Dressing for Success in the Interview
Whoever coined the phrase, "You can't judge a book by its cover" was certainly out of touch. The reality is that we all make judgments of one another based on presentation. First impressions are very important. The clothes you wear can make a powerful first impression when interviewing for a job. You want to be sure that your appearance is making the right statement about you.
Plan in advance how you will dress for the interview. It is important that you dress your best, as it shows respect and professionalism. The best thing is to know the industry in which you are interviewing and dress appropriately for the job interview. If you don't know the dress code, it's good to err a little more on the conservative side. Don't go overboard on clothing; your clothes should not distract from what you say during the interview but should create a professional image that supports what you say. Keep your clothing subtle but professional.
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| Photos courtesy of Randolph-Macon College | |||
What to wear to an interview depends upon the job, but looking neat and clean is also important. While clothing by itself won't get you a job, good personal hygiene is essential. Avoid overpowering odors such as smoke, bad breath and excessive perfume or cologne. Remember, your interview outfit should be neat, clean, pressed and coordinated. Check for rips in seams, runs in stockings, missing buttons and soiled spots.
Your primary goal in dressing for an interview is to feel great about the way you look while projecting an image that matches the requirements of the position and the company. Make sure that whatever you wear, you feel comfortable. If your clothes are too tight or your shoes are pinching your feet, it may prevent you from feeling your overall best. Look great and your confidence will shine. Choose your outfit ahead of time then forget about it. Think about selling your skills, not your wardrobe.
Good luck, and don't forget to smile! That is the best fashion accessory-looking happy to be there and being proud to talk about the value you can bring to the organization.