If you have been lucky enough to be called for an interview then you will probably have done your research about the company, prepared your ‘tell me about yourself’ speech (see earlier blog!) and considered all your skills and how they can benefit the company interviewing you.
So don’t ruin it all by turning up in an inappropriate, last minute outfit. Surely if you can give all the time to the above preparations then you can spare some time to think about your outfit. What is wrong with a well fitting suit, ironed shirt, tie done up to the neck and polished shoes? First impressions do count and that impression can be formed as quickly as the initial 10 seconds when you meet the employer. A half done tie or scuffed shoes will not do you any favours and it really doesn’t take much effort – surely you have discovered the iron in the last 4 years as a student!
And I am not discriminating against you men, women have rules to follow too – nothing too low cut or revealing, no trouser suits, no shoes so high that you are unable to walk in them, nothing that comes above the knee when you sit down (practice in front of the mirror if you aren’t sure) and less is more when it comes to makeup, perfume and jewellery. The key thing to remember is that you are applying for a job not going to a party.
You may think that all this is too serious and doesn’t apply to you but you must remember that the interviewer is looking for someone who takes themselves and, in turn, the prospective company seriously. You may be applying for a job in the creative industry and feel that funky clothes are the way to go but the HR manager may be in no way creative and won’t necessarily appreciate your ‘individuality’ – so keep the dress sense ordinary until you land the job, then you can follow suit and dress in the acceptable manner for that workplace.
Try on the outfit the day before and make sure all buttons are sewn on, shoes are polished, no ladder in your tights, etc. And most importantly for that first impression – SMILE!
Helen Murphy Creative Solutions
Customer Service and Effective Business Skills Training
helendmurphy@yahoo.ie, 087 2419805, www.helenmurphycreativesolutions.ie