Attire, Attitude & Etiquette for Your Job Interview-Part I–Attire
This Thursday May 26, I will be making a presentation on this topic at the Ocean Ave. & Kings Highway Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Since it is on my mind I will blog about some of the essential elements that I will be addressing.
Although the job market is coming back, the hunt is still challenging. Statistics show that women are being hired less frequently than equally qualified men. The antiquated misconception that men are supporting a family and women are in it for “the extras” still prevails in spite of the fact that it is patently untrue.
Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to make the right impression during your job interview—you definitely will not get a second chance.
Some essential points for everyone:
- The suit is the outfit of choice for the interview
- For women, there is some controversy over whether skirt or pant suits are more likely to win the position. The tide seems to be leaning toward skirt suits
- Black is authoritative but can also appear severe
- Navy blue is the most popular color
- It symbolizes honesty, integrity, logic, wisdom, decisiveness and a host of other positive attributes
- Dark gray is the most neutral color
- For women, I favor a shell rather than a button-down blouse because it is sleeker and avoids any possibility of buttons pulling or popping; just remember that a show of too much skin undermines your credibility and authority
- For men a white shirt or one that coordinates with your suit; a belt, tie, dark, knee-length socks and conservative shoes both of which blend with the color of the suit
- The fit of the suit is the most important element—this is your opportunity to showcase your attention to detail and ability to plan ahead
- Pant or skirt and sleeve length are critical aspects of your self-presentation
- For women, skirt length should be in the vicinity of the knee so that it is comfortable when you sit down
- Pant length should hit the middle of any heel; too short is as bad as too long
- The suit should fit your dimensions without pulling; clothing that fits you is the most flattering no matter what you are wearing
- Jewelry should be minimal for both genders
- For women: wear nothing that jangles or otherwise distracts; wearing genuine jewelry will unconsciously reflect on the genuine nature of your personality
- For women, conservative shoes such as nude or black pumps and neutral pantyhose are best
- For men: limit your jewelry to a wedding band and a watch
- For everyone: avoid wearing piercings except for one pair of conservative earrings for women, if desired
- Grooming:
- Light, natural-looking makeup for women
- Neatly manicured nails and neat hair styles for both genders
- SPECIAL TIP: Bring a leather or other high-quality portfolio or briefcase containing one or, even better, two copies of any paperwork you have submitted to get to the interview stage: your resume, letters of reference, copies of your work and anything else you deem important. (I have found that interviewers rarely have these items in front of them for reference; bring a copy for them and a copy for yourself so you can read along and point out the highlights.)
- What not to wear or bring:
- Gum
- Cell phone (or TURN IT OFF); your interviewer is the center of your universe now and s/he should know it
- Heavy perfume or cologne; what’s appealing to you might be a turnoff to your interviewer—don’t take that chance
Tomorrow: The must-have attitude and preparation to get the edge over the always-present competition.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments!
