Monster.com: Present The Best You { + Giveaway!}

Monster.com is launching a new Facebook app called BeKnown, a professional networking tool for Facebook users that allows them keep their professional and personal lives separate. To commemorate the launch of this new app, I was asked to write up my tips on presenting your best self during an interview. Being that this is a fashion blog, I wanted to focus on the first impressions created by the interview outfit. Here is a sample of something I would wear to an interview.

Blazer: H&M Tuxedo Blazer (old) - 2 (similar)

Top: Express (old) - XS (buy this year's version)

Belt: borrowed from Express shirtdress - (similar)

Skirt: Forever 21 Black Pencil Skirt (old) - XS (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors "Small Runway" (MK5430) - $127 (buy) 

Shoes: Louboutin Decollete Patent Pumps - 35 / gifted from Adrian (similar)

Purse: Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 - gifted from parents (similar) 

My basic guidelines for dressing for an interview include:

• Wear a suit.  I am a software developer so oftentimes the interviews that I go into do not call for wearing a suit.  However, I strongly believe that a suit will only help you in the case of an interview.  A good suit conveys professionalism and shows that you are serious about the job opportunity, not to mention that a suit sometimes can give you that extra boost of confidence! Take the time to invest in a good suit -- you don't want to be scrambling around finding a suit and worrying about alterations before an interview!
• Wear classic colors.  I am a big fan of colorful outfits, but for an interview, this is definitely one case where you want to stick with the classic colors -- and definitely black!  I personally prefer pairing royal blue tops with my suits as I feel like the color projects authority while still staying classic and conservative. 
  
• Minimize accessories.  If you are interviewing for a fashion-forward opportunity, you will probably want to ignore this bullet.  However, since I am in the technology field, having accessories in an interview outfit can be distracting and excessive.  I would generally just stick with a watch, simple earrings, and maybe a simple necklace. 
  
• Comfortable, functional pumps.  Although I usually prefer platform pumps, for an interview I will always stick to a simple classic pump shape.  Make sure that these pumps are broken in and that you are comfortable walking in them!  The last thing you want to be thinking about is having painful feet during a long day of interviews. 

You can tell that for an interview, I like to play it safe with my outfit choices.  The point is to look professional and wearing the right clothes is definitely a key component in creating a positive first impression with a prospective employer. 

As for Monster.com's latest BeKnown app, I have long awaited for something that would let me separate my professional network from my personal network on Facebook.  While privacy settings can help you hide posts that you don't necessarily want your boss to see, ultimately there needed to be something that could help you build your network professionally within your existing Facebook network.  I couldn't have been happier to learn about the launch of just this feature with the new BeKnown app!

And to help spread the word about BeKnown, I have been given a couple items to use for a giveaway! 

Prize will be similar to image shown:  buesiness card holder + makeup kit

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  This post is an entry to the Monster.com BeKnown comtest.  Giveaway items are provided by Monster.com.  All opinions are my own and completely honest.

Follow Me | Twitter | Facebook
Ask me anything on FormSpring