Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Best Shoes for Job Interview


In today’s job market, there is plenty of competition when it comes to getting job. Heck, it’s hard enough to even score an interview. And once you walk through the door, first impressions are everything. Is your outfit professional? Does it reflect the company culture? What do your accessories say about you? Do you pay close attention to your own personal details that go into preparing and getting dressed for an interview? There are many questions that pop into an interviewer’s head before you even open your mouth. They are immediately sizing you up and trying to draw a conclusion. Therefore, everything you wear to a job interview reflects upon you, from you head, down to your toes. Here, we take a look at some of the best interview shoes that will give you a one up on the competition (at least looks wise).

I am of the firm belief that you cannot overdress for a job interview. Sure, this is a bold statement, and obviously you have to dress for the position and industry you are in, but it’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward. And by this, I mean your best shoe. If you’re going to be wearing a suit to a job interview, a dress shoe is a must. For guys, this is typically a polished black or brown shoe. Kenneth Cole Reaction shoes have some good options that aren’t too buttoned-up, yet still present a professional façade. A nice loafer or square toed oxford offer something interesting, while a classic lace up is always appreciated.

For women, there are a lot more shoe options out there, but there’s also a lot more opportunity to make a fashion (and career) blunder. It’s best to dress as conservatively as possible, and by this, I mean a low heel in a neutral color such as black or tan. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that your shoes have to be boring. Anne Klein shoes are great for making a statement that you take yourself seriously but still have a knack for quality. You don’t have to wear a heel if it makes you uncomfortable; you can try a simple unadorned flat instead. It’s very important to stay away from high heel shoes that are too high, too flashy or too trashy, or from open toed sandals like flip-flops or slides.

When selecting a shoe for an interview, think about where else you wear that shoe. If the answer is dancing or the beach, then they probably aren’t the right option. If the answer is church, then you might be onto something. Be sure to try your interview outfit (with your shoes) on before the interview, to make sure it all goes together.

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