How to Dress for a Job Interview When You're Broke

By Joely Friedman on November 15, 2013

Being broke is always a bummer. It would seem that there are more cons than pros to living a money-less existence.?It would seem..

But, there is in fact one gigantic pro to being broke:?thrift shopping.

I know all to well that high that comes with finding that beautiful jacket that cannot be found in stores anymore. I am confident that there are many wealthy people out there who have to resort to thrifting during the dead of night so as to not be seen and therefore embarrassed by their second hand treasures.

These poor, poor rich people who have to hide their love of gently used clothes while us broke college students are free to flaunt our?Goodwill?shopping bags and show with pride the receipts that show that we purchased 5 new sweaters for $8.

Image from?Wikimedia

College students should not hesitate to hit up the thrift store for all sorts of special occasions. It is a great place to buy that new turtleneck for Thanksgiving, or a new dress for Christmas, or perhaps even a new blazer for an interview.

Dressing for an interview requires wearing really nice clothes; really nice clothes are expensive. What you should do is trick your interviewer by showing up in gently used really nice clothes and you are sure to get the job.

I have found countless beautiful blazers, pressed button down shirts, stylish heels, and nice fitted slacks at?Plato’s Closet. Everything I would need to secure a job at any law firm in town!

Image from?Flickr.

If thrifting is not your cup of tea, then try to find articles of clothes from your closet that can be re-purposed for the perfect interview outfit. You would be surprised how far adding a jacket to any outfit goes. It dresses up your outfit by adding the look of layers and creating a suit-like appeal. Girls, if you wear a pair of black tights under your dress or long pencil skirt you will instantly look more sophisticated and hire-able. Boys, matching your belt to your shoes will make you look much more grown-up and serious. Yes, that’s right, you need to be wearing a belt.

Share with me in the comments how you dress on a budget for an interview.

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