10 tricks for
avoiding missteps, making the best impression
With the economy continuing to flounder, more
and more people are finding themselves on an unexpected side of the desk: The
side where the interviewee sits.
As if job interviews and crowded career fairs
weren’t stressful enough, there’s also the anxiety of figuring out what to
wear. How can you tell how dressed-up — or dressed-down — you can go?
The answer to that question will vary
considerably based on the kind of job you’re seeking, but the following tips
provide a basic guide for how to proceed. Read on so you can tackle those
interviews with confidence.
1. Opt for a
conservative look, not an outlandish one. Whether you’re trying for a top executive
position or a job that will require you to roll up your sleeves and get dirty,
attire that is distracting is a no-no. In most cases it makes sense to choose
simple, understated styles and colors — blues and grays, for example. Black
also could work, so long as you won’t be mistaken for an undertaker or a Johnny
Cash wannabe. To avoid that fate, soften up your look by wearing another color
near your face.
2. When in
doubt, ask. If you’re honestly not sure what kind of dress would be most appropriate
for an interview with a particular employer, call the company and ask for some
guidance. Don’t bother the hiring manager with this; instead, call the human
resources department and say, “I have an interview with So-and-So in the
Such-and-Such department for a position as a _____. Could you let me know what
would be appropriate dress for this interview?”
3. Dress for the
job you really want.Some hiring managers recommend dressing one or two levels up from the
position you’re seeking. The point behind this would be to show that you’re a
serious job candidate who cares about making a good impression.
4. Accessorize
with great care. This isn’t the
time to go with wild nail polish, jangle-y jewelry, face jewelry, ankle
bracelets, strong perfumes or colognes, brightly colored or printed purses or
briefcases, scuffed briefcases, open-toed shoes, backless shoes or bare legs.
All of your accessories should be understated, inconspicuous and professional.
5. Cleanliness
is next to employability. Clean, pressed clothes are important, of course, but here are some other
key areas to remember: Have clean, polished shoes in good repair, clean, groomed
hair and fingernails, well-brushed teeth, fresh breath and absolutely no body
odor.
6. Stay up to
date. For men,
suits and tie patterns can look dated if they’ve been hanging in your closet
for several years. Even worse, your suit might be tight on you at this stage of
the game. The same goes for women’s suits and dress-shirt patterns. To find out
whether you’re looking a little bit too 1996, ask a trusted friend to help you
assess your professional wardrobe.
7. Don’t wear
these items! Just say no to: short skirts; capri pants; leggings; leather jackets for
men or women; or turtlenecks for men. Men should wear collared shirts on job
interviews — and in almost every situation, a tie won’t hurt your cause.
8.Your own
common sense and good judgment should prevail. If you know for sure that wearing a tie on a
particular interview wouldn’t be the right thing to do, then don’t do it. Same
for a formal business suit. But don’t stubbornly think that this is the time to
make a flashy fashion statement. Instead, this is the time to make sure your
appearance doesn’t distract in any way from all the good information you have
to share about yourself.
9. There’s no
need to break the bank. Some of these tips might make you think that you need to rush out and drop
hundreds of dollars on fancy new suits and shoes. That’s not true. You can find
professional clothes on sale at deep discounts at major department stores and
discount retailers, and you often can find new or barely used suits and dress
shirts at thrift stores. Also, nonprofit organizations such as Dress for Success help disadvantaged women throughout North
America and in other countries to get outfitted for job interviews so they can
get on the path to financial independence. For ideas about how to spend very
little money on clothing, read this past 10 Tips column on the subject .
10. Set aside
enough time for a final once-over. Before you walk into the actual job interview, slip into the restroom and
look in the mirror. Is your tie flipped around? Do you have any food in your
teeth? Is your hair standing straight up? If not, you’re good to go!
By Laura T. Coffey
Source: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29241014/ns/today-money/t/dress-success-next-job-interview/#.UC0LePaPVjs
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