If you would like personalized assistance, please contact the CDC for an individual appointment, or stop by during drop-in hours Monday through Friday between 2 P.M. and 4 P.M.
|
|
Interviewing: Dress for Success
Dress for Success
Although you would prefer to be judged by what is inside, what is outside gets seen first. Since you want to make a positive impression on the employer, your clothes should enhance your chances for receiving a job offer, not detract from it.
Check out Washington State University's Dress to Impress Guide! It has wonderful photos and tips.
The following guidelines may seem obvious, but there are some basic essentials that must be given attention when preparing for an interview.
Do
- Before the interview, find out the standard dress code for your desired industry and position.
- Use common sense dress that is appropriate for your desired work field.
- Since the matter of dress is important, you will want to dress your best, but not your flashiest. This is an interview for employment; your appearance should reflect that you are taking the interview seriously.
- Always dress better for an interview that you would for a day at work with the employer.
- Select classic styles that fit well and project a professional image.
- Play it safe; wear a conservative, well-tailored suit. You may dress more casually depending on company policy when you are hired.
- Purchase the best quality clothes you can afford.
- Your outfit should be color-coordinated, clean and pressed. At least two days before the interview check for stains, undone hems, open seams, loose threads or buttons on your garment. Dry-clean or launder if necessary.
- Keep make-up to a minimum.
- Minimize the amount of perfume/cologne you use.
- Your jewelry and hairstyle should be conservative.
Don't
- Wear dangling or clanking jewelry. When in doubt, leave it out.
- Wear exotic, dramatically designed or brightly colored clothes. Dressing conservatively helps make a positive impression.
- Go to an interview with shoes that are badly scuffed or in a state of disrepair.
Remember: You want to do the talking, not your clothes.
Top Five Interview Dress Tips
by Denise Ward
1. Wear the best quality you can afford
A classic fine-grade wool suit (versus sports coat if you can) - women can do either a pant suit or suit with skirt (if in doubt, do the skirt), silk tie for men, leather shoes, great cotton shirt (or similar equivalent for women) - all of these will never let you down.
2. Buff & Shine!
Clean, combed hair with a fresh cut - shined shoes - clean socks - nicely pressed and even starched shirt - clean fingernails (women - with neutral or light polish if you wear polish) - brushed teeth with mouthwash - newer portfolio with a great pen.
3. Under and Over
Guys - wear an undershirt. Women - the basics plus a camisole if your shirt is sheer and a slip if you are wearing an unlined skirt. If you wear a coat that your interviewer will see, you may want to invest in a classic overcoat that looks great with your suit. Look classy!
4. Keep it minimal
This goes for jewelry, perfume or aftershave (may wish to avoid altogether given typically small interviewing spaces!), makeup. Leave the cell phones and pagers off and in a different room.
5. When in doubt....
Dress more conservatively, more formally. This is not the time to make a personal statement with your appearance. Let them remember you, not your clothing.
|
|
