Job Interview -- What to Wear

by Robin Ryan

“Sloppy, sexy, sluttish, wrinkled or filthy clothes have no place at work,” explains Tracy Brown, an HR Director. Today too many people – young and old alike – have lost touch with what is appropriate business attire.  Although everyday dress may be causal, the interview is a test to evaluate a person’s professionalism and their seriousness about the job.”

Human resource directors all seemed in agreement that a reversal trend is now upon us, moving the workplace away from “business casual” to “business professional. ” Why? Christine Robinson, Fortune 500 HR Director said, “We see people at all levels, particularly new college grads coming in here dressed like they are going to a rock concert. Older workers wear suits two sizes too small or they just wear the frumpy jumper. Others arrive in T-shirts and jeans. These are definitely folks that we won’t be hiring.”

First impressions can be very hard to change.  In the first ten seconds of meeting a candidate, the interviewer makes a mental decision on whether you look right for the job. Translation – DRESS UP!  

If you are uncertain of the proper attire to display to employers, here’s some useful guidelines on what’s impressive if you want to excel in your next job interview.

• Dress well and be conservative. Business suits, shirts, ties, blazers for men. Suits -– jacket and skirt, or matching pant-suit for women. Be sure shoes match the pants or blend with the outfit.

• Neatness matters. Clothes should be cleaned, pressed and well-fit. No tears or missing buttons. Shine your shoes. Shower. Men’s hair should be combed and nails clean and trimmed. Women need a professional hairstyle and manicured nails need to be freshly done. Use a light hand applying makeup. Skip cologne. Men, watches and one ring work best. Women, simply jewelry that isn’t distracting is appropriate.

• Travel light. Carry only one: a briefcase or laptop or leather notebook or purse so you always have a free hand.

• Taboos. Avoid wearing: Spandex.  Nose rings.  Blue hair.  Huge, baggy tops. T-Shirts with obscenities on them.  Stilettos.  Low-rider jeans with belly buttons or butt cracks showing.  Slippers.  Micro mini-skirts.  Underwear as outerwear.  Body art.  Fishnet stockings.  Gothic make-up.  Braless.  Flip-flops.  Nightclub clothes.

Your attire and image presentation reflects positively or negatively. Presenting the best possible image of you is imperative to your interview success.

© Copyright 2008 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved.

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Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil and is considered to be America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling author of : "60 Seconds & You're Hired!," "Soaring On Your Strengths," "What to Do With the Rest of Your Life," "Winning Resumes," and "Winning Cover Letters." A dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: robin@robinryan.com, or visit her website: http://www.robinryan.com

Reprints release: Newspapers, magazines, online websites are granted permission to reprint this in part or whole but are required to credit the author including author's bio, book credits, and include author's website information (with link if online); PLUS email author at robin@robinryan.com and state when and where reprint publication will occur. Questions: contact author at robin@robinryan.com or 425.226.0414.