| Do you know that what you decide to wear to a job | | | | Once you have some ideas of what is appropriate, |
| interview could decide your fate in as little as two | | | | you can start thinking about your own attire. A good |
| minutes - at least according to some experts? Others | | | | rule of thumb is to dress a little more formally than is |
| disagree - they say you only have between 30 | | | | the day-to-day rule in the company you are targeting. It |
| seconds and one minute to make a good first | | | | is much safer to be slightly over-dressed than |
| impression! | | | | under-dressed; you will be much more relaxed, and |
| Whatever number you like to believe, it is obviously of | | | | anything that will reduce the perfectly normal tension |
| the utmost importance to get things as right as | | | | you will undoubtedly feel in a job interview situation is |
| possible when you're dressing for a job interview. | | | | to be welcomed. |
| Getting the dress code right does several things to tip | | | | You might have to decide whether to wear a suit or a |
| the odds in your favor. | | | | jacket. Even if the job is for a position where a suit |
| It shows you've studied the company, you have some | | | | would be inappropriate (factory, construction, even |
| idea of how staff normally dress, you're serious about | | | | some of the sectors with more casual dress codes), |
| the job interview and you want to make a good | | | | at the very least consider a jacket, matching trousers, |
| impression. | | | | long-sleeved shirt and a tie. Smarter is definitely better |
| If your job interview attire is correct, it is also a | | | | than too casual! |
| compliment to the interviewer; it sends a non-verbal | | | | For both men and women, the conservative route is |
| signal of respect and appreciation - and most people | | | | normally the safest option. That means a two-piece |
| will repond favourably to such signals. Some authorities | | | | suit, in dark grey, navy or black. Women can wear a |
| estimate that as much as 80% of communication is | | | | skirt or pants (although opinions are divided on the |
| non-verbal, so make sure your job interview clothes do | | | | pants issue); many experts advise against a dress. If |
| the job for you. | | | | you choose a skirt make sure it reaches the knee; you |
| Remember, the interviewer has a very limited time to | | | | don't want any thigh-flashing in the job interview. |
| decide whether you're right for the organisation, | | | | Choose a tailored blouse and don't show any |
| whether your approach and attitude go with the | | | | cleavage. |
| resume and the experience that got you to the | | | | For men, long-sleeved shirt (white, blue or an |
| interview in the first place. | | | | unobtrusive stripe), black socks, leather belt and leather |
| Getting your job interview dress right won't get you | | | | shoes (avoid loafers - too casual), lace-ups with |
| the job, but it will set the tone, make for an easier | | | | toe-caps being preferred. |
| interview that will focus on what you say rather than | | | | For both, clean, professional-looking hair, clear of the |
| the way you look, and probably give you an edge | | | | face. If you wear a beard, make sure it's trimmed. |
| over the other candidates who don't take the same | | | | Clean and trimmed fingernails. |
| trouble with their appearance - or who simply ignore | | | | These are all basic points, but you'd be amazed at |
| the organisation's dress code. | | | | how many hopefuls ignore the basics. |
| What then you do consider when you're dressing for a | | | | Cover any tattoos, take out any nose or tongue rings. |
| job interview - or at least for an interview at this | | | | For men, no earrings; for women, one pair only. No |
| particular orgnization? | | | | chunky accessories such as large bracelets or heavy |
| Well, there's a lot to be said for asking. Try the | | | | chains. Style is fine, but make sure it is understated. |
| receptionist, or perhaps a helpful secretary. If that | | | | Use mild, under-stated perfumes or after-shave. |
| doesn't work, perhaps you can watch the staff as | | | | Make sure the clothing fits well, is clean, newly |
| they come and go in the building. Asking the HR | | | | laundered or pressed, no loose tags or extraneous |
| department for some relevant or additional | | | | labels, no wobbly buttons, no loose threads. |
| documentation should provide a good excuse for | | | | And make sure you decide on your job interview |
| getting a close look at some of the employees. | | | | wear well ahead of time - you don't want to be |
| If your job search is sector specific, you might be able | | | | running around looking for items the day before the |
| to visit appropriate shows, exhibitions or conferences | | | | interview. |
| to see how the delegates dress. | | | | |