It finally looks like we are beginning to have some warmer weather(regularly) and I am taking the time to look at one or two part time jobs in which I may be interested.
Because RockMyRole is all about the different roles we mature women play in our play of "Lifestyle", it seems appropriate to post a well thought out strategy in dressing for the different aspects of a working role. In both of these pictures, I am demonstrating business casual attire where I will simply be picking up an application or returning it. (I always try to do this because I believe that all opportunities to "connect" with a prospective employer are significant to reach my goal, the job I want). The yellow ensemble is what I would wear for a formal interview on any of the jobs I would seek; I would wear the maroon only for inquiries as to whether employment is available or to pick up an application or to return the application. Because both jobs I am considering are in casual retail, I will also be "shopping the store". This tactic allows the person's who I would be interfacing with to observe me, (often that person may have influence in the hiring procedure) and evaluating my potential role as employee.
The dress "for an interview" rules for a person of my age are very different than for my younger counterpart; they are also very different for the mature 40 to 60 age group. I am over 70, and I know finding the job I want may be difficult. I might consider re-coloring my hair (I just decided to bleach it out white this past year) as well as carefully considering the impact of what I wear. I have to project instantly a youthful, vibrant, and energetic woman; one who is not too frail, "dotty", etc., etc., All of these latent "old age" stereotypes have to be dispelled within the few seconds it takes for a potential employer to register my appearance.
Of course, I will use my styling to accomplish this impression before I speak the first word. The mild yellow outfit I am wearing in the picture is further accessorized with a simple "boyfriend" watch and my wedding ring. I will use the camel and cream structured handbag to lend a more modern feel to the outfit without drawing any undo attention to any focal point. Why, you ask? Well....
Most interview experts recommend that the attire for any aspect of the employment process should not draw undo attention but should present an over all impression of solid, good judgement. It is recommended that accessories be of good leather, (or a quality substitute) ; never athletic materials, straw, or canvas. Jewelry or other accessories should be simple, no perfume, and sensible but fashionable shoes. The look should be not too affluent but radiate durability and quality. Hair, grooming and cosmetics should be subtle, etc. (BTW, many, many studies and much research has been done in this psychological employment arena, and the results are consistent year after year.)
A word more about the shoes; comfort is essential . (Sore or hurting feet always reflect negatively in the facial movements, etc.) Depending upon the job one is seeking, it may be appropriate to wear heels. Most older women who are even a little bit over their ideal weight when wearing low heels tend to look a bit frumpy when they are worn with a suit (matched or otherwise). Depending upon the job, wearing a pant suit is more effective for an interview, and usually are best when worn with a two inch heel. A dress with a blazer or sweater is usually more effective than the suit, and when worn with either flat or low heels. Unless working in a fashion or artistic professional environment, an older woman is cautioned from wearing high heels, boots, or other a la mode trendy footwear.
Extreme fashion statements of any kind are not recommended (this applies to women of any age!!) Once again, high fashion or art based businesses can be an exception, but do your research.
For the type of job I am looking for, the garments I am wearing reflect the type of outfit I would wear to pick up and return an application or make inquiry, I would also make sure my nails were well manicured with a neutral polish and my hair style neither too severe nor too messy. (my greatest challenge).
The deep red purse (looks lighter here than in real life) is very plain, the "look" I want, particularly because I have the gold buttons on both the loafers and the sweater jacket. The only jewelry I am wearing are gold earrings and a gold ring on each hand. The stripes are ornament enough and add a little trend to an otherwise too classic ensemble. (The stripes also convey a touch of youthfulness without looking like I am trying too hard ). This outfit could be improved with a pair of perfectly matched dark red plain oval toed flats, but I don't have them, nor could I find any in exactly the right shade. (If I can find them for my optimal purchase price I would get them because I expect to wear the pants and sweater for several more seasons-the stripes will probably not)
The dress "for an interview" rules for a person of my age are very different than for my younger counterpart; they are also very different for the mature 40 to 60 age group. I am over 70, and I know finding the job I want may be difficult. I might consider re-coloring my hair (I just decided to bleach it out white this past year) as well as carefully considering the impact of what I wear. I have to project instantly a youthful, vibrant, and energetic woman; one who is not too frail, "dotty", etc., etc., All of these latent "old age" stereotypes have to be dispelled within the few seconds it takes for a potential employer to register my appearance.
Of course, I will use my styling to accomplish this impression before I speak the first word. The mild yellow outfit I am wearing in the picture is further accessorized with a simple "boyfriend" watch and my wedding ring. I will use the camel and cream structured handbag to lend a more modern feel to the outfit without drawing any undo attention to any focal point. Why, you ask? Well....
Most interview experts recommend that the attire for any aspect of the employment process should not draw undo attention but should present an over all impression of solid, good judgement. It is recommended that accessories be of good leather, (or a quality substitute) ; never athletic materials, straw, or canvas. Jewelry or other accessories should be simple, no perfume, and sensible but fashionable shoes. The look should be not too affluent but radiate durability and quality. Hair, grooming and cosmetics should be subtle, etc. (BTW, many, many studies and much research has been done in this psychological employment arena, and the results are consistent year after year.)A word more about the shoes; comfort is essential . (Sore or hurting feet always reflect negatively in the facial movements, etc.) Depending upon the job one is seeking, it may be appropriate to wear heels. Most older women who are even a little bit over their ideal weight when wearing low heels tend to look a bit frumpy when they are worn with a suit (matched or otherwise). Depending upon the job, wearing a pant suit is more effective for an interview, and usually are best when worn with a two inch heel. A dress with a blazer or sweater is usually more effective than the suit, and when worn with either flat or low heels. Unless working in a fashion or artistic professional environment, an older woman is cautioned from wearing high heels, boots, or other a la mode trendy footwear.
Extreme fashion statements of any kind are not recommended (this applies to women of any age!!) Once again, high fashion or art based businesses can be an exception, but do your research.
For the type of job I am looking for, the garments I am wearing reflect the type of outfit I would wear to pick up and return an application or make inquiry, I would also make sure my nails were well manicured with a neutral polish and my hair style neither too severe nor too messy. (my greatest challenge).The deep red purse (looks lighter here than in real life) is very plain, the "look" I want, particularly because I have the gold buttons on both the loafers and the sweater jacket. The only jewelry I am wearing are gold earrings and a gold ring on each hand. The stripes are ornament enough and add a little trend to an otherwise too classic ensemble. (The stripes also convey a touch of youthfulness without looking like I am trying too hard ). This outfit could be improved with a pair of perfectly matched dark red plain oval toed flats, but I don't have them, nor could I find any in exactly the right shade. (If I can find them for my optimal purchase price I would get them because I expect to wear the pants and sweater for several more seasons-the stripes will probably not)
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