There is a lot of information out there about dressing for success and advising people to wear particular clothes to achieve success. My advice is to wear what is comfortable and tasteful. If your clothes feel tight, it is tight and I have rarely seen a tight fitting outfit that looks flattering on anyone. Wear clothes that fit the body well and show off your best side not your backside.
Ten Tips on Dressing for Success at an Interview
1) Dress to suit the culture of the company you are trying to get a job at. If you are going for a hairdressing job, then having a little pizzazz in your hair might be considered a plus, not in a regular office setting.
2) Mind your fragrance. Be sensitive. There are many people who are allergic to scents – much more than before – perhaps the person interviewing is one such person and with the distraction of your scent your outcome may likely be negative;
3) Nose rings, multiple earrings, tongue rings and vulgar arm tattoos should be hidden or taken off all together if necessary. An employer has the right to dictate the image of his employees to reflect his company’s image. I have seen people get fired as waitresses for refusing to get rid of their tongue and nose rings. This is not a human rights issue.
4) If you wear sunglasses that are not for medical reasons, then take them off in the interview. It’s impolite to wear dark glasses unless you are being interviewed to become a spy of some sort. An interviewer can read information from your eyes. Dark glasses may give the wrong impression about you.
5) Do not overdress for the occasion. If you are applying for a job as a desk clerk, do not wear a stiff three piece suit. A suitable tie will suffice.
6) Dress conservatively to be on the safe side. A short sexy skirt may give the wrong impression as well as a heavily made up face. The employer might think that dressed like that may distract other employees or lessen your productivity.
7) Make sure your clothes are neatly pressed, hair combed and there is no food stuck in your teeth – nothing is more distracting than that.
8) Cigarette smell is one of the scents that might throw off the interviewer especially if that person does not smoke. Do not ask for a smoke break during an interview and do not take your coffee cup with you into the interview. Drink your coffee and smoke your cigarette and wash out your mouth or gargle with some sort of minty mouthwash to freshen your breath. You do not want to distract the interviewer from seeing your best side.
9) Finger nails should be clean and well manicured but not painted in some gaudy black or hot red colour. Keep in simple and fresh.
10) There is a saying that the first thing people look at is your shoes. Make sure your shoes are clean, polished and appropriate. Leave the sling back shoes for after you get the job. Women a nice sleek handbag would be appropriate.
The interview is a step in the door and you want to maximize your chances to get the job. My advice to you is keeping everything simple, straightforward and tasteful. Sometimes your personal presentation can have a huge influence on the outcome. If you look the part it is easier for the interviewer to see you in the job. Each job interview must be analyzed careful to know what will be enhancing and what will be defeating your chances of success. Good luck.
