Why appearance is important in a job interview

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No other situation demands as much attention to your appearance and grooming as does the job interview. An important first impression will be formed that colors all other impressions made during the interview either positively or negatively.

The intelligent interviewee recognizes the importance of the first impression and the role played by appearance and grooming in shaping a favorable one. With this recognition, the interviewee can control the interviewer's initial reactions and thereby influence the outcome of the selection procedure.

Here are some ''self-packaging" tips to assure you a professional and respect able image: Consider the job interview a serious and formal sales opportunity; therefore, completely avoid any type of informal, casual, or leisure dress. Dress neatly and tastefully, avoiding radical styles and bright colors. Wear clothing that complements you and accentuates your strengths, and not clothing that is distracting and pretentious. Make certain that clothing and accessories are well coordinated.

Dress appropriately. Understand the climate and dress code of your field. Dress the role. Help the interviewer visualize you in the job and the company by wearing the quality clothing you can be expected to wear if hired. See how other successful people in this and similar positions dress. Read professional magazines, attend meetings, and always remember to watch styles of dress.

Your goal is to make the interviewer think, 'This person looks as if she would fit in well. Suits should be properly tailored and freshly dry-cleaned. Shirts: a good quality, white button-down or white classic collar preferred. Most importantly, make sure the shirt is pressed. Ties: silk or good quality blends only. Conservative stripes or paisleys that complement your suit. The tip of a tie should end near the center of the belt buckle. Facial hair: no beards; mustaches are a possible negative.

If you must, make sure it is neatly trimmed. Jewelry: no chains, bands, or necklaces showing. No rings other than wedding ring or college ring. No earrings if you normally wear one, take it out. Minimal perfume or cologne. Best if applied at least two hours before the interview. A little goes a long way in a small, closed interview room.

Pay attention to even smallest details. Interviewers often consider the condition of your shoes as a way to tell whether you pay attention to detail.

To that end, avoid shoes that are not shined or that have run-down heels. The dinner interview may be a semi-formal or formal function. The written invitation will usually indicate whether the event is semi-formal or formal. For a formal dinner or a black-tie event, men should wear a tuxedo with no tails, and women, a long dress with matching shoes. Low-cut, sexy dresses or colorful, far-out ties are not appropriate for either of these functions.

It is far better to be dressed professionally than to be dressed too casually. Employers want people who are broad based in their abilities to learn, grow, and contribute, employees who are flexible.

Remember, your competence is not based on what you wear but rather on your business and personal knowledge and skills.

Clothing simply allows you to state who you are and helps you to reach your professional goals. Appearance can be a powerful and useful tool in controlling the kind of message you send to others. With a little common sense and attention to details, you can easily make sure that first impression is your best. Military Transition — How to best present yourself to civilian companies Military Transition Reading List — Reading list recommended by top military corporate recruiters Negotiating a Salary — What salary are you looking for?

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Contact Us. Prepare for the Job Interview. Appearance at the Interview There are some things about an interview that you cannot control Appearance is not one of them. Examples: Is this applicant male or female? What is the approximate age of this individual? What is the ethnic background of the applicant? Guidelines for women Dresses, suits: conservative business suit or dress of a natural or woven-blend fabric in a soft color complementing your skin and hair color — blue, navy, gray, beige, tan or brown.

These nonverbal messages are as important in the interview as the verbal skills you use in selling yourself. Read more interview tips.

Remember to have one good outfit ready to wear. That way you won't have to scramble when you get a last-minute interview. While there are no absolute rules, a good tip is to dress as you would if you were working at the company. Before you interview, visit the company to see how people in positions similar to the one you applied for are dressed. That way you can show up for the interview dressed as if you already belong there. In any job interview, you need to make sure that your clothes fit well and are clean, not wrinkled or stained.

Clean, appropriate shoes are also important. Below are clothing items that are not acceptable for interviews:. Not all workplaces require employees to wear business suits.