DRESS TO IMPRESS

BINDER

2

TTAABBLLEE OOFF CCOONNTTEENNTTSS

Page

What Your Clothes Say about You………………………………………………3

Interview Attire Guidelines for Men & Women……………...………………3

Dressing on a Tight Budget……………………………………………………….8

General Guidelines………………………………………………………………….9

Research the Specific Dress Code…………………………………………...…10

Shopping Guide……………………………………………………………..………11

Guidelines for Interview Attire

Men’s Attire…………………………………………………………………..15

Women’s Attire………………………………………………………………17

Professional Evaluations of Interview Attire……………………………….19

How to Tie a Necktie……………………………………………………………….41

How to Tie a Scarf…………………………………………………………………..46

Shopping in Southeastern Connecticut………………………………………47

Thrift Shopping for Interview Clothes………………………………………..51

INTERVIEWING TIPS:

The Art of the Interview…………………………………………………………..53

Interviewing “Don’ts”………………………………………………………….......54

Answering the Weaknesses Question………………………………………….55

Following Up After the Interview………………………………………………58

Dressing Up – Office Attire………………………………………………………..60

References………………………….…………………………………………………61

Resource Compiled by Dannika Byrd, Student Services Placement Coordinator,

Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute, New London, CT

January, 2011

3

WWHHAATT YYOOUURR CCLLOOTTHHEESS SSAAYY AABBOOUUTT YYOOUU

• In an interview your attire plays a supporting role.

• Your conduct, your interpersonal skills and your ability to articulate intelligent and well

thought out responses to questions are the most important elements.

• Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the interview process seriously

and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed.

• Be aware that in some industries, customer contact and image presented to the customer is

critical. In such industries, your attire will be judged more critically.

• Your attire should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it should not take

center stage.

• If you are primarily remembered for your interview attire, this is probably because you made

an error in judgment!

• Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err

on the side of dressing better than you might need to.

• Even if you are aware that employees of an organization dress casually on the job, dress up for

the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer.

• Never confuse an interview or business function with a social event. Don't dress for a party or

a date.

• Not every contact with an employer requires interview attire. For some occasions business

casual is appropriate. See business casual for when to wear it and what it is.

Interview attire guidelines for men and women

• Suit:

A two piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.

• But what if the job is in a non-suit-wearing work environment:

Even if you would or could wear jeans on the job, or the work environment is outdoors and very

non-suit, wearing a suit to the interview shows you take the interview seriously as a

professional meeting. Dressing well is a compliment to the person(s) with whom you meet. If you

think the industry in which you're interviewing would frown on a suit, or the interview will

involve going to a work site where a suit would be inappropriate, look for advice through

professional organizations, your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or by

asking the employer directly and politely.

4

• Conservative colors / fabric:

Navy, dark gray (and black for women) — are safe.

Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes.

Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid across a room) are safest.

Wool, wool blends, or good quality micro fiber for women only, are generally the best fabrics in

all seasons. Avoid acetate / rayon blends.

• Cost / quality:

You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in

quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good

quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your

shirt/blouse tie/accessories.

• Details:

Everything should be clean and well pressed.

Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc.

Additional interview attire specifics for men

• Suit:

A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket with

pants that don't match.

• Conservative colors / fabric:

Navy and dark gray are safe and are the most conservative for men. Black for men was once

considered severe or overly formal, and may still be considered so in very conservative

industries, although it is commonly worn by many. Other color trends may come and go; avoid

the extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid

across a room). Wool, wool blends, or very high quality blends with natural fiber, are the only

acceptable fabrics for a conservative men's suit.

• Cost / quality:

You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in

quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good

quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt

and tie.

• Ties:

Tie styles come and go. Select good quality silk ties.

Avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews.

Notice what men in your industry wear on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, when

they meet with clients.

5

• Shirts:

Long-sleeved shirts, even in summer. Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes.

• Socks:

Dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.

• Shoes:

Leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or cordovan. Invest in a good pair;

even if you don't wear them daily on the job, you'll need them for other occasions and you should

expect to get lots of years out of good shoes.

• Belt:

Black or cordovan leather, to match your shoes.

• Facial hair:

If worn, should be well-groomed. Observe men in your industry if you are unsure what's

appropriate or are considering changing your look.

• Jewelry:

Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing

earrings is safest. For conservative industries, don't wear earrings. Observe other men in your

industry to see what is acceptable.

• Details:

Everything should be clean and well pressed. Suits typically have tacking stitches to hold vents

— on the jacket back and on sleeves — in place before the garment is purchased. Cut them off if

your retailer / tailor doesn't. And that tag stitched on the outside of your sleeve is not meant to

stay there like a Tommy Hilfiger label — cut it off! Carefully inspect clothes dangling threads,

etc.

