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Though it’s easy to say that appearances shouldn’t matter and that a candidate should be judged on their merit and accomplishments rather than their chosen style of dress, the truth is that your wardrobe choices do reflect upon you and speak to your character in the professional world.
This is especially true in the case of job interviews, where a first impression and a relatively short conversation are all that a hiring manager has to base her opinions around.
Acing the interview
It’s hard enough to land a job interview, let alone get the job – be sure to dress professionally and leave them with a positive, memorable impression of who you are.
Follow these 5 steps for interview dress success.
1. Know the code – if you are not sure how to dress, phone up the company and ask them what their dress code policy is. It is better to be safe than sorry. Let’s face it – we all judge a book by its cover.
2. Err on the side of conservatism – it’s always better to be a bit over-dressed than under-dressed.
3. No to novelty! – Skip the kooky ties and socks. Meeting a prospective employer for the first time is not an ideal moment to break out in your Blue Bulls tie or Donald Duck socks you got for your last birthday.
Instead, look for something simple and straightforward in a solid color or with a subtle print. The same applies to cutesy pens, notepads, pencil cases, phone covers– really anything that would allow people to not take you seriously.
4. Don’t splurge on the aftershave – Be sparing with aftershave and fragrances. Ladies, tone down your make-up if it normally includes heavy eye shadow or bright lipstick.
Sights and scents can be very distracting and can make you seem frivolous. Always make sure your nails are manicured and your hair is neat and tidy.
5. Do your research – make sure you know a bit of the background of the company before arriving for the interview. It shows that you care and you are interested in the job.
Be prepared to answer questions, and also pose questions about the company or position.
For more information on our Impression Management programmes visit www.profimpressions.co.za or Contact us: Tel: 011 469 1396 email: info@profimpressions.co.za
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
This is especially true in the case of job interviews, where a first impression and a relatively short conversation are all that a hiring manager has to base her opinions around.
Acing the interview
It’s hard enough to land a job interview, let alone get the job – be sure to dress professionally and leave them with a positive, memorable impression of who you are.
Follow these 5 steps for interview dress success.
1. Know the code – if you are not sure how to dress, phone up the company and ask them what their dress code policy is. It is better to be safe than sorry. Let’s face it – we all judge a book by its cover.
2. Err on the side of conservatism – it’s always better to be a bit over-dressed than under-dressed.
3. No to novelty! – Skip the kooky ties and socks. Meeting a prospective employer for the first time is not an ideal moment to break out in your Blue Bulls tie or Donald Duck socks you got for your last birthday.
Instead, look for something simple and straightforward in a solid color or with a subtle print. The same applies to cutesy pens, notepads, pencil cases, phone covers– really anything that would allow people to not take you seriously.
4. Don’t splurge on the aftershave – Be sparing with aftershave and fragrances. Ladies, tone down your make-up if it normally includes heavy eye shadow or bright lipstick.
Sights and scents can be very distracting and can make you seem frivolous. Always make sure your nails are manicured and your hair is neat and tidy.
5. Do your research – make sure you know a bit of the background of the company before arriving for the interview. It shows that you care and you are interested in the job.
Be prepared to answer questions, and also pose questions about the company or position.
For more information on our Impression Management programmes visit www.profimpressions.co.za or Contact us: Tel: 011 469 1396 email: info@profimpressions.co.za
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
