Whether you’re looking for work or are seeking a promotion at your current job, dressing the part can make all the difference.
Though it’s easy to say that appearances shouldn’t matter and that a candidate should be judged on their merit and accomplishments rather than their chosen style of dress, the truth is that your wardrobe choices do reflect upon you and speak to your character in the professional world. This is especially true in the case of job interviews, where a first impression and a relatively short conversation are all that a hiring manager has to base his opinions around.
It’s hard enough to land a job interview, let alone get the job – be sure to dress professionally and leave them with a positive, memorable impression of who you are.
Follow these 5 commandments. and you’ll be safe.
1. Know the dress code – if you are not sure what to wear, you can phone up the company and ask them what their dress code policy is. It is better to be safe than sorry. Let’s face it – we all judge a book by its cover.
2. Err on the side of conservatism – it’s always better to be a bit over-dressed than under-dressed.
3. Say no to novelty! – meeting a prospective employer for the first time is not an ideal moment to break out your runway ideas. Instead, look for something simple and straightforward in a solid color. Your hairstyle shouldn’t scream “look at me”. Avoid anything that would allow people to not take you seriously.
4. Don’t splurge – be sparing with aftershave and fragrances. Ladies, tone down your make-up if it normally includes heavy eye shadow or bright lipstick. Sights and scents can be very distracting and can make you seem frivolous. Always make sure your nails are manicured and your hair is neat and tidy.
5. Do your research – make sure you know a bit about the background of the company before arriving for the interview. It shows that you care and you are interested in the job. Be prepared to answer questions, and to also ask about the company or position.
