Your attire introduces you well before your interview starts.Hiring Managers start assessing candidates from the second that they walk into the door. This is why I always advise my coaching clients to be very mindful of everything that they say or do once they are within the vicinity of their interview. Not only will you be assessed on the way that you carry yourself, but you will also be judged based on the way that you dress.
Some would say that it’s unfair to judge a book by its cover and count someone out just because of their clothes but it’s not as cut and dry as it may seem. Interviewers only have a limited amount of time to assess you, a complete stranger, and determine if you will work out in the long run. Believe it or not when an employee does not work out Hiring Managers will reevaluate every step that was taken throughout the hiring process to see where we went wrong or how we missed the fact that the candidate had “x” or “y” issues with the way that they work. Even though in this day and age of internet and social media, all it takes is a few YouTube videos to learn how to appear like the perfect fit on paper, we still evaluate our process to see how we can make sure that the next employee is not only qualified but capable of excelling at the job. Hiring Managers are revamping their strategies, and are resorting to creative ways of assessing candidates. We’re beginning to take “risks” on candidates with extreme potential but a lack of credentials, or resumes or cover letters that fall a little short of being “perfect”.
So if skill set and experience are starting to hold more weight than credentials then why should you even worry about perfecting each step of the job search process?
- Having a polished resume intrigues the Hiring Manger and prompts them to want to meet you.
- You’re getting an interview offer because someone believes in your potential based on the facts that you present on paper. Your goal is to prove them right.
- Looking clean and professional earns the respect of the interviewer, and keeps them engaged throughout the interview
I’ve seen people get counted out numerous times just because the candidate made a bad impression before they got a chance to meet with the interviewer. Attire is one sure fast way to make a bad impression. At that point they are only going through with the interview process because you’re there already but they already have their sights set on someone else. Your words resonate differently when your appearance is on point. Make a great first impression by following the following standards when you get dressed for your interview:
- Smells Matter! Don’t overdo it with cologne or scented lotion. Fresh breath is equally important. No matter how well dressed you are, nothing kills an interview quicker than a bad or not so appealing smell.
- Smooth out those wrinkles! Smooth out those wrinkles! Avoid wearing clothing items that wrinkle easily. Make sure that you are clean and pressed. Appearing wrinkled can give off the impression that you are disheveled, and unorganized.
- Be Basic not Bold! Unless you are interviewing for a position in fashion, this is not the time to make a fashion statement or the time to follow trends. You should stick to basic colors such as black, navy blue, or grey when choosing our suit, blazer, pants, or skirt/dress. You should also stick to a white shirt.
- Leave your dancing shoes at home! Shoes should be well kept (no scuffs, no rips and tears, and they shouldn’t be talking [coming apart] at the toes or sides). Black shoes will work with any of the basic colors. You have a little room for creativity with your socks, and tie but don’t overdo it. Ladies should stick to plain sheer or opaque stocking (FYI: this is not the time to break out those fishnet stocking!).
- If it’s too tight then it ain’t right! Your goal is to land a job not a spouse. This is not the time to accentuate your curves, show off a little skin, or break out new “fitted” trends.
- Casual is not in your vocabulary! I once interviewed with a Deputy Director on “Casual Friday”. She told me in advance that it was Casual Friday at the office so I skipped out on the suit but I still chose to wear a pair of black pants and a button up white shirt. The Deputy Director on the other hand wore a black t-shirt, a pair of jeans, and a pair of worn out sneakers with tattoos exposed everywhere. Needless to say I got the job. No matter how relaxed your potential new office environment may be, you should not adapt their practices until you are an official employee.
If you’ve seen or heard these tips over and over it’s because they actually work! Preparing for a job interview may seem tedious but on misstep can cost you the job. Keep in mind that the interviewer does not know you or your backstory and that anything can easily be misconstrued.
Now that you’ve got the attire down packed. If you need help with preparing for your interview you should sign up for a coaching call by heading to https://thecareerconqueror.as.me/Prep1