Jobs
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Interview
Tips 
Prepare |
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Let's say you are going for an
interview tomorrow. You have prepared yourself well for the
occasion - anticipating the questions and getting ready the
answers - but have you given a thought to what you will wear?
If you have not peeked into your wardrobe yet, it's time to
take a real hard look now. Your application's fate depends not
just on how well you answer the interview questions, but also
on how well you project yourself physically. The first impression
your interviewer makes about you is based on the way you look,
and you know what they say about first impressions. According
to Joe Hodowanes, J.M. Wanes and Associates career strategy
advisor, "The way a person dresses is the single biggest
non-verbal communication you make about yourself." The
right dressing is a measure of the seriousness that you place
on the position, as a person normally spends time on his looks
if he considers an event important enough.
"Although proper dressing
by itself will not get you the job, a poor dress sense may exclude
you from further consideration," warns
Gerry Ditching, managing partner of Filgifts.com. Besides, given
two equally good applicants, the company may choose to hire
the person who is dressed more professionally. Here are some
tips to give you a headstart.
MEN
Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks. White is still the safest
and the best color for shirts. The colour is also appropriate
for our tropical weather. Also acceptable: pale shades such
as beige, blue, and other pastels.
Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves. Never wear
a short-sleeved shirt to an interview or any business purpose.
Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your executive image.
Ties. Optional. But if you do wear one, choose a conservative
pattern. Solids, small polka dots, diagonal stripes, small repeating
shapes, subtle plaids and paisleys are all acceptable.
Belts. Belts should match your shoes. Those with smaller buckles
with squared lines look more professional.
Socks. Black socks are the best, followed by blue or gray, depending
on your attire. Never wear white socks! Check your sock length,
too--no skin should show when you sit down or cross your legs.
Shoes. Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them, because
tassel loafers are very casual. Other suitable colors are brown,
cordovan and navy.
Hair. Keep neat, short and preferably parted on the side. And
shave off all those facial hair.
Jewellery. Wear no or little jewellery. The watch and wedding
ring are the only acceptable pieces of jewellery to go with
the male attire. Thin gold or leather-strapped watches look
professional but not
digital watches. Also, avoid political or religious insignias,
necklaces or bracelets. Definitely no pierced
body parts, and cover up your tattoos!
Accessories. As much as possible, use leather briefcases or
folders to hold copies of your resume. Use narrow briefcases
and avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are
out of place.
WOMEN
Three-piece business suits, blouse and skirt or slacks, and
cardigan twin-sets. Sleeveless shirts should be rejected. Short-sleeved
blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have features such
as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like
look. Skirts can either be long provided it does not create
a Cinderella or barn-dance look or short where it falls no shorter
than two inches from the knee. Nothing too revealing, please!
Panty-hose or stockings. A must for professional grooming, but
nothing with overly fussy patterns. Bring an extra pair, just
in case the ones you are wearing run.
Shoes. Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1½-inch heels
suggest a more professional look. Dark colors are best.
Hair. Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or
pulled back. Don't let it fall in front of your face and don't
keep trying to fix it during the interview. Avoid large hair
ornaments and trendy hairstyles.
Make-up. Be subtle; natural is the key word. Light shades of
lip coloring and nail polish are recommended.
Jewellery. Be conservative. Studs of gold, silver or pearls
are best. Do away with gaudy fashion jewelers, and those that
clank and make noise when one moves.
Accessories. Folders and bags should blend well with the total
professional look. Women should match their purse with their
shoe colour.
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