Let's say you are going
for an interview tomorrow. You have prepared yourself well for the
occasion - anticipating the questions and getting ready the answers -
but have you given a thought to what you will wear?
If you have not peeked into
your wardrobe yet, it's time to take a real hard look now. Your
application's fate depends not just on how well you answer the
interview questions, but also on how well you project yourself
physically. The first impression your interviewer makes about you is
based on the way you look, and you know what they say about first
impressions. According to Joe Hodowanes, J.M. Wanes and Associates career
strategy advisor, "The way a person dresses is the single biggest
non-verbal communication you make about yourself." The right
dressing is a measure of the seriousness that you place on the position,
as a person normally spends time on his looks if he considers an
event important enough.
"Although proper dressing by
itself will not get you the job, a poor dress sense may exclude you from
further consideration," warns Gerry Ditching, managing partner of
Filgifts.com. Besides, given two equally good applicants, the company
may choose to hire the person who is dressed more professionally.
Here are some tips to give you a headstart.
Men
Long-sleeved shirt and dark
slacks. White is still the safest and the best color for shirts. The
colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather. Also acceptable:
pale shades such as beige, blue, and other pastels.
Tuck in the shirt and do not
roll up the sleeves. Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an interview or
any business purpose. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your
executive image.
Ties.
Optional. But if you do wear one, choose a conservative pattern. Solids,
small polka dots, diagonal stripes, small repeating shapes, subtle
plaids and paisleys are all acceptable.
Belts.
Belts should match your shoes. Those with smaller buckles with squared
lines look more professional.
Socks.
Black socks are the best, followed by blue or gray, depending on your
attire. Never wear white socks! Check your sock length, too--no skin
should show when you sit down or cross your legs. Shoes. Black or
burgundy leather shoes with laces on them, because tassel loafers are very
casual. Other suitable colors are brown, cordovan and navy.
Hair.
Keep neat, short and preferably parted on the side. And shave off all
those facial hair.
Jewellery.
Wear no or little jewellery. The watch and wedding ring are the only
acceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire. Thin gold
or leather-strapped watches look professional but not digital
watches. Also, avoid political or religious insignias, necklaces or
bracelets. Definitely no pierced body parts, and cover up your
tattoos!
Accessories.
As much as possible, use leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of
your resume. Use narrow briefcases and avoid plastic folders and
plastic ball pens as they are out of place.
Women
Three-piece business suits,
blouse and skirt or slacks, and cardigan twin-sets. Sleeveless shirts
should be rejected. Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are
tailor-cut or have features such as a sports collar or double breast
design to create a business-like look. Skirts can either be long provided
it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or short where it
falls no shorter than two inches from the knee. Nothing too
revealing, please!
Panty-hose or stockings.
A must for professional grooming, but nothing with overly fussy patterns.
Bring an extra pair, just in case the ones you are wearing run.
Shoes.
Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1½-inch heels suggest a more
professional look. Dark colors are best.
Hair.
Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back. Don't
let it fall in front of your face and don't keep trying to fix it
during the interview. Avoid large hair ornaments and trendy hairstyles.
Make-up.
Be subtle; natural is the key word. Light shades of lip coloring and nail
polish are recommended.
Jewellery.
Be conservative. Studs of gold, silver or pearls are best. Do away with
gaudy fashion jewelers, and those that clank and make noise when one
moves.
Accessories.
Folders and bags should blend well with the total professional look. Women
should match their purse with their shoe colour.
