Here's my opinion on the full run down. The others have had good things to say.
In general, jewelry (including watch) should be of metal or precious stones (or good fakes, but no rhinestones). No plastic, ceramic, fabric, or feathers. The style should be classic and simple, not trendy.
Earrings: If your ears are pierced, you need to wear earrings. I wouldn't wear clip-ons unless you're 110% they won't fall off. The formal rule is that earrings should not dangle below the earlobe, and I generally abide by this rule--I really think there are enough options out there for every ear shape
🙂. Great earrings for an interview would be pearl studs, round silver ball studs, or knot earrings.
A few examples of pretty, quality earrings that would meet the bill (and not break your budget!):
http://www.bluenile.com/freshwater-pearl-stud-earrings_4071
http://www.bluenile.com/sterling-silver-earrings_8098
http://secure.jamesavery.com/jewelry/search/product/EP-1317/Original-Lovers-Knot-Ear-Posts/
And for Biophilia...my go to earrings:
http://www.davidyurman.com/shoponline/product.aspx?itemid=Y4352&folderid=/women/earrings
If you MUST wear something that dangles, stick to a small hoop (<1/2" in diameter) or a one-stone drop earring. Do NOT wear anything that resembles a chandelier in any way.
Watch: Should be analog. I wear of lot of two-tone (gold and silver) jewelry, so I have a two-tone watch. You don't have to buy one for the interview if you don't have one, but I tend to think they are the most professional accessory you can add. Fossil makes a good watch for <$100, and Seikos can look really, really nice for just a little bit more.
Necklace: Depends on the style of your blouse. I think if you have a lot of chest real estate showing (i.e., a wide cut and below the collar bone neckline...but obviously, no cleavage!), a necklace helps fill the gap. The long chain necklace look isn't interview appropriate. Good options are pearls and simple pendants or short chains.
Bracelets: Should not jingle or clank, and I'd avoid the multi-bangle look. If you tend to take your bracelets off throughout the day, I wouldn't wear one.
Rings: No more than one per hand (counting a wedding ring and engagement ring as one ring set).
As for make up...I think everyone should wear make-up to an interview. It will make you look more polished and pulled together. That being said, the key is to look natural.
The bare minimum:
-Concealer for blemishes or dark circles
-Powder (sets the concealer and a light dusting all over reduces shine)
-Tinted chapstick or lipstick (gloss is not business formal)
I'd recommend adding
-Blush: I think almost everyone looks a bit healthier with blush. You can 1) brush it down your cheek bones from your temple or 2) dust the rosies of your cheeks.
-Mascara: a light swab across your top lashes (can do the bottom ones too if you're accustomed to it). Make sure there are no clumps on your lashes or smudges on your lids. (I've used a safety pin point to declump lashes in an emergency...do not try without steady hands!)
Optional
-Eye shadow: use to highlight only, stick to shades of browns or pinks, no shimmers! Nothing dark!
-Eye liner: should be the pencil type, not liquid type, and should be just a VERY thin line on the edge of your upper lid. Match the color of your mascara.
EDIT: Not make-up per say, but eyebrows should be groomed. Pluck/wax/thread away strays and and then make sure they're brushed in the same direction on interview day.
The key here is, wear it, but a little bit goes a LONG way. If you don't regularly wear make-up, and are planning to try something new, I'd try it out before interview day!
thanks lucille!
