Dress for Success

[Badshah Mamun]

Dress for Success

by Joy Darlington and Nancy Schuman

As superficial as it sounds, employers will judge you on the way you are dressed. This does not mean that if you wear anything less than Prada, the job will go to someone else. It simply means that the interviewer looks at your exterior as a representation of your interior.

If it is obvious that you took the time to choose the right clothes for this interview, it is likely that you will put the same amount of thought into your work. Arriving for an interview too casually dressed tells the interviewer that you don't care enough about the job or the company to put your best self forward. Dress up a little bit more for your interview than you would if you were actually going to work at the company.

The rules of dress laid out here for both men and women are very specific and should be strictly followed. Though the lines between what men and women can and do wear to work on a regular basis are becoming more and more blurred ? khakis and a button-down shirt can work well on either of the sexes ? there are two definite sets of rules during the job interview process.

For Men

If you are a man interviewing for a professional position, you should always wear a suit. A shirt and tie might be sufficient to make you the best dressed guy at your current job, but it won't cut it in an interview. More conservative colors ? colors like black, navy blue, or charcoal gray ? are the best colors to choose. Bright and flashy colors will only serve to distract the interviewer from what you are saying.

You can change the look of a conservative colored suit dramatically by changing the tie, the shirt, or both. If you only have one suit, these changes can help you out tremendously when you're interviewing with companies that require two or more meetings on separate occasions.

Avoid shiny shirts; they are a major no-no and should be reserved for the nightclub scene. Socks should blend in well with the shoes and pants. Steer clear of any kind of a cutesy pattern, and stick with a color that won't stand out.

For Women

The rules of proper workplace attire for women have been changing over the past several decades. The power suit that once ruled the scene has been replaced with the traditional pantsuit that doesn't differ much from the men's version. Still, the rules of job interview dress have not caught up with general workplace appropriateness.

Professionalism still dictates that women wear a skirt to an interview. The length of the skirt, obviously, should be tasteful and professional. Knee length is always appropriate. Again, regardless of the company's particular dress code, women too are expected to wear a suit to the interview.

Colors should be conservative. A black or navy blue skirt and jacket is the best choice. Avoid colors like pink and powder blue. They won't help you assert your professionalism. Don't wear anything that dangles. That goes for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Avoid clothes that are too tight; you'll be less comfortable and you won't be taken as seriously.

Grooming

Personal grooming is another matter each candidate must attend to before heading out the door to an interview. Careful grooming indicates both thoroughness and self-confidence. Women should not wear excessive makeup or jewelry. If you have painted nails, make sure they are of a conservative color. Ladies should consider a clean look, such as a French manicure.

Men should be sure to check that any facial hair is neat and trim. If you have a beard or a mustache, make sure it is well groomed. Otherwise, men should make sure that they are clean-shaven when they arrive for an interview. If your five o'clock shadow comes at three o'clock and your interview is at four, make sure you have time to run home quickly and shave.

All candidates should wear very little ? if any ? perfume or cologne. Cigarette-scented clothing may also offend an interviewer with a sensitive nose. Remove any nose rings, cover your tattoos with long sleeves, and tuck your water bottle in your briefcase, not a knapsack.

Source: http://www.netplaces.com/job-interview/interview-day/dress-for-success.htm