#JobSearch #Friday – INTERVIEWING? DRESS TO IMPRESS
“What do I wear?” is a question many clients ask me when they have finally been invited to interview. Obviously, the response is, “It depends.”
Dress is a Sign of Respect – Or Not
As a professional recruiter for 40 years, I have observed many clothing styles worn at interviews. Some good. Some bad. With some candidates, I feel they are trying to dare the company to say something about their choice of clothing for their interview. A few candidates told me that they did not care what the manager thought of their choice. Wow, they did not recognize that the hiring manager also had the freedom to decide their dress was not appropriate for that culture.
Understand The Importance Of Company Culture
Many companies are rightfully proud of their culture. They are profitable, treat their staff well, and in return, their staff wants to protect that culture. Right or wrong, the staff begins to measure your fit to be a member of their team the first time they see you, and not one word was spoken.
I consulted with a company in rural Virginia that was an Amazing find given their location far beyond the suburbs. Their culture was very conservative from a dress perspective. The men wore, at least, jackets and ties – and many times nice suits. The women were professionally dressed in their conservative business suits. Everyone was friendly.
We had an opening for an accountant. In my search, I found several and spent an hour on a phone screen with each. The one who seemed to be the best talent fit was invited in for an interview with the hiring manager and a couple of the executives. I prepped him for his interview and Strongly suggested that he wear a jacket and tie.
He arrived the next day dressed business Very Casual. When the receptionist called me to tell me that he arrived, she whispered, “He doesn’t have a jacket and tie!” Remember, that was the Receptionist!
When I escorted him to my office in Human Resources, you should have witnessed the surprised expressions on the Human Resource team members’ faces. After he was invited to sit in my office, my first question was, “What did you not understand about coat and tie?” He replied that he didn’t think what he wore was that important. The manager must have thought the same about the candidate. The interview lasted 15 minutes, and I escorted him out.
What Should I Wear?
If you are interviewing for a professional position, dress professionally. You may always ask the person setting up your interview what they recommend you wear for your interview. Not to jinx you, but no client that I coached was ever led astray. If they say business casual, arrive in a dress shirt with an open collar, and a sports coat. If you are a woman, do the same, wear a business suit with slacks or a skirt. Wear daytime makeup and conservative jewelry.
If you are applying for an hourly position, dress for work. Retail positions are closer to business casual (unless you are interviewing at a higher-end store). If you are interviewing for a construction job, dress for that work. You may be hired and start that day.
Remember, Your Clothing Helps To Determine Your Fit
Generally, for professionals, a more conservative style is better for your interview. Once you land the position, observe what management wears. If you desire a management position after excelling in your new position, wear the style management wears. It helps them picture you working directly with them.
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