DRESS FOR SUCCESS

By Alicia Huizar

Education Specialist

Yuma Private Industry Council

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual.

Don’t give the interviewer a chance to rule you out because you dressed inappropriately.

What's the appropriate dress code for an interview?

Is this appropriate?

Is this appropriate?

How about this?

You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but, a great one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.

Grooming and Dressing

DRESS PROFESSIONAL – If you’re not sure of what to wear to your interview, call the company and ask someone in their human resources office. They’ll be glad to tell you.

DRESS – The best advice is to dress on the conservative side, clean and pressed. Loud designs of shocking colors should be avoided. Solid plain basic colors are advisable. (Navy blue, black, or dark grey)

TIGHT PANTS, JEANS AND LEVIS, SHORT SKIRTS OR SEE THROUGH BLOUSES, BLOUSES SHOWING CLEAVAGE, SPAGHETTI STRAPS ARE INPAPPROPRIATE.

JEWERELY – Excessive dangling or noisy jewelry is not advisable. It is a distraction both to the interviewer and you. No jewelry is better.

SHOES – Stockings or pantyhose are a definite must. Shoes need to be cleaned and polished. High spike heels are inappropriate. Thongs or flip flops are out for interviews.

PERFUME/COLOGNE – If you choose to wear it perfume, do not do so in place of deodorant. Perfumes can be overpowering and cause allergic reactions so use none instead.

MAKE-UP – Should be on the moderate side. DARKER SHADES SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR EVENINGWEAR.

HAIR – Should be attractively styled and cleaned, above all, neat and cleaned. Get the interviewer to notice your face, your expressions, your eyes – not your hair style. Caps, hats, scarves or headbands are not appropriate for an interview.

FINGER NAILS – Must be clean, trimmed or shaped. Again, excessiveness will hurt you. If polished, use moderation in color. Clean nails without polish of any kind are still the best.

TOE NAILS – Same as for finger nails.

CHEWING GUM – is a definite NO NO!!

SMOKING – do not do so on the day of the interview

HICKIES – are a definite NO NO!!

BODY PIERCINGS – Take out your piercing. Don’t wear tongue jewelry since it might be a distraction and they might not understand what you are saying.

TATTOOS – Cover your Tattoos.

BODY ODOR – can also cost you a chance at a job. Be sure to shower on the day of your interview. Be nice to be next to!!

BAD BREATH – is difficult to detect. Make sure you brush your teeth. Use a mouthwash or breathe mint to be on the safe side.

EYE CONTACT–Don’t wear sunglasses in an interview. Use eye drops to get the red out.

And the number one rule…

Wear a smile and be exited to be in the interview!

Tips

Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly.

Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.

If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time.

Get a good night’s sleep.

Questions