The Perfect Touch: Choosing the Right Jewelry for a Job Interview

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You’ve fixed up your resume, submitted an application, and landed an interview for a dream job — and you deserve some congratulations! As any job seeker knows, just getting through the screening process is a huge deal.

Now, it’s time to prepare for the interview. As you research the company and map your route to the office, don’t forget to spend some time choosing what you’ll wear.

No matter what your prospective job entails, you should dress neatly and professionally for the interview. Don’t forget to accessorize: Your jewelry should be an essential part of your interview outfit.

Here are some helpful dos and don’ts to look your best on the big day:

1. Do Keep It Simple

It’s the golden rule for interviews: Your interview should focus on you, your qualifications, and your character, not your sparkly tennis bracelet. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who has lipstick on their teeth? No matter what they’re saying, it’s hard to focus with such a distraction. Keep your style subtle and choose pieces that will enhance your look, not distract from it.

2. Don’t Be Too Matchy-Matchy

Remember when the trendy look was to match everything head to toe? Shoes to purse, jewelry set to eye makeup (ah, the good old days). These days, you’re better off finding individual elements that subtly complement one another. For example, if you’re wearing dangling earrings, pair them with a soft, delicate necklace. Keep it neat, clean, and professional.

3. Do Accessorize for the Job

Our tips are relatively general, but you may want to tweak these rules if you’re interviewing for a career in fashion. Naturally, if your position calls for unique flair, go the extra mile.

As for the rest of you go-getters, take some time to research the company you’re interviewing with before selecting an ensemble. Information on company culture and values can be very helpful here. When in doubt, refer to tip No. 1.

4. Don’t Wear Anything With Political or Religious Signification

Your diamond cross pendant might be your go-to jewelry staple, but you may want to leave it at home on interview day. Remember that your personal views should not influence whether you get the job, and you don’t know what affiliations the interviewer may have. Of course, it’s illegal for an interviewer to ask you questions about personal subjects like religious views, and an employer can’t discriminate against you for your own religious beliefs or practices — but unconscious bias does exist, and it can derail your interview.

5. Do Opt for Precious Metals

Gold, platinum, and silver are all precious metals. You can find classic, versatile pieces in these materials to suit any style and budget. Wearing plastic wristbands or a leather choker may come off as juvenile and send the wrong message to your potential employer. You only get one chance to make the best impression possible, so show them your sophisticated, polished side. Leave the boho necklace for your days off.

Practical Jewelry Suggestions

Now that we’ve gone over how important it is to select the right jewelry for the big interview, it’s time to choose a few pieces to wear. If these pieces aren’t already in your jewelry wardrobe, there is no need to go out and buy them just for the interview.

That said, the items we’ve listed below are as versatile as it gets:

  1. Earrings: You can’t go wrong with diamond or pearl stud earrings of any hue of gold. Dainty hoops will work as well.
  2. Necklaces: Delicate pendants or lariat necklaces make for the perfect subtle accessory.
  3. Bracelets: A watch is always a good idea, but we also love the look of a soft cuff or a small diamond bracelet.
  4. Rings: Your engagement and wedding rings are perfectly acceptable. Otherwise, keep it simple with thin bands or a stackable set.

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As you prepare for your job interview, your outfit and jewelry should be practical, subtle, and suited to your personality. Hopefully your ensemble will give you the extra boost of confidence to land the job of your dreams!

Jazmin Aguilar is social media and events coordinator for Robbins Brothers.

By Jazmin Aguilar