HOW DO I DRESS FOR MY INTERVIEW?
August 2nd, 2006
Ten years ago this question was answered the same way without hesitation. Job seekers were told to wear dark colors, preferably a business suit and an overall conservative “look.”
Women job seekers were told to wear a dark business suit,(preferably a pant suit), heels (but not too high), nylons (regardless of season), jewelry & make up were acceptable as long as they were not distracting!
In the past ten years I have witnessed, and heard experiences back from my clients on how inappropriate attire has screened individuals before they ever got to the interview! Some of these I will share for a good laugh but they may also assist some of you in your job search.
You should NOT:
1. Wear gym shoes (you can wear them TO the interview – change your shoes before you ever see the Receptionist!)
2. Wear jewelry, piercings (of any type) or make up that will distract the interviewer from what you are saying during your interview.
3. Wear “flashy” or “trendy” clothes. This is a very common mistake that job seekers make! There is a time and a place for clothes that are “in style.” However, an interview is not that place!
4. Wear hair color that is distracting. We have seen every color of the rainbow and it is not something that impresses our clients!
5. Display tattoos proudly. This is another very common issue we are dealing with in our marketplace today. Tattoos are very “trendy” and often job seekers don’t even think abut them while they are interviewing.
6. Try to impress ANY possible employer with promiscuity. Skirts should not be short and blouses should not be low cut. Tight clothes are another style that should be avoided.
7. Wear A LOT of you favorite cologne or perfume! What if your interviewer is allergic?
8. Smoke before your interview! Many, many, individuals are screened out because the interviewer doesn’t smoke and can smell smoke on their clothes.
YOU SHOULD :
1. Wear appropriate shoes!
2. Try to keep body piercings out of the workplace and in your personal life instead.
3. Keep jewelry simple!
4. Wear conservative clothes – they can be in style too!
5. Keep you hair color simple – conservative as well.
6. Hide tattoos whenever possible for your interview.
7. Again, conservative clothes are a must!
8. Keep cologne/perfume weak or avoid it altogether.
9. If you are a smoker, try not to do it before your interviewer!
At the beginning of this article I described what was appropriate attire for an interview 10 years ago, the ironic part is that my professional advice is to follow those SAME STANDARDS TODAY!
The workplace itself is different now! Proper attire 10 years ago was very conservative. Today, both small and large corporations have switched to what we call “Corporate Casual.”
“Corporate Casual Attire” is what job seekers EARN once they have been hired!
“Conservative Attire” is what job seekers need to wear in order to be hired!
Use these tips to help you “make a great first impression” in your next interview!”
Barb Bruno, CPC