Job Interviewing Etiquette
What does your clothes say about you? Are you dressed properly for your interview? Do you look and feel confident in your clothes?
These are a few questions that each of us should ask ourselves before attending the next job interview. Just as important as researching the functions of the organization, practicing those potentially tough interview responses, and the other methods for preparing for your face-to-face interview, the way you look and feel is essential and significant for a successful interview. Of the hundreds of interviews that I performed in Missouri, the most impressive individuals were the ones with whom I felt a good starting connection with and your dress attire is an excellent starting point. The appropriate attire truly helps to support your image, appearance, and your statement of self-confidence. However, the interviewer want to hear what it is that you have to say about your career objectives and employment goals, so your attire should not be the main platform of the meeting. In other words, a colorful ensemble or that lucky flamingo shirt you purchased while on vacation should remain at home in the closet, seeing that you are in the starring role, not your clothes.
Dress appropriately: Before arriving to the interview, inquire about the required dress code. It would be very wise to know what the interviewer expects you to wear to his or her interview. Another suggested advice is to survey the attire and accessories that others are wearing within the industry that you are applying.
Men: Dark gray, navy, or black two-piece matched suit, a white or light blue solid colored shirt, dark shaded leather shoes, and a belt to match your shoes.
Women: A two-piece matched suit, white conventional shirt or blouse, leather or micro fabric shoes, and neutral colored hosiery that harmonizes with your suit. If you prefer to wear a skirt, the skirt length must be an appropriate measure. A professional skirt is one that is as conservative and yet fashionable.
Jewelry: A traditional watch is the best route to take for a timepiece, as this should be the only piece of jewelry for men. Many employers will despise visible body piercings (eyebrow rings, nose rings, etc). It is important to dress to fit the company and the job.
Professional Hygiene: Your perfume, cologne, or makeup should not “speak too loudly”, and be sure that your aroma is not offensive when you are in the presence of the interviewer. During a speaking engagement, I mentioned to the audience about the offensive aroma topic and many of them laughed, but it would not be a laughing matter if the interviewer cut the interview short because he or she gasped from the applicant’s unpleasant scent.
One final suggestion of what to wear to your interview, and that is a smile. This is a simple expression denoting pleasure and appreciation for the interview. A smile indicates a positive communicative behavior, and when we have the tendency to smile during an interview, it helps us to relax and provide comfortable responses.
Odie Smith
St. Louis Unemployment Examiner
These are a few questions that each of us should ask ourselves before attending the next job interview. Just as important as researching the functions of the organization, practicing those potentially tough interview responses, and the other methods for preparing for your face-to-face interview, the way you look and feel is essential and significant for a successful interview. Of the hundreds of interviews that I performed in Missouri, the most impressive individuals were the ones with whom I felt a good starting connection with and your dress attire is an excellent starting point. The appropriate attire truly helps to support your image, appearance, and your statement of self-confidence. However, the interviewer want to hear what it is that you have to say about your career objectives and employment goals, so your attire should not be the main platform of the meeting. In other words, a colorful ensemble or that lucky flamingo shirt you purchased while on vacation should remain at home in the closet, seeing that you are in the starring role, not your clothes.
Dress appropriately: Before arriving to the interview, inquire about the required dress code. It would be very wise to know what the interviewer expects you to wear to his or her interview. Another suggested advice is to survey the attire and accessories that others are wearing within the industry that you are applying.
Men: Dark gray, navy, or black two-piece matched suit, a white or light blue solid colored shirt, dark shaded leather shoes, and a belt to match your shoes.
Women: A two-piece matched suit, white conventional shirt or blouse, leather or micro fabric shoes, and neutral colored hosiery that harmonizes with your suit. If you prefer to wear a skirt, the skirt length must be an appropriate measure. A professional skirt is one that is as conservative and yet fashionable.
Jewelry: A traditional watch is the best route to take for a timepiece, as this should be the only piece of jewelry for men. Many employers will despise visible body piercings (eyebrow rings, nose rings, etc). It is important to dress to fit the company and the job.
Professional Hygiene: Your perfume, cologne, or makeup should not “speak too loudly”, and be sure that your aroma is not offensive when you are in the presence of the interviewer. During a speaking engagement, I mentioned to the audience about the offensive aroma topic and many of them laughed, but it would not be a laughing matter if the interviewer cut the interview short because he or she gasped from the applicant’s unpleasant scent.
One final suggestion of what to wear to your interview, and that is a smile. This is a simple expression denoting pleasure and appreciation for the interview. A smile indicates a positive communicative behavior, and when we have the tendency to smile during an interview, it helps us to relax and provide comfortable responses.
Odie Smith
St. Louis Unemployment Examiner
