How To Dress For An Interview

It is the beginning of the year again and a time for recruitment.

Recently I was asked by my management to interview a group of potential management trainees. Before I met them, I was told that many of them are scholarship winners or top-grade students. With this positive information in mind, I was looking forward to meeting them and expected to be impressed by them.

Before I even started interviewing them, my first impression of them dipped sharply due to their lack of grooming and the poor choice of attire they wore. I wasn’t sure if they knew that they were turning up for an interview or that they simply did not know to dress appropriately for a formal interview…

Being an attractive and presentable interview candidate begins with appropriate attire and grooming!

Dress to get the job, it is that simple!

Employers look for individuals who will set forth a quality image of their company.

Remember, the people that interview you are likely to be a number of years older than you, and they may not be impressed with young hip trends. So do not risk turning them off.

Dressing in conservative business attire does not mean that you have to be stuffy or boring. In fact you can look really sharp – consider some of the television news broadcasters; they are good examples that you may want to emulate.

So for that initial impression, always follow these golden rules:

1. Assume Conservative Corporate Mentality
2. Dress for the Occasion
3. Dress for the Job

Grooming Suggestions

The subject of appropriate grooming, attire, and common sense is like marketing and packaging oneself for the purpose of introducing a new product into the market place. Here is an element of packaging that is a key component to that initial visual impression, that you will make.

Conservative business attire is important. However, good common sense is also critical beyond the actual attire that is selected – and can be every bit as helpful or harmful. What does this mean?

WOMEN

Dressing:

• Have more flexibility with color selection than men
• Use good judgement and please do not be flashy.
• You cannot go wrong with BLUE, BLACK OR GRAY. They can be jazzed up with tasteful accessories.
• Avoid sending the wrong message – be professional and classy in appearance. Be sure your skirt length and neckline are conservative. Of course, pants suits are totally acceptable. Have your jacket buttoned upon entering the interviewer’s office and remember to polish your shoes.
• Jewelry worn should be kept simple, not distracting or projecting a flashy image
• Perfume is meant to be just enough for yourself. Over perfuming can be a distraction and potentially ruin an interview. Remember that some people are allergic to certain scents.
• Hair and Nails must be neat and tidy! Turn your palm to face towards to you. From the inside of your palms, you should not be able to see the finger nails. If you can, it means your nails are too long!
• Stockings to be worn especially if you are wearing a skirt. It is a must!
• Body Piercing: Obviously not!
• Tattoos: Cover them please!

MEN

A lot of people think that men’s grooming is simple and easy unlike women’s, and that there is no need to place a lot attention on men’s attire. That is wrong! Many interviewers would agree, that it is the lack of grooming of male interviewees that often blow their interviews!

Attire:

• Blue and Gray suits are the best for all men of various body shape or sizes.
• Different colored or ties with designs can add versatility to your look
• To be on the conservative side, wear polished black shoes and calf length matching socks! Black belt, Black shoes! Brown belt, Brown shoes!
• A nice crisp white shirt is best for projecting a good corporate image and is the most flexible as well.
• Enter the interviewer’s office with your jacket buttoned and straightened. Do not make the mistake of wearing a blazer or sports jacket and slacks. It is not proper business attire.
• Grooming: To complete your professional impression, be sure your hair is neat, nails trimmed and clean, and be clean shaven please!
• Piercing: Don’t risk any unnecessary turn off. Remove any visible piercing. The interviewer is likely to be a number of years older than you, and they may not share your taste. Besides it shows a lack of professionalism.
• Tattoos: Same as piercing, please cover up!

Don’t be fooled by the casual environment, all interviews are formal and should be taken seriously.

Remember the first impression is important. The interviewer will take note of your styling and choice of attire.

Last but not least, always remember to bring along your beautiful smile with you!