Sunday, August 30, 2009

Dressing for Interview Success

Making snap judgements about people is human nature, and a lot of interviewers believe that a candidate's dress code says a lot about him or her. Make the right impression on the interviewers by thinking carefully about what to wear on the big day.

Not that long ago, interviewers expected all candidates to turn up in suits. Now, an increasing number of organisations have relaxed their dress codes, and it has become impossible to prescribe how to dress for just about any interview.

Always call ahead and ask about the dress code. Or, if you are at all uncertain, then go on a scouting trip and watch the flow of people as they go in and out of the building where you are to be interviewed. However, even if the majority of the staff seem to dress casually, do be careful as many interviewers may dress smartly specifically for interviews.

Wearing a suit may not always be your best option. For example, people in creative roles in industries such as fashion, advertising, and media often talk scathingly about suits - people in (what they see as) boring roles such as finance, operations, and human resources. No matter what, be sure to think about your clothes.

If in doubt, go smart. Being slightly overdressed is always better than being underdressed (you can always take off your tie and undo a top button). For men, this means the following:

Wear a dark suit: Navy blue and grey are the most acceptable colours. Black can come across as a bit fune-real. And buy a classic cut with a two- or three-button jacket rather than trying to follow the latest fashion.

Wear a plain: long-sleeved shirt: Pick a pale colour such as light blue or white. If you suffer from sweating, then wear a white t-shirt underneath to prevent wet patches from showing.

Wear a plain silk tie: Patterns can be distracting. Let your words rather than your tie entertain the interviewers.  Wear black shoes: Opt for plain lace-ups without fancy buckles. Polish your shoes. One school of thought amongst interviewers says that unpolished shoes are the sign of a disorganised mind. Understanding the guidelines

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