frugal nature.
There’s no need to make a frantic run to a high-priced department store just because you’ve got an interview coming up. Get creative with affordable tips that will help you score your dream job without going into debt.
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This is totally random and off-topic, but I just have to tell you how jealous I am that you are going to the Savvy Summit blogging seminar this summer! I just noticed your button. I couldn’t even apply b/c of a wedding we need to attend. My good friend Erin is one of the coordinators — I’ll have to give her a shout-out to look out for you!
Hi Jolyn, I am very excited about going to the Savvy Blogging Summit. Attendees received the agenda yesterday and I was so stoked to see that J.D. Roth from Get Rich Slowly is the opening speaker. How cool!
I’ll be on the lookout for Erin.
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