Dressing for success or myself

Usually when I’m applying for a job I set aside the real me—the butch dyke, if you will—and dress up a little feminine (different hair, different suit, everything). As I get older, this makes me feel less and less comfortable, as though I’m not being the real me. How do you suggest I dress for interviews?

That’s a tough question. Ideally, it’s essential not to disguise yourself or to appear other than who you are. Still, there’s something to be said for having your “interview suit”–and doing some extra grooming–especially because we all know how others’ prejudices can work against us.

Think of it this way: The idea is to take appearances completely out of the equation so that you can explain your qualifications and sell yourself without distraction. Once you land the job, you can be freer in how you dress. You’re not selling out to adopt a more mainstream look for the interviews; this is just another step to get you in the door.

In my experience, most people try to pick up a company’s dress code once they start work. But if you don’t think you can do that—or want to dress butch all the time—then go ahead and do it for the interview. If the company can’t take it then, you’re wasting your time considering this particular employer.