| It takes between seven and seventeen seconds for a | | | | job interview for a position in a trendy night club would |
| person to make an impression of us and much of that | | | | demand something very different to what you'd wear |
| impression is based on how we look. It stand to | | | | to ace an interview for a job as a supervisor in a |
| reason, then, that what we wear to job interviews will | | | | biscuit factory, even though both jobs would suggest |
| make a far greater impact on our success than | | | | you wear 'smart casual'. |
| anything we're likely to say once those first crucial | | | | Accessories |
| seconds have passed. | | | | Men: |
| Dress For the Job | | | | Never wear make-up unless you're applying for a job |
| If you're applying for a job as a sale assistant in a | | | | where male cosmetics are generally accepted (trendy |
| trendy boutique in a hip part of town, what you wear | | | | night clubs/boutiques etc) |
| will need to be very different to what you'd wear | | | | Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. If you wear an |
| when being interviewed for a job as a lawyer's | | | | earring, make it a small stud. Leave heavy chains and |
| personal assistant. | | | | large rings at home and replace them with something |
| By wearing what you believe you'd wear to work if | | | | less obtrusive. You may like the message such items |
| offered the job, you're silently saying that you | | | | of jewelry give but the chances are your interviewer |
| understand the position you're applying for and that | | | | won't |
| you have the knowledge to fulfil the company's | | | | Never wear track shoes, even if you're dressing |
| expectations. | | | | casually |
| If you're applying for a job where you'd be wearing a | | | | Women: |
| uniform, think about the kind of uniform that you'd be | | | | Subtle make-up |
| likely to wear. Is it very casual, as in the unformed | | | | A few, well-chosen pieces of jewelry. Studs in the |
| overalls given to a car mechanic? Is it smart casual, as | | | | ears, a delicate chain around the neck and 1-2 rings |
| often worn by delivery couriers? Is it smart, like the | | | | are enough. |
| kind of uniform worn by bank employees or perhaps a | | | | Unless you need a large bag to carry a portfolio or |
| hotel doorman? Choose your wardrobe to reflect the | | | | similar, stick with a small purse |
| uniform. | | | | Heels should be low |
| Men: | | | | Personal Hygiene |
| Casual - Clean, pressed jeans with a T-shirt or sweat | | | | Whilst job hunting it's important you: |
| top | | | | Have your hair trimmed and styled regularly |
| Smart Casual - Casual slacks with a cotton shirt and | | | | Keep finger nails trimmed and clean |
| blazer | | | | Wear deodorant |
| Smart - A suit | | | | Wear only a very light perfume/after-shave, if any |
| Women: | | | | Men should be clean shaven or have a beard kept |
| Casual - Clean, pressed jeans with a casual top | | | | neatly trimmed. |
| Smart Casual - Pants or a skirt with a casual blouse | | | | By following these tips you'll be giving yourself a far |
| Smart - A pant or skirt suit with a smart blouse | | | | greater chance of successfully securing the job that |
| The above are simply guidelines - always use your | | | | you want. Remember: seven to seventeen seconds is |
| own common sense when deciding what to wear. A | | | | all you have to make that all-important first impression. |