You have ajob interview tomorrow. You’ve learned everything about the company, you’re prepared for any questions they ask, and you even arrived a few minutes early. You couldn’t be more ready.
But when you stop in the restroom for a last look in the mirror, your mind starts racing: “Am I dressed the way I should be for this interview?”
“In an interview situation, you’remarketing yourself as a product, and so you want and need to have the best image possible,” says Amy Glass, a trainer and coach at Brody Communications Ltd. of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and an expert onpresentation skills,business etiquette, professional presence and interpersonal communication.
Presenting aprofessional imageis more about doing your homework thanspending money. So as you prepare for your interview, keep these wardrobe tips in mind.
It’s OK to Ask What to Wear: In corporate houses, business professional dresswill be appropriate: A conservative suit, shirt and tie if you’re a man, or a conservative suit if you’re a woman, with — perhaps — personality shown through your shirt or jewelry. In other industries such as advertising, public relations, graphic design, what to wear might be less clear. If that’s the case, ask about the company’s general dress policies when you’re first contacted about an interview. If in doubt, err on the conservative side.
Shop Smart: You don’t have to buy several suits for different interviews at the same company. Mix and match with the suit to bring out newness.
Don’t Neglect Accessories: If you have leather shoes, make sure they’re shined. If you have suede shoes, make sure they’re brushed. And if your shoes are five years old, have the soles redone at a shoemaker. If you have a leather briefcase and it’s still in good shape, now’s the time to use it. If you don’t, a nice portfolio binder will do just fine.
The effort and expense you put into your professional image for your interview makes a difference.