Additional interview attire specifics for women

• Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you

probably shouldn't wear it in a business environment.

• Suit:

Wear a two-piece matched suit.

• Suit - pants / skirts:

Tailored pants suits are appropriate for women. Pants suits can be an excellent choice for site

visits, particularly if the visit involves getting in and out of vehicles and/or the site is (or

includes) a manufacturing plant or industrial facility. If you wear pants, they should be creased

and tailored, not tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt,

6

observe well dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions,

etc.

• Skirt lengths:

Much of what you see on television shows that masquerades for professional attire is actually

inappropriate for a work environment. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated.

Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. A skirt that ends at the

knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just

make sure they are narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb

stairs comfortably. Don't purchase a skirt or decide on a hem length until you sit in the skirt

facing a mirror. That's what your interviewer will see. Ask yourself whether it will be distracting

or reinforce your image as a person who looks appropriate for a business environment or

gathering. High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small back, center slit in a knee-length

skirt is appropriate. On a calf length skirt, a slit to the knee to facilitate walking and stair

climbing is appropriate.

• Color / fabric:

Navy, dark gray, brown and black are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the

extremes. Women generally have more options with suit color than men. For example, while a

women could look conservative in a slate blue or light gray suit, these colors would be

inappropriate for men. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look

solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, and high quality blends and synthetics are appropriate

for women's suiting.

• Shirt / sweaters:

Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates

nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your

suit jacket. Don't show cleavage. (Remember that television shows are trying to attract viewers,

and don’t represent the reality of a professional environment).

• Jewelry / accessories:

Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and

leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you

may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry.

• Cosmetics:

Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should

be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in

conservative industries.

• Shoes:

Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Shoe styles and heel heights come and go. Choose

closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky

7

platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable

shoes does not convey a professional appearance.

• Hosiery:

Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer (not opaque), and in neutral colors complementing

your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.

• Purse / bag:

If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a briefcase. Purse color

should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like

tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens

are also acceptable.Grooming tips for everyone

• Hair:

Should be clean and neat.

• Shoes:

Should be in polished condition. Make sure heels are not worn.

• Details:

No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from

new clothes.

• Hands:

Clean fingernails.

• Fit:

Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly.

• Smell:

Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like

smoke.

• Pad folios:

Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate. But if you have no reason

to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.

• Book bags:

Leave it at home for an on-site interview. For an on-campus interview, you can leave it in the

waiting area.

Source: http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/interview/APPEARNC.html

8

Dressing on a Tight Budget

Don’t wait until you are pressed for time and have to make a hasty decision

or a choice that is not in your budget. Remember that self-confidence is your

primary goal when selecting your professional interview attire. Purchase clothing

with multi-use potential.

Invest in impressive, classic, well-made separates that can be combined for a

‘professional’ or ‘casual Friday’ look.

Begin by selecting your best ‘neutral’ as a nucleus for a professional

wardrobe. Colors like black, dark gray, and navy are versatile, but pearl gray,

stone, steel blue, camel and celery are fashionable options that lend new

dimensions to any working wardrobe. Your best neutral is dependent on personal

coloring and personal style as well as your best visual impact.

Purchase matching components. Having options such as wearing a skirt or

pant with jacket or vest multiplies possible combinations.

Use shirts/blouses/sweaters to create variety of visual effects.

Select ties/scarves and jewelry that add to possible visual variety.

Consider investing in season-less fabrics that drape and travel well, such as

lightweight stretch wool, washable matte jersey or a blend of cotton and rayon.

9

General Guidelines

Select apparel, fragrances, jewelry, hairstyle, etc. that do not detract from

your professional image. The interviewer’s attention should be focused on what

you say and your qualifications.

Make sure your hair is clean, neat and professionally styled. Avoid styles that

cover over more than your forehead or one that you have to brush back.

Remove facial and body piercings other than single ear jewelry for interviews.

Visible tattoos should be covered to avoid distraction.

Apparel should be clean and neatly pressed.

Apparel should fit well and remain in place while sitting and/or walking.

Choose professional apparel that you like for which you receive positive

feedback from people who are knowledgeable about the industry standard or

specific company policy.

Less is more. Keep your look simple and successful until you become

accustomed to the environment and learn about the company’s dress code.

