10 Things To Remember When Dressing For Job Interviews

When it comes to applying for jobs and doing a job interview, image is everything. And appearances CAN be deceiving. Especially if you dress wrongly when going for that job interview. Would you want to lose a job prospect all because of your attire? Of course not. The fact is – appearance shouldn’t matter when being interviewed, but the harsh and sad reality is that we are all judged in an interview before we get a “Hello” out of our mouth. Here, then are some top tips and advice about what to keep in mind when you dress for that all important interview.

1. Do not appear too casual in your clothing – yes, we all have that casual vibe at times and when going to meet someone we know, we dress “neat casual”. It’s the in thing. But neat casual does not belong in the interview room. Some people’s idea of neat casual can also consist of ripped jeans with the knee ripped out, a t-shirt with the face of a bulldog snarling at the speaker with the words “What are you looking at?” emblazoned across it, or that Hawaiian shirt you brought back from vacation that you “felt” like wearing. Neat to some is a red flag at a bull to others. Worn out trainers, shoddy looking shoes, and for guys, large jewellery that really dazzles may not shine for you in the end. Unless you’re looking for a job as a Pimp, this look doesn’t cut it in the interview room and the employment world. Clothing should be formal and business-like. make them neat and tidy, with under-stated elegance if possible. If the price for such clothing is high - ask yourself how badly do you need this job?

2. No headwear – you should not wear any caps, hats, hoodies, beanies or any “Captain Haddock” inspired marine wear in your interview. People usually associate these to a certain kind of person, as though the person has something to hide. There are obvious medical and religious exceptions to this interview rule, where of course it's perfectly fine to allow headwear.

3. Wacky ties are a no-no – for the guys here, yes, the wacky ties serves some purpose, like if you are like John Snow on Channel 4 News, who can wear weird ties and socks, and he has become a fashion icon almost for this line of clothing. He gets away with it. But he waited till after he got his job before trying this out. I have to confess that some people I know have won jobs and they said certain college ties or university ties were worn in the interview. perhaps that is a curious exception to this rule. Maybe you are "one of the boys". But for the most part, your interviewer will not have an appetite for your humor, so dress like you are serious about the job.

4. No Tattoos or piercings – with apologies to a great Tattoo lover, (I am thinking of one just now), sadly these are frowned upon in the interview room. What if you cannot remove them - then try to conceal or cover any piercings or body art that may cause offence. A Tattoo of an angel won’t upset anyone. But if you have studs – keep them small. Also, even though it might be weird, ask a female friend about some make-up to cover a tattoo in a public place, it may do the job, as long as it doesn’t look too er...unusual.

But here again there are exceptions. In this very multi-cultured world, applying for work in some industries – it's okay if you have such “décor”. Male Hairdressers will get away with these no problem, and best of luck to them, I say - and in creative, artistic or design jobs too. I got a lady friend who wore a man's suit and an emo hair cut who sailed through her job interview an advertising! So it is possible...

5. Go easy on the accessories – ladies, you have to remember not to accessorize too much or bejewel yourself to the point where that chain, locket, or broach is getting too much attention and you are getting little or none. Plus, if there is a lady interviewer, she will feel put out and up-staged in some way. I have nothing whatsoever against having accessories, as we ladies love to wear stuff! Accessories can accentuate us in some pleasant ways, as long as it’s minimal and not overbearing. Less can sometimes be more...

6. Keep the make up toned down – again for the ladies, make up that’s applied around the mouth and the eyes is fine but just avoid anything too ostentatious or outrageous. Like the accessories, keep it subtle. And again, there is an art to make-up. It can be done right and it will make you look amazing.

7. Take care of those strong odors – It goes without saying but wearing too much deodorant or perfume can be a turn off or distraction. Many people have been tempted to try some new aroma in an interview, sometimes on recommendations of friends. My partner Cathy Nerujen informs me that Silky Girl perfume got a nod of approval in her recent job interview, so there is a subtle art in knowing what is just right. They should be managed carefully. Similarly, the odor of cigarettes or tobacco is not advisable. Breath freshener before you enter the interview room, please. Another one is drugs. Some interviewers can detect the smell of some drugs and alcohol is distinct for it's aroma - they will eject any candidate who appears in the interview room under any influence.

8. Trim the facial hair – there used to be an old saying about facial hair being a bad thing, but this is happily no longer the case. In fact, a neat beard can look great, provided it is just that - neat. The five o’ clock shadow is frowned upon, it makes you look like you just fell out of bed, unless it is managed and designed to impress. Another weird one is the shaved person with the rash under the neck from having just freshly shaved his neck and dabbed gallons of alcohol-based aftershave on top of it. They will send for a doctor straight away. This, you do not want. (Psst, it's called Aloe Vera cream and it fixes this no problem.)

9. If the suit fits, wear it – suits maketh the man, and the woman who “power-dresses” is going to get attention. Make sure the fit is right. A suit that is fitting in the right places is better than a suit or jacket that doesn’t. If you found a suit that is a bit too baggy or loose, get something more snug that will fit. Shoes always help make a good impression. And though it goes without saying, discard any army fatigues, or strange uniform that suggests that you are just back from the wars. Unless that uniform comes with that job.

10. Ladies – no flashing! It’s a job interview, not a lap dance or an evening out on the “tiles”. Some kinds of attire work in some industries, but that midriff, six-pack, and cleavage should be covered up if you want to pass that job. Dress to suit the job. This is where your “other” assets come into play, okay? IQ, problem solving, managing and multi-tasking stuff? And beware the top shirt that shows too much detail in the boob department. Check yourself in the mirror beforehand. Ask a friend for a second opinion. Or if she has bad taste, get a third opinion, or just go ask your Mum. You can do it!

These are basic common sense tips that will stand you in good stead. Getting a job is a serious task, and so dress serious if you want to succeed. Remember what other people think as they will judge you in the first few seconds. Impressions really go a long way! And I wish you the best of luck in that interview.

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