Dressing to impress
30 June 2006
Did you know that over 90% of the decisions on who to bring back for a second interview are made in the first two minutes? In every job interview, you're going to be judged, at least partially, by how you present yourself.
The opinion of most employers is to dress up: It is crucial to make a good first impression.
Whilst different organisations will have different standards of dress, always make sure you aim to dress a notch or two higher than the organisational standards for the interview. It is always better to be too conservative and over dressed than too casual and under dressed.
Here are a few general rules:
- Don't wear anything that is uncomfortable. You don't want to be preoccupied with what you're wearing instead of what's going on in the interview. Don't wear anything too complicated. Wearing overstated clothing or conspicuous jewellery can give the wrong impression.
- Make sure your shoes are clean, polished and conservative.
- Have a well-groomed hairstyle. For men short hair is preferable and for women a neat, professional style. Unless it is for cultural reasons, men should make sure that they are clean shaven.
- Clean, trimmed fingernails are important. If, for females, you are wearing nail polish, make sure that it is not chipped and that it is a neutral colour.
- Minimal fragrance. An over powering fragrance can be very distracting and often oppressive for an interviewer.
- No gum, candy or cigarettes. Make sure you do not go into your interview smelling like a cigarette, so don’t go smoking one just before your interview.
- No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)
Below are a few guidelines for various job positions:
Business/ Administration
For women always wear a suit with a jacket, shoes with conservative heels and if wearing stockings make sure that they are a neutral colour and do not have any runs in them. Additionally, make sure your make up is minimal and that you only wear one set of earrings.
For men always wear a suit, tie and jacket, with dark socks (make sure that they cover your leg when you are seated) and dark, polished shoes. The tie should be conservative and do not wear any earrings.
Retail/ Customer Service
For both men and women follow similar dress as for the business/ administration roles, however it will depend upon the company that you are being interviewed for whether you dress as conservatively.
If you are being interviewed for a fashion role then investigate what other staff within the organisation wear and dress in the style of the company for which you are being interviewed. A conservative suit may or may not be appropriate.
Sales
In sales always wear a suit. However as with customer service the type of product or service you will be selling will dictate how conservatively/ fashionably to dress.
Hospitality
Image is particularly critical in the hospitality industry. So while you may not need to wear a suit to your interview, you'll definitely need to make a great initial impression.
Trades
Business causal attire is appropriate for a Trades interview. Men should wear neat slacks, a buttoned shirt and polished neat shoes. Women should wear neat slacks or a skirt and a professional business top along with polished well kept shoes.
Production work
As for the Trades, business casual attire is appropriate.
Finally, don't forget copies of your resume and a copy of your transcripts. Your interviewer may request a copy of one of these, and you will look more prepared if you have them handy. Other good things to bring are a pad of paper, a professional looking pen, and a date book or organizer.
Good Luck!