10

Research the Specific Dress Code

To fine-tune the process, find out what the dress code is for the industry that you

are interested in. When you research the company you will often get an idea of the

dress code for employees. Ask career counselors, faculty, and professionals in your

field of interest if you are unsure. Fields such as law, banking and accounting

frequently have a stricter set of guidelines than advertising, retail and sales, which

allow more casual dress. Even though suggested guidelines of professional dress

may seem more formal than you would have imagined, consider what some career

consultants recommend:

The job seeker should dress for a position two levels higher than the one for which

she/he is being interviewed. This may mean dressing more formally for the

interview than you will once you are in the job. The level of formality you project

shows that you understand the importance of the situation and respect the person

you are meeting. When in doubt, making a conservative clothing choice for your

interview is usually the safest. Once you’ve been hired, it’s a good idea to ask your

boss or the human resources department for a copy of the organization’s dress code

policy. Codes vary so don’t assume you can wear the same clothes you wore at your

last job. Some companies allow blue jeans, sleeveless tops and open-toe sandals, but

others don’t. Play it safe by adhering to the organization policy.

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Shopping Guide: Interview-Ready Men’s Outfits

12

Shopping Guide: Interview-Ready Men’s Outfits

13

Shopping Guide: Interview-Ready Women’s Outfits

14

Shopping Guide: Interview-Ready Women’s Outfits

15

Guidelines for Men’s Interview Attire

Wear a matching suit in navy, black or gray (pinstripe or solid) or wear a

navy blazer and gray dress slacks. They serve as a visual background that draws

the eye to the face.

Wear white or a light blue dress shirt that contrasts with the jacket and/or

tie. Typically, arms should be covered to the wrist. Exposing arms by rolling up

your sleeves is interpreted as less powerful and is less formal.

A (silk or silk-like) tie should coordinate with the jacket and pant but choose

one that strongly contrasts with the color of your shirt; selecting subtle or simple

patterns enhances credibility.

Socks should be calf-length or above the calf. Choose natural-fiber blends

that allow a flow of air and do not hold in perspiration and heat. Choose colors

such as dark blue, black or gray.

Wear conservative, clean, and polished shoes.

Select lace-up (not slip-on) dress shoes. The color should be dark or blend

with pant.

16

Select a leather belt that visually blends or matches your shoes.

A short hair cut and no facial hair is expected.

Minimize jewelry. Avoid a necklace. Wear no more than one ring per hand

and a dress watch. Be sure all jewelry supports a focus on the face.

A full-length coat can be worn over your suit; avoid casual coats.

Cologne should never be strong. A fragrance can cause an allergic reaction or

offend the interviewer. When in doubt, do not wear cologne.

Your briefcase is part of visual effect; consider a simple portfolio as an

effective substitute, and try to select a color that supports your visual effect.

17

Guidelines for Women’s Interview Attire

Select a skirted suit, pantsuit or conservatively tailored dress that draws the

eye to your face.

Skirts are traditionally knee-length but those slightly shorter or longer are

also acceptable.

Select blouses or sweaters that provide visual interest, but avoid transparent,

tight fit, or have low necklines, revealing waistlines or details that detract from

your face as a focal point. Typically, arms are covered at least to the biceps and

often to the wrist.

Always wear hose to interviews. Wear plain-style, non-patterned hosiery and

select colors that flatter your coloring. For traditional industries, wear a neutral

color. For other industries, you may choose to wear hose that coordinates with

your skirt. Carry an extra pair in case of runs.

Perfume should never be strong. A fragrance can cause an allergic reaction or

offend the interviewer. When in doubt, do not wear perfume.

Use natural-looking makeup and clear nail polish. This keeps the focus on

the interview.

18

Do not carry a purse with a briefcase. Choose one or the other.

Wear flat shoes or low pumps in colors that avoid making your feet a focal

point. Be sure that they are clean and polished. Avoid shoes that hinder walking

fast. This lowers credibility. Avoid open-toed shoes since associated with social

agendas.

Add accessories to express your personality and accentuate your best

features. A scarf or necklace is an effective way to focus on your face. Keep it

simple!

Women in general wear too many accessories at the same time such as

earrings, necklaces, and rings. These can accentuate your personality and can be

an asset if worn in moderation. Avoid dangling earrings and wear no more than

one ring per hand and a dress watch. Be sure all jewelry focuses on the face.

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Following are actual examples of interview attire that hiring professionals have evaluated. These are their direct comments on the outfits.

This person is a professional, although it is rather tacky

to show the tattoo; yes, people do notice that kind of

stuff

A nice professional suit

Very professional and good for conservative

environment

Absolutely

Yes

Get rid of the tattoo on the left foot and this person is

ready for a meeting to go into finance or accounting

Definitely

Yes

Cover the tattoo and you're in good shape

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21

A business casual outfit

Nice for office environment that has a culture of a relaxed

but professional atmosphere

If one works in an office environment that is business

casual, this is just fine.

