What to wear to a job interview

Winning Image For Job Seekers

You have to formulate your strategies before going to interview. One of the significant strategies is to build your winning image. People tend to associate well-dressed and well-groomed persons with confidence and achievement. Winning image is derived from immaculate grooming and well coordinated business attire in mint condition.

Dress tactics for Men

Be formal

It’s better to over-dressed than under-dressed. Wear dark solid color suit or pinstriped pattern. Both three-button and two-button suits are appropriate.

Match with long sleeve shirt in white or light color. Avoid dark color shirts. Straight collars are more formal than button-down collars. All clothing items should be clean, pressed and well-tailored.

Wear a tie with a solid color or small pattern that complements the color of your suit or your shirt. Avoid large pattern or bold prints. Your tie knot needs to be in proportion to your shirt collar.

Attention to details

Wear solid dark socks that match the color of your trousers. The socks should be long enough to cover the legs when you sit down. If you can pay attention to the details of your image, you are perceived as professional and the one who pays attention to the details of work.

Keep it classy

“A man’s sole reveals a man’s soul.” A pair of black oxford shoes is necessary to finish your classy look. Avoid thick soles. Polish your shoes, keep them shined and repair the nicked and worn-down heels.

Make it neat

Keep your resume and notepad in a briefcase or portfolio. You look neat and organized. Avoid briefcases with garish logos.

Keep it simple

Wear a simple designed metal watch. Avoid over-sized, sporty, or plastic watches. Besides a watch, no other accessories are preferred except your wedding band.

Dress tactics of Ladies

Be elegant

Keep in mind to project an elegant image, not an outdated one. Skirt suits are accepted by all organizations while pant suit is accepted by some organizations. It is safe to wear skirt suit in solid color or pinstriped pattern. Avoid flashy fabric.

Wear a skirt that falls to your knees. Avoid tight skirts which look indecent. Always dress in tailored fit.
Simplicity is the key, your blouse should avoid ruffles, lace, low neck-line, and shiny fabrics. Any girlish design will weaken the professional image. Choose non-clinging material such as cotton or silk. All clothing items should be clean, pressed and well-tailored.

Keep it polished

Wear classic black pumps without garish frills. Your shoe style should be closed toe and closed heels. Low heels around 2 inches are appropriate. Avoid flats which look too casual.

Wear a neutral color panty hose to finish the polished look. Bare legs cannot command respect in a business environment.

Orderly manner

Neatly arrange your documents, resume and notepad in a briefcase or simple-designed handbag. Avoid using a purse.

Subtle not flashy

Wear a simple designed metal watch. Avoid over-sized, sporty, or plastic watches. Watches with shiny diamonds, crystals, or charms are not appropriate. Dangling earrings are distracting. Minimal accessories are preferred. Keep in mind that no jewelry is better than cheap jewelry.

Your dressing power is the right strategy to command positive impact, while your professional image helps your confidence shine through.

Written by Carolyn Chan, AICI
www.posh-image-consultancy.com