According to Timothy Ng, what you wear to an interview can have a big impact on whether or not you get the job. Not because all employers are fashion crazed perfection seekers who will only take you on if you look the perfect fashion icon, but because what you wear to an interview can actually say quite a bit about you as an employee.
After a small investigation on some of the worst job interview fashion disasters, it was noted to be aware of the following:
1. Casual Wear – Chances are the employee will want someone smart, well organized, efficient, good with people and presentable. So unless told otherwise assume the interview is formal!
2. Accessories – Walking into an interview room with your iPod round your neck, sunglasses on, or a cap that says “I love beer” is not a good look and should be avoided like the plague. Make sure that you remove any unwanted extras before you get into the building.
3. Clothes that don’t fit – If the only suit that you have in your wardrobe hasn’t seen the light of day for many years and doesn’t fit so well anymore then perhaps its time to buy a new one.
Squeezing into an old suit that doesn’t fit will not look pleasant, and also leaves you open to sudden attire failure.
4. Piercings – There is nothing wrong with a piercing (especially ears), however, caution should be taken when showing them off in an interview. If you have more than on piercing in your ears it is probably best to take out all bar one on the day.
Likewise, if you have your nose, tongue, or lip pierced it would be a good idea to take them out for the interview itself. You can always ask what the company policy is on piercings if you get the job.
5. Provocative Clothing – When wearing a skirt, keep the length below the knee at all times. If not, you may run into problems when you try to sit down! Likewise be careful what top you wear. Nothing wrong with a little cleavage but keep it professional.
6. Watch the Shoes – Shoes have the potential to cause a number of problems during interviews. Make sure your shoes are clean. Nothing screams unprofessional more than someone that walks into an interview with dirty, muddy, or scuffed shoes.
7. Fragrance – Hygiene is of the utmost importance at an interview, but don’t take your odour obsession too far. A single spray of aftershave of perfume should do the job just fine. Nothing creates more of an atmosphere than someone walking into a room smelling like they have showered in aftershave that morning.
For more information and tips, read the article from Your Balance.
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