Dressing For The Interview

It Starts With Appearance

It's a widely-known fact that chemistry initially starts with attraction.  Let this be a big clue to you.  Understand that your physical appearance communicates a lot about you, whether you're aware of it or not.  So, with that, keep in mind the following:

Posture:  Sit straight, lean forward slightly, and shoulders back.  This communicates both confidence and engagement.  I once had a candidate interviewing for manager position who slunked down in the seat in front of me, leaned back, almost in a reclining position, and looked way too relaxed for the occasion.  That candidate didn't get passed along to anyone else, nor did he get the offer.  You need to have high energy, and it starts with posture.

Eye Contact:  Maintain eye contact with the person as you're engaging in conversation with them.  Not as in a "stare-down, creepy" sort of level (that will not get you the job!); but as in a socially-appropriate degree of "complete and undivided attention" sort of level. 

Smile:  A candidate that smiles is perceived as more engaging, more trustworthy, and more earnest.  If a candidate doesn't smile, it's a major turn-off.  It won't get you the job.  Remember, this is about chemistry (how a person feels when they talk with you).  Make sure you don't have anything in between your teeth.  Take a quick second and check this in the mirror before you walk it.  Otherwise, it's a major distraction (that no one will tell you about) and you'll be referred to as:  "The candidate that had broccoli in his teeth." 

Dress:  Ask ahead of time what appropriate attire should be worn for the interview.  For example, in some environments, a suit and tie would be absurd and quite ill-fitting.  It may be appropriate to dress business-like, but not formal-business like.  A lot of that is predicated on the environment.  So ask.  

Some Helpful Suggestions

Without exception, the following should be considered:

• A good rule of thumb is to dress slightly nicer than the environment.  This is a formal introduction.  Don't be too casual, like wearing jeans, even if in the environment, they are all wearing jeans.  Bump it up a notch to make a good impression.  
• No visible tattoos.  No nose-rings, no tongue rings.  Men should not wear earrings in a face-to-face interview.  No gum or mints in the mouth either.      
• If you're a smoker, make sure you wear clothing that does not smell like smoke (non-smokers can smell cigarette smoke a mile away, and it can be an unconscious turn-off). 

Men: 

• If it's a little less formal of an environment, dress slacks, a button-down and a tie may be all you need.  Leave the jacket in the car.  Or it may be that the environment is much more casual, whereby dress slacks and a nice polo shirt (without logos) might be appropriate.  Best bet is to ask.    Consider wearing khakis in lieu of dress pants, but never jeans. 
• Wear dark socks (never white socks) with dress shoes (not sandals). 
• Remove jewelry, other than a wedding-band if you wish. 
• Refrain from using cologne.  
• Hair should be kept neat, trimmed and appropriate length for the type of position. 
• Make sure you're clean-shaven (without little pieces of toilet paper stuck to your neck and face because you cut yourself shaving).         

Women:

• Again, ask ahead of time what attire should be appropriate for the interview.  My best recommendation, however, is to dress conservatively.  Avoid wearing garments that show cleavage or are too tight fitting. 
• Avoid high heels (especially because you may be meeting people who feel shorter than you already!). 
• Avoid flashy or excessive jewelry (leave the large loop-earrings at home).  Conservative is the key word....
• Avoid excessive make-up, and don't wear perfume (which can be overwhelming, and sometimes unpleasant for the interviewer). 
• Hair should be natural-looking (no wild colors or unnatural looking). 
• You should look tidy and professional -- like you're preparing to have your picture taken for the company newsletter.  This is not the place to look sexy!  (This is a job interview...looking sexy communicates the wrong message).

I realize that this is a lot to consider.  I'm just giving you my friendly advice, because I've seen so many people over the years that completely blew it because they didn't think ahead of time about these things.  And isn't it hard enough as it is to think and say the right things in an interview? 

Kathleen Lapekas - PHR

Action HR Consultant

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