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How to Dress For a Job Interview

June 25th, 2009 @ 8:43 am

Categories: Uncategorized, Women in Business, Workplace

Tags: Job, Body Language, Women, Job Interview, Skirt, Gender And Diversity, Human Resources, Tessa Hood

Accessories and body language

Pay attention to accessories. A discreet watch, a quality leather document bag and a fountain pen and decent notepad, if you are expecting to take notes, looks prepared and professional — no chewed biros or scraps of paper. Think discreet touches rather than overt display. Don’t be over-confident  and relax back in your chair – this can make you appear arrogant – sit up, well back in the chair, and lean slightly forward.

The best stylish alternatives to a suit for women

I believe in developing effective and well-budgeted capsule wardrobes that work hard for their money. I think mannish suits are outdated for women. A smart shorter belted jacket in grey over elegant black trousers and a snappy royal blue or white shirt is simple, professional and timeless; and can be mixed and matched with a skirt and another co-ordinating jacket, or even a simple shift dress. Not everyone suits black, so if you find that black washes you out, go for greys, navies, or even deep aubergine or dark chocolate. Keep the accessories simple but making a quality statement.

Whatever you choose to wear, male or female, mark out your differentiation and be memorable. Your interviewer should remember you long after you’ve left the room as remarkable and different (for all the right reasons).  Achieve the dazzle-factor – be exceptional, professional and empathetic.

Great shops, shining examples

Tessa Hood is a Consultant in Career Management and Personal Reputation. She also advises global corporates on executive business image and lectures on Employability at 7 University Business Schools’ MBA courses. Connect with her at Changing Gear.
 
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  •  
    1

    skatem

    01/07/10 | Report as spam

    RE: How to Dress For a Job Interview

    This is a great post with excellent advice! I agree with tastefully making your appearance memorable. In a world where everyone wears black suits an alternate (dark aubergine, Charcoal, etc.) are winners.

  •  
    2

    Gracieharry

    01/07/10 | Report as spam

    RE: How to Dress For a Job Interview

    Great advice! I'd add that one reason for paying a great deal of attention to what you wear prior to an interview is so you won't have to worry about it once you're there. You can never relax in an interview but you can give the impression of being relaxed (and therefore in control) if you're well groomed.

    A couple of other pieces of advice: don't wear new shoes, wear your outfit at least once prior to the interview to be sure nothing gaps or pinches when you sit, and wear something that makes you feel like you look good (as well as professional).

    And strangely enough, the advice about ties and socks for men is critical. I worked at two companies where poor choices cost candidates sales managers' jobs: one wore a loud tie and the other wore lavender socks. They weren't the only reasons for not hiring these people but they were pointed out over and over in review meetings as indications the candidates weren't truly serious.

  •  
    3

    vampirekwc

    01/11/10 | Report as spam

    RE: How to Dress For a Job Interview

    Another tip: avoid perfume and cologne. You'd be amazed how many people out there are sensitive to fragrances. For me, they trigger migraines. When I'm hiring for a position, if the candidate comes in loaded up on perfume or cologne, my decision is made right there. I don't care how talented a person is, it's not worth it to me to be sick every day because of their perfume/cologne.

  •  
    4

    employmentking

    03/08/10 | Report as spam

    RE: How to Dress For a Job Interview

    When thinking about what you should wear for your job interview you should also decide how you will travel to your interview and if you need to prepare anything to protect you, your clothes and any documents you are taking to the interview from the weather.
    I once new someone who had just had undertaken employment training and recently gained himself an interview, he was very excited about the job interview and had prepared his clothes and interview questions. I asked how he was going to travel to the interview and he said on his bicycle, the interview was 3 miles away and the weather was forecast as rain. I?m not sure if the employer would have had good first impressions when he met a sweaty and rained soaked interviewee. After this he re-arranged his travel arrangements.

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