Copyright December 12, 2006
CareerBuilder LLC - Reprinted with
permission.
Selecting the perfect interview outfit
can be difficult and complicated in
today's business casual environment . .
. especially in the summer with insanely
high temperatures and stifling humidity.
Surely the interviewer won't expect you
to dress in a full business suit in the
heat of summer, right? WRONG. Being
appropriately dressed for a job
interview - regardless of the weather -
is essential! Here are some pointers
that will lead you in the right
direction before you head off to your
summertime job interview.
Tip 1: Even if the
company with which you are interviewing
has a business casual dress code, do not
assume this means you are welcome to
dress in this manner. Remember you are
not an employee and should not look like
one during the interview process.
Tip 2: Regardless of
the temperature outside, you must convey
a professional appearance. Resist the
urge to leave your suit jacket at home.
You may want to keep it off while
traveling to and from the interview, but
be sure to wear it at all times during
the interview.
Tip 3: Adhere to
classic styles. Unless you are applying
for a job in the entertainment or
fashion industry, keep your clothing
simple. "You need to be comfortable in
what you are wearing so that the real
you can come through during the
interview," suggests Cyndi Sparacio,
executive vice president of
administration and human resources for
West Coast Bancorp. "Also, remember to
take off the tags of anything new you
wear to an interview. One woman I
interviewed got up from the seat she
occupied throughout the interview when
something got hung up on her chair. She
was mortified to discover it was the
sensor tag from the department store
where she had purchased the new suit,"
laughs Sparacio.
Tip 4: Choose a dark or
neutral color suit in a fabric that does
not wrinkle. Beware of 100% linen. Women
should combine their suits with soft
colored blouses or sleeveless sweaters.
Men should choose light colored dress
shirts and conservative ties. Betsy
Thompson, fashion spokesperson for
Talbots suggests, "If you are just
coming out of college and don't have a
lot of money to spend on your wardrobe,
I suggest that you buy the best possible
quality for the budget you have by
choosing items made of seasonless
fabrics. When you buy quality clothing,
you'll get years of wear out of them
both for interviews and to wear on the
job."
Tip 5: Choose
accessories that accentuate your
clothing. Accessories like scarves or
jewelry for women are a great way to add
personality to your outfit and may even
set you apart from your fellow
interviewees. Avoid items that clink and
jingle. Keep in mind that your
accessories should be tasteful and
highlight your clothing - not overpower
it. When choosing a watch to wear, make
sure it is made of metal. Sports watches
should be avoided.
Tip 6: Women should
wear stockings and a medium heeled shoe
that is clean and in good condition. Men
should wear conservative shoes that are
clean and polished. If you decide to
ditch the hose, be sure your legs are
clean shaven and minimally exposed with
a knee length or longer skirt.
"Depending on the climate where you are
interviewing, women may want to call the
company with which they are interviewing
ahead of time and ask if they allow
certain wardrobe components like open
toe shoes," Thompson adds. "What may fly
in Florida, may not in New York."
Tip 7: For women,
understated, subtle makeup is best. This
doesn't mean that you should go without,
it means you should err on the side of
conservative. Men should be
clean-shaven. For those with facial
hair, beards and/or mustaches should be
impeccably trimmed and neat. The same is
true for nose and ear hair.
Tip 8: Hair should look
modern and stylish. Even on the hottest
days when your hair may have a
personality all its own, it's important
to tame it as much as possible before
the interview.
Tip 9: Make sure the
accessories you carry, such as your
briefcase and/or portfolio, are in
excellent condition. "Be especially
mindful of your outerwear. Suppose it's
raining on the day of your job
interview. Make sure you have
appropriate rainwear. You may be wearing
your outerwear when the interviewer
greets you in the lobby. You want that
crucial first impression to be
positive," adds Thompson.
Tip 10: While you don't
want to be mistaken as someone with poor
personal hygiene given the temperature
outside, don't overdue your fragrance
either. Nothing is more uncomfortable
than sitting in a closed office with
someone who has too much perfume or
aftershave on.
Tip 11: If there's
someone whose appearance you admire,
watch them more closely for the next few
weeks. Jot down notes about how they
combine colors, the accessories they use
and their hairstyle. Take a trip to the
shopping mall and try to emulate their
clothing choices. Once you buy an
interview suit, head to the department
where accessories are sold and select
those similar to the ones you've admired
on your colleague.
Tip 12: Stay as cool
and comfortable as possible on your way
to the interview. Instead of taking the
bus, hail a cab. Or, drive to the
interview so that you can adjust the
temperature accordingly. If you are
prone to sweating, have a hanky handy
and allow extra time in the lobby to
cool down before the interview.
There's no more critical time to create
a positive first impression than on a
job interview. Make sure your attire
says you are the right candidate for the
job.
