While it may be unfair that people judge others by their appearance, it is a fact. That is why it is important to always make the best first impression possible. A job interview is the number one place where appearance matters great deal and either makes or breaks the deal.
A black suit is too formal for an interview, while a tan or khaki suit is viewed as too casual. Even while interviewing for a job in a company that has a more casual than corporate atmosphere, you are safer dressing up a notch. Follow the principle : dress for your next job, not your current one. Here are tips to ensure you leave a strong mark and get the follow up call.
Dress in layers : better to be over-prepared than under prepared. Dressing in layers makes it easier to peel off clothing if it appears you're overdressed. A tie, suit jacket, and vest can be a good bet.
Shirt: Stay away from overly bright colors, your interview is neither the beach nor a summer parade. It's about keeping your colors conservative and coordinated. Stay away from plain black shirts, they make you come off as bland. Remember your clothes do a percent of the talking for you. Depending on your complexion, light blue, navy blue and white shirts could do the trick best. Keep them starched,spotless and ironed. A plain shirt would go better than a plaid or checkered shirt.
Tie: Guys, lay off spongebob ties and everything else with a cartoon character. The employer rather thinks you are immature than abetting you a sense of humor. Ties with solid colors go well. Ties should stay in patterns to keep the look interesting and fresh. Keep novelty ties for cook-outs and hanging out with friends.
Pants: Pleated pants are for older gentlemen and anyone less than 40 years old should avoid them. Wear fitted straight-leg cut pants without front pleats or cuffed hems.
Khaki pants can come in handy but don't be scared to put on some pants in darker shades; blue, black or military green.
Shoes: Wear black lace-up shoes. Put a high polish on them. Test them open in the sun, make sure they glisten. The better the shine the better the shoe. You want to be remembered as the man with the well polished shoes. Check the heels. If they are run-down and worn looking, purchase a new pair. Dirty, worn shoes will kill the look of the most expensive suit.
Watch: This is no time to show off 300-karat gold 'bling' watches. Throw that in the closet for bling fests and pick up a classic wrist watch. A black or brown analog leather wristwatch or a classic silver rolex watch is all you need. No G-shocks, Aqua sports and digital watches allowed. This should also be the ONLY accessory you sport.
Cologne: Wear something light and fresh with a citrus flavor. The citrus will wear down before you get to your interview and also is a calming relaxing inviting scent. Trust me. Remember colognes go on your body not on the clothes, so you don't ruin them. 3 whiffs on the lower portions of your neck on both sides, a dab behind each ear, a spray on the inside of your wrists, rub your wrists together to get the fragrance on both wrists. Don't get adventrous with your cologne, no exotic regions either. I recommend Calvin Klein Euphoria, Acqua Di Gio (very common but still high quality), Dolce & gabbana Light Blue, Gucci Sport 2 (Gucci 1 is a bit lighter), Curve Chill (real affordable) or Calvin Klein Eternity Sport. For bolder scents try 212 or Givenchy Play.
Everything else: Wallet, check...make sure you're not carrying bulging stuff in your pocket, if you have lots of stuff to carry get a messenger bag. There's nothing worse than sporting a fine expensive suit and killing it with a school bag (I see this half the time and ask myself.. WHY?). Face, check...make sure you wiped off your breakfast off your mouth and trimmed your hair(s) etc. Hair, check...keep a clean hair cut with a nice trim along your hair lines, it goes a long way to making lasting postive impressions. Stay off fancy hair designs and stars for now. Necessary documents, check...for your prospective job. By now you've done your homework on the company, have an extra hardcopy of your resume and questions for the job. Keep your mindset postive with a can-do atttiude.
Your outfit should follow this short code: L-D-D or D-Dl-D
i.e L - Light shirt,
D - Dark Pants
D - Dark Shoe
vice versa and Dl - darkish light eg a brown or khaki pant.
Now take a good look at yourself in a full length mirror, you're smashing fresh. Would you hire yourself?
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