HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR INTERVIEW!

You now have been invited for a job interview, Congratulations! We have put together some tips to help guide you on the proper dress code for your interview. Your first impression is the most important step in the interview process. Why is it important? I am glad you asked… I want to give you an example about external communication. Let’s say you went to your local grocery store and as you were shopping you see a person standing there wearing their favorite jersey (we will use the Dallas Cowboys for this example.) This person obviously likes the Dallas Cowboys team, because the jersey displays the colors and the team name. This person communicated to you without verbally telling you that they like the Dallas Cowboys, the jersey says it all.

When you show up to your interview, the external communication you display to the employer is vital to how the rest of your interview will take place. If they see a clean and well dress individual the communication will go a long way for you. Also, take in mind that employee’s working at the place you are applying, are watching you. Employers will ask employee’s what they thought of you just to get more feedback to justify why they will want to hire you. So be very careful. Now, since we got that out of the way let’s look at some tips below.

Women

• Women should generally wear a suit with a skirt or pants. Dress conservative.

• Your attire should be dark in color and nothing too flashy or tight. Make sure if you wear a skirt that is not too short. You do not want the interviewer or secretary complaining that your skirt is too short. Knee-length skirts are suggested. Stay away from long casual dining skirts. You want to go into the interview with confidence and professionalism.

• Wear a conservative blouse with your suit and nothing too tight. Keep the cleavage to a minimum ladies. No animal print blouses, sheer, and nothing low-cut.

• Keep the jewelry to a minimum. No flashy fingernails keep the color conservative. Keep hair accessories to a minimum and not too much make-up, it could be distracting.

• Make sure your shoes are clean and no scuff marks. No shoes with open toe or back. Professional shoes to the interview are important. If you are thinking about shoes that you wear out to the night club probably not the best thing to wear. Conservative is the key.

• Make sure your attire is clean and ironed. If you do not own an iron borrow one or send your attire to the cleaners.

• Make sure you shower, brush your teeth and make sure you have fresh breath before your interview.

• If you smoke, do not smoke before your interview. The last thing you want is to smell like an ashtray.

• Wear your hair down or in an updo. You can also pull it back into a low ponytail.

If you get a second interview same rules apply. Second interviews usually have other employee’s sitting in the interview. The employer wants to see if you mesh well with other employees. The employer will get feedback from them once you leave. You want to make a good impression to everyone involved in the interview process. Before you leave the house to the interview make sure you do a head to toe check. Everything has to look clean, match, and well ironed. Dress for the occasion and the journey that lies ahead. Good Luck!

Have you done any other helpful practices to bring down your test anxiety? We would love to hear from you! Contact us and help us share your creative practices to help other students.