Job Center: Dressing for success
Your resumé made a great first impression, and they called you for the interview. Congratulations! But now you have to figure out what to wear for your interview. You looked good on paper – now it's time to look good in person when you meet your interviewer.
Women should remember these basic rules:
- Clothing: Wear a solid-colored suit – skirt suits or pantsuits are both acceptable. The blouse or shell you wear under your blazer should coordinate nicely. If you are wearing a skirt suit, make sure you also wear flesh-toned pantyhose.
- Accessories: Your shoes and any jewelry should also coordinate with the outfit. Do not wear excessive amounts of jewelry or anything extremely flashy. However, feel free to let a little of your personal style show. Also, make sure to take a nice briefcase or portfolio with you. This will top off the outfit and demonstrate professionalism. It's also an organized way to carry extra copies of your resumé or any portfolio items you may require.
- Appearance: Make sure your hair is styled in a neat and professional manner. You want the interviewer to focus on you, not your hair, so keep it toned down. Also, wear natural, neutral makeup and have simple, manicured nails. This will also help keep the attention on your professional qualities and achievements instead of your personal appearance. Avoid wearing perfumes! You never know when an interviewer might be allergic – and perfumes can trigger allergies or just be a distraction altogether.
Men should remember these basic rules:
- Clothing: Wear a solid-colored, conservative suit. Make sure it is tailored well – that will give you a more professional appearance. Wear a white or French blue shirt underneath. White shirts are preferred because they are more professional. However, if you know the company is more casual and feel comfortable about their atmosphere, blue can also work. Wear a simple, conservative tie to finish off the outfit.
- Accessories: Your shoes and socks should also coordinate with the outfit. Do not wear brown shoes with a black suit – nor black shoes with a navy suit. And be sure to wear dark socks. White socks with a suit and dress shoes looks disheveled and unprofessional. Take a nice briefcase or portfolio with you. This displays professionalism. It's also a good way to keep extra copies of your resumé or portfolio items on hand.
- Appearance: Make sure your hair is styled in a neat and professional manner. You want the interviewer to focus on you, not your hair. Resist the temptation to use too much styling product. It can make your hair stiff, which can be a distraction. This will help keep the attention on your professional qualities and achievements. Avoid wearing cologne or too much aftershave! These scented products can sometimes trigger allergies or just be an overall distraction.
After you've wowed your employer at the interview and accepted their offer, your personal appearance still matters! When you start your job, you should continue dressing for success. Make sure to stay cleaned up and dress a half- or full-step above your coworkers' usual attire. This demonstrates professionalism to your peers as well as your boss, and it can help you in earning the respect of your coworkers.
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