| First impressions are important in the job interview. | | | | going on a workplace tour |
| Research has shown that the first 100 seconds are | | | | Lighten up the black suit |
| crucial in determining the interviewer's perception of the | | | | Black suits can look intimidating and too serious. If you |
| candidate's suitability for the position. What you wear | | | | prefer to wear a black suit, rather than shades of blue |
| to the job interview needs careful consideration. This | | | | or gray, then relieve it with a light colored shirt. A lighter |
| can set you apart from the competition and make | | | | color next to your face softens the look. |
| sure that your first impression is the right impression. | | | | Stay away from leather, denim and shiny fabrics |
| Dress a level above the position | | | | Leather or denim is not considered professional and |
| What you wear to the interview should be one step | | | | can carry negative perceptions. Avoid wearing leather |
| above the normal clothing for that position. This shows | | | | jackets or skirts. Never wear jeans or denim jackets. |
| respect for the interview process and indicates that | | | | Shiny, satin-like fabrics are generally inappropriate for |
| you are making an extra effort. | | | | smart business wear. |
| Dress on the conservative side | | | | Keep the interviewer focused on what you are saying |
| Conservative is the safe option. Most employers | | | | You want the interviewer to focus on what you are |
| approve of suits. An interviewer is more likely to | | | | saying during the job interview. Avoid low necklines, |
| accept that you can dress down if the environment is | | | | flashy ties, lots of jewelry around your neck, big dangly |
| more casual than that you will dress more | | | | earrings or over-the-top hairstyles. Too much perfume |
| conservatively once you are employed. | | | | or cologne is also distracting. |
| Go for the understated look | | | | Select and try out your interview clothes a couple of |
| Avoid overdoing anything including jewelry, make-up, | | | | days before the interview |
| shoes. Avoid flashy handbags and leave the cartoon | | | | Make sure your outfit is clean, well pressed and not in |
| tie at home. | | | | any need of repair. Try it on to see if you feel |
| Good grooming is crucial | | | | comfortable in it. You don't want to spend the |
| You can wear the smartest suit but if your hair is | | | | interview tugging down a too tight or too short skirt! |
| messy and unwashed it loses all impact. Make sure | | | | Keep in mind your commute to the interview, avoid |
| your hair is clean and neatly styled. You don't want to | | | | wearing clothes that wrinkle easily if you have some |
| spend the interview pushing hair off your face. This is | | | | distance to travel. |
| distracting and irritating for the interviewer! | | | | Keep it professional |
| Clean, neatly manicured nails are also important. Your | | | | This means no piercings, no chewing gum or candy |
| hands are clearly on view, make sure they send the | | | | and cover up any tattoos as much as possible. Baggy |
| right message about you. | | | | clothes look messy and tight clothes look as though |
| Put your best foot forward | | | | you are drawing attention to your looks rather than |
| Closed-toed shoes for women are recommended. | | | | your skills! Jewelry like ankle chains or toe rings looks |
| Backless shoes and open-toed shoes can look too | | | | unprofessional and should be taken off for the |
| casual. All shoes should be clean and polished. | | | | interview. Keep it simple and smart. |
| Run-down shoes ruin an outfit and give the impression | | | | Dressing appropriately for the interview gives you the |
| that the candidate is careless and does not pay | | | | competitive edge from the word go. Use these top ten |
| attention to detail. Tottering in on very high heels looks | | | | tips to make the right impression and succeed in your |
| unprofessional, make sure you can walk comfortably | | | | job interview. |
| and confidently in your shoes, especially if you are | | | | More job interview tips. |