True to what college exit seminars propagate, dressing up for your job interview is as important as the resumé you submit to potential employers. What most of these school-initiated talks don’t tell you however are the details that can make you look your best and your interviewer even more impressed.
While a prescribed dress code is de rigueur for the working class, job interviews can be a departure from your comfort zone of jeans or school uniform. Consider these job interviews as an opportunity to look a notch better than your usual. It is, after all, not called ‘dress up’ for nothing.
It pays to pay up
On your last year of studies, it is a smart idea to already set aside a portion of your allowance for work clothes. These clothes can be used for both your internship and job interviews. Consider a rotation of five tops and two or three bottoms - one top for every day of the workweek and bottoms to alternate.
Building this wardrobe may come out expensive at first, but consider the ‘cost per wear’ concept. A top may cost you P1,000.00 at the onset, but wearing it 12 times - once a week over a period of three months - brings its cost down to approximately P83.00. What is that small amount compared to looking good while interning or nailing that job?
If any portion of your wardrobe be expensive, let it be footwear. More often than not, higher price points equate to better quality and craftsmanship. Keep at least two pairs of shoes on rotation. Not only is it hygienic; you also prolong the life of each pair.
Crack the code
A good number of guest speakers at career talks will tell you to always look professional and observe the corporate dress code when turning up for a job interview. What they usually fail to mention is that certain industries do not exactly follow a standard style of dress or have a Mad Men wardrobe requirement at all.
Before you pass your resume or show up for your job interview, check first what employees in that company wear to work daily. After gathering the facts, aim to look a step ahead of them. The key here is to research, dress ‘up,’ and not stick out like a sore thumb in the applicant waiting area. When applying in a company with a denim and sneakers culture, turn up denim-clad but with a sharp jacket and a pair of dress shoes. For more conservative industries or companies, up the ante with a suit but tone down on the accessories.
A word of advice to the ladies: take it easy on the jewelry, especially those that make sounds with every movement. These trinkets take away the focus from you. Also, choose heels in mid-height. Flats are for the bazaar and five-inchers for the club.
Gentlemen, if you must go corporate, do not wear a tie if you are not wearing a suit jacket. If no one has ever told you before, it may be enlightening to know now that the jacket-less tie never looked good before happy hour. If you must wear a tie, lose the cartoon characters and chuck the clip-on variety. Do not consider sporting a bow tie; Bass Industries is a work of fiction.
Fit trumps fads
Anything that reveals, slouches or falls under the category of snug or baggy does nothing to enhance your look on the day of the interview. The last thing you want to do during your interview is pull down a short skirt or pat a blousy tucked shirt while discussing your long-term goals. Interview clothes that fit well, provide ample coverage, and fall smoothly against the body are always better than what most fashion magazines dictate as it. You will also feel and look better with clothes that fit well.
If you don’t find anything that fits you perfectly off the rack, ask for quotations from a reputable dressmaker or tailor. Sourcing your own fabric and having your threads custom-made may turn out cheaper and make you look better than your retail-covered counterparts.
Details make the big picture
With your wardrobe building blocks already in place, you must not forget the little things that may call the biggest attention on the day of your interview. If this has not been revealed to you in the past, you may now consider yourself informed.
- Keep a handkerchief in your pocket to wipe beads of sweat off your face and sponge nervous palms. Stash it in your pocket right before the interview.
- If you must wear fragrance, spray only on your pulse points and never on your clothes. Better a cologne or eau de toillette than the perfume kind. Spray only after you step out of the shower. An hourly application tends to overpower.
- Well-fitting underwear, though invisible, encourages power and confidence.
- Socks or hosiery must be clean and functional. Stocking runs and loose garters will break your groove.
- Invest on quality storage. Keep multiple copies of your resumé in a decent binder or envelope and keep your essentials in a satchel or handbag that complements your wardrobe.
- That pack of mints and tube of lip balm? Have them serve their purpose inside the rest room.
- Bring a functional pen. Spend on a good-looking one. You never know when your contract signing falls on that same day.
- Gentlemen, a firm handshake is expected. Ladies, offer your hand first.
- End the interview with a ‘thank you’ and a smile.
Owen C. Maddela manages Communications at a leading BPO and is a published fashion and lifestyle writer. He regrets not following most of the tips he wrote above during his job hunting months after college. He does not want everyone else to commit the same mistake.
Image courtesy of http://styleeyeforcluelessguys.blogspot.com.
Recent Comments