Dressing for the Job Interview
Well, your resume worked and now you have an appointment for the all
important job interview. You have done your homework. You are confident
that you can answer anything the interviewer throws at you. Finally the
big day arrives and the final important choice must be made.
What should
you wear? It is no secret that how you look has everything to do with
the first impression you make. A first impression is made in the first
27 seconds. If you are too formal in your appearance, you might give the
impression of being rigid and stuffy. If you are too casual, you may
send the signal that you do not take the interview or the job very
seriously.
Begin by talking to employees of your potential new employer
and find out what the dress code is and how seriously management takes
it. If you can't find out this information, you should choose clothing
that is professional in the impression it gives. If you do not already
own clothing that will work on an interview, you should go to a store
where you can get good advice from the sales person.
Be prepared to have
the clothes tailored. No human being completely fits in clothes that
are off the rack. To make the best impression the clothes must be
altered to fit and accent your best features. The following ideas can
never be neglected: Look clean and neat. Make sure that your hair is
done appropriately. Women - do not wear wild hairdo's Men - get a trim
of head and facial hair. Do not wear a perfume or cologne as many people
are allergic.
Bathing with a good quality bath soap will leave a light
scent. You will be nervous and a gentle scent can mask the perspiring
you may be doing. An unscented antiperspirant can be used. Cover any
tattoos and avoid gaudy jewelry.
Definitely limit pierced jewelry to
ears only. Do not wear nose or tongue jewelry MEN Wear a suit or sport
jacket with color coordinated trousers The color should be neutral or
dark - blue, black or gray is best Wear a tie - even if you will never
wear one after you get the job Shoes should be leather - clean and
polished - black is best Make sure your nails are trimmed and that they
are clean.
WOMEN Wear a classic suit or a simple dress with a jacket.
This is not a time to be provocative or sexy. Some appropriate colors
are navy blue, black, dark green, dark red, burgundy, or gray. Dress in a
higher style that the position calls for but do not attempt to out
dress everyone there. Avoid wearing clothes that are tight, revealing or
trendy.
It may be the very latest fashion but it will not impress the
interviewer Fingernails should be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave
an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself. The polish
should be closer to a color your mom might wear than to a color that
your kid sister would go for. Even after you are successful in getting
the job, you should continue to pay attention to your wardrobe.
Interviewing for that first job is only the beginning in the role
clothing will play in your career. You should regularly add pieces made
of high quality, long wearing fabrics. It is best to buy separates that
you can mix and match with the pieces that you already own. Each piece
you buy adds to the variety of looks you can achieve. You may ask why
this is important?
The reason is that even after you have the job you
sought, you might like to be considered for advancement and promotion.
The impression you leave on the job every day will be added to your
performance when the boss looks around for someone to promote.
