Job Interview Style Tips
As I mentioned earlier, before a job interview you should consider yourself a brand. One of the most important elements of a brand is it's packaging. What you wear to a job interview is your packaging!
Now what you wear to an interview is ultimately determined by what position and industry your prospective job is in. However, I have put together some general rules and guidelines that I believe will help you to pass the first test of the job interview, the first impression. Be conservative and err on the side of caution. If the company does not have a dress code, remember that its better to overdress than under dress.
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Attract, don't distract. Look businesslike, yet stylish, not boring like a corporate filing cabinet. Wear a fashionable suit or dressy tailored one. A tailored jacket, one that fits you well, is the essential power garment to any outfit, even a casual one.
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Warrior-ize your wardrobe. Win the time war, organise your closet so that your business clothing is separated from your social apparel. At all times, have at least three complete outfits (business casual or traditional business) ironed and ready to wear - outfits that empower you, making you feel like a million bucks.
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Wear Winning Armour. Long sleeves are essential to a take-me-serious look. We've already discussed the power of a tailored jacket. It's your armour. But if dealing with a more casual situation, wear long sleeves. Bare arms target you for sharks or cause you to be discounted. Sleeveless garments worn in the workplace mark a woman as a socialite, not a serious businesswoman. Short-sleeve shirts worn for business relegate a man to the second string.
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Get a Leg Up. Wearing socks or hosiery is non-negotiable. Naked feet (and/or bare legs) do not command respect in a business environment. Save that look for your social time.
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Put Your Best Foot Forward. Shoes tell your secrets; they are the strongest indicators of your socioeconomic status. For business wear, shoe styles must be closed-toe and closed-heel and they must be in mint condition. Nicked heels, scruffy toes, or unpolished footwear scream failure.
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Look Successful. A successful image attracts greater success and this success leaves clues in your physical image. Buy the best quality garments and accessories that you can afford. Have goals to get ahead and work on them by dressing for the job you want, not the one you have.
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Have perfect timing. Wear a metal watch; it adds enduring strength and power to any business image - male and female.
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Exude Confidence. Stand tall, with your shoulders back. To be perceived as confident, women must wear tastefully applied makeup. In our society, well-applied makeup conveys high self-esteem and confidence. It says that you pay attention to details. Women who consistently wear tastefully applied makeup earn 20 to 30% higher incomes. For both men and women, be sure to finish your face with a smile.
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Get A-head. A stylish haircut is essential to a professional image. A great hair cut saves you time; it's far easier to style. Hair is a readable barometer. Avoid becoming freeze dried in the past with an out-dated style.
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Breathe powerfully. Accumulated stress shows in your body via your breathing. The more stressed you are, the more you tend to breathe shallowly. Take several time outs each day to do power breathing exercises. Let your mind go, and breathe in and out - from your lower abdomen - for three full minutes at a time. Then watch your energy be revitalized. Your skin and eyes will look refreshed. And your posture will return to a power position.
Specific dress for men and Women
Men's Interview Attire
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Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey)
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Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
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Belt
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Tie
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Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
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Little or no jewelry
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Neat, professional hairstyle
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Limit the aftershave
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Neatly trimmed nails
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Portfolio or briefcase
Women's Interview Attire
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Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
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The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
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Coordinated blouse
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Conservative shoes
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Limited jewellery (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)
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No jewellery is better than cheap jewellery
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Professional hairstyle
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Neutral pantyhose
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Light make-up and perfume
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Neatly manicured clean nails
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Portfolio or briefcase