Dress for Success

You have been looking for a job for now three months and have finally landed a job interview. The big question is what should you wear?

Before answering this question, I would like to tell a short story. I once walked into a wireless store to get my cell phone serviced. When I looked around, I noticed that all the men were dress in a nice shirt and slacks and the women in a nice dress or blouse and skirt. Although everybody looked really professional and put together, I could not help notice that one individual was dressed in a nice brown suite with a yellow shirt, brown lined tie and shiny black shoes. When I saw him the first thought I had was "Oh he must be the manager" so I walked over to him to talk about the issue I was having with my phone. After about 5-10 minutes into the conversation, I noticed his name badge said sales associate. At this point, I found myself complimenting him on his professional attire. I even mentioned confusing him with the manager. He then laughed and said it happens all the time and explained why he dressed up so well every day. He said

"Every day is an opportunity to put your best foot forward. Why should I not do my best to form a great first impression? I love that when people see me they think I am the manager. That actually is my motivation to dress for success everyday."

Remember when I said in a previous post that it only takes 10 seconds for a first impression to be made? Well I can tie that concept together with dressing for success. When getting call for an interview, the tip is to always dress conservatively and know what the attire of the organization is. This means that it is very important to visit the organization before the day of the interview to observe how the people are dressed.

A few suggestions on what to wear:

Women (all conservative colors ei. Black, brown, navy, grey, dark red):

• Solid color blouse
• Pants or skirt suit.
• Pantyhose – although I prefer shear, solid is acceptable. This should be solid (with no pattern or lines), in colors black, dark grey or flesh toned.
• Conservative hair style.
• Makeup rule is less is best. Light foundation, powder, eye liner, lip gloss.
• Nails should be clean, groomed and polished (clear or French nails in recommended)
• Like makeup, jewelry rule is less is best. A simple earring (not long, big or super shinny). Personally I prefer no necklace. But if have to you can use a simple necklace.
• Clean, pump shoes that matches the suit.
• Go light on the perfume.

Men (all conservative colors ei. Black, brown, navy, grey, dark red):

• Solid color shirt
• Two piece suit. If the dress code is not as dressed up, you wear slacks and a blazer.
• Clean, polished shoes
• Clean cut hair
• No jewelry
• Silk tie
• Make sure all facial hair is groomed and trimmed
• Go light on the cologne

These are just some suggestions. Remember after researching the organizations and knowing what their dress code is, then you will be able to know how you will dress to impress.

Good luck on your next interview!