Whether it's reading a fashion magazine, embarking on a DIY project, or practicing my violin, I enjoy artistic pursuits. I have a strong aesthetic sense which manifests itself in everything from my decor to my data visualizations.
I was at a popular Twin Cities career event and looked around the room at the many skilled, experienced, and brilliant young people who were my competition for a job. While glancing around, I noticed something: I was in the minority... but not for the reasons you'd think. I was the ONLY person wearing 1) a color and 2) a pattern. In a sea of variations of black, white, gray, and navy I stood out in my muted, watercolor, flower-print blouse and bright orange portfolio.
I love my orange faux-crocodile portfolio. Orange is my least favorite color, so carrying it reminds me to break out of my comfort zone and be bold. Orange conveys excitement, energy, and enthusiasm, which are feelings I experience when networking. Orange was also my Nana's favorite color, so the hue reminds me of her.
A wave of panic and self-doubt washed over me. Was I standing out in the wrong way? Was I eliminating myself from consideration before I even shared my resume? Would people assume I am unintelligent because I clearly like fashion?
I quickly pulled myself together. I enjoy curating a look that expresses my inside outwardly through clothing. This is me. This is who I am. I am creative, artsy, confident, bold, and quirky - and my clothing reflects that. I am also professional, qualified, and smart - and my clothing reflects that, too. Dressing in a way that makes me feel like me boosts my confidence - something very important at a career fair. Changing my style would make me feel awkward and disingenuous, which would surely come across in my conversations with recruiters. I'm also representing my true self to potential employers; if they don't like a pop of color or a quirky print, I would not fit into the corporate culture.
Okay, Eden... But why are you writing about fashion, something so superficial, on your career blog? Because I've read too much career "advice" telling job seekers to dress a specific way that completely ignores the power clothing has to affect your mood. I even posed a question to a well-known carer expert about honoring my sense of style during the interview process and received advice to "tone down" my looks and wear "simple" clothing. I am certainly no career expert, but I do know a thing or two about fashion! Clothing has the power to transform how you feel, which can help you feel confident during difficult, nerve-wracking situations such as job seeking. Why do you think people always feel so great after receiving a makeover? Clothing can be transformative! Of course, one must not take this self-expression to the extreme; a balance needs to be struck, especially in a career setting.
A lot of companies still have very traditional corporate dress codes. Other companies have transitioned to "dress for your day" attire. Remote positions allow employees to work in sweatpants and slippers. Use each interaction with the company, whether it is in real life or through a screen, to suss out the dress code and adjust your future outfits accordingly. And don't underestimate the dress code as an important clue to company culture!
My fashion advice? It's okay to show a tasteful dash of your style while interviewing! Maybe you have a piece that has special meaning to you or is a lucky talisman - definitely wear that! Ask a friend if you have doubts about an outfit's appropriateness. I always err on the side of overdressing: it is better to be overdressed and make a lighthearted joke about it than be woefully underdressed. Keep in mind that how you dress is a way to convey respect for others and show you have self-respect for yourself. And always test-drive a full outfit head to toe before an interview. Trust me, there is nothing worse than too-tight pants or distractingly jangly bracelets throwing you off of your A-game!
If you're in a room full of black, gray, and navy suits and looking for me, I'll be the one in the brightly patterned science blouse.
I will admit I squealed when I took a closer look at the nerdy print on this blouse! I love clothing that draws you in and invites a closer look, just like I love data sets that draw me deep into an analysis. Can #MicrochipsAndSalsa be my official hashtag?
I spent an embarrassing about of time counting sides to determine this necklace is made of tetradecagons. I am drawn to geometric designs full of patterns, just like I am drawn to patterns in data.
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