Probably not

No

Depends on the industry, but generally a no

Depends on the industry, but generally no

No

Ok

22

23

Casually professional

Perfect for our office

Love it! It’s professional and young.

Great! It shows that you are professional, but have your

own personality

Appropriate

Yes

Appropriate

Yes

Great! It’s just right for an interview.

24

25

Nice outfit – too casual for our work environment

Inappropriate for the professional industry, but fabulous

for the weekend!

She’s going out to meet her friends after work.

No

Anyone who thinks this is appropriate for a professional

career fair should rethink what he/she wants to do for a

living

Appropriate - not

No

Not professional

26

27

Professional and appropriate

This would be a professional outfit for going into the

office or going out with potential /current clients

Nice conservative attire

Very appropriate

Yes

This would be acceptable for a career fair, depending on

the field you want to go into

Yes, but darker colors exhibit a more professional image

for interviews.

Very appropriate

In some industries this will not be acceptable

28

29

Very professional and good for financial, legal or other

conservative work environment

Very business oriented

Professional

This is standard fare for men in this position

Very acceptable

Yes

This is standard fare for men in this position

Very acceptable

Yes

30

31

Great for casual work environment

Good business casual attire for our industry

Casual and neat looking

Good if it's not a professional career fair; Really good for IT or electrical career fair

This would not be for a professional career fair

No

Sure in a casual environment

Not for a professional interview

No- Too Informal

32

33

Very nice; Professional yet not too uptight

Perfect for work

Laid back professional

It would need a tie for a career fair

Yes - with a tie

Yep

It would need a tie or one may look to nonchalant and uncaring

Absolutely

Yes - with a tie

34

35

Good for the weekend or in a very casual 'jeans day' environment

Street clothes

Going out on a Friday night

Absolutely not

Nope

No

This is not appropriate for any type of interview

Never

No

36

37

Excellent

Put together well

Perfect: It is completely professional without being completely boring

Put a suit jacket on, and it’s perfect.

Most definitely

Maybe

Maybe – prefer it with a coat

Put a suit jacket on, and it’s perfect.

Excellent

38

39

Nice Outfit

Very Trendy

Great for an outing after work

Yes, if casual

Needs a longer, matching suit jacket

Maybe

No, needs a matching suit jacket

Less jewelry

No

ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVE: REBECCA JONES

40

41

How to Tie a Necktie Tying the Four-in-Hand Knot

1. Put on a round-neck (as opposed to V-neck) T-shirt, and a dress shirt. Button

even the top button on the dress shirt. Turn your collar up.

2. Place the tie around your collar with the seam of the tie facing you. Note the

lengths of the wide and narrow sides of the tie and how low each comes.

Check to be sure the tie is not twisted behind your neck.

42

3. Cross the wide side of the tie over the narrow side of the tie about 2cm down

from your top button, and hold them in place.

4. Pass the wide part of the tie around behind the narrow part. The seam on the

wide part of the tie should be facing away from you. Note that I have my left

index and middle fingers pointing up on top of the cross, and my thumb

beneath it and touching my shirt. (The other two fingers are out of the way).

5. Bring the wide part of the tie across in front of the

narrow part. Keep your left hand's fingers where they

were before, and they will reserve a space for the wide

part of the tie (in step 7). The seam on the wide part of

the tie should be facing towards you.

43

6. Bring the wide part of the tie up between your thumb and shirt. The wide

part of the tie goes behind the knot, then above the knot, then it drapes down

in front of the knot. Don't twist the tie during this process - keep it flat except

for the prescribed turns.

7. Put the wide part of the tie through the loop you've been holding with your

two fingers since step 5.

8. Pull the wide part of the tie tight.

44

9. To make a smaller knot, pull the wide part of the tie tighter.

10. To move the knot closer to your neck, pull on the narrow end of the tie and

slide the knot up.

11. Turn the bottom of the tie up and note the tag.

45

12. Slip the narrow end of the tie through the tag. This will keep the parts from

flopping around independently.

13. Neaten the knot, and you're presentable. If you have a tie tack (sometimes

called a tie pin), instructions follow.

46

How to Tie a Scarf

You can learn how to tie a scarf effectively and easy in a few ways.

All you need is a scarf and a mirror.

1. Learn how to tie a scarf by folding the scarf into a triangle. Grasp the

broad part and middle part of the scarf and fold it repeatedly until you have a

2-inch band. Drape the scarf around your neck and tie a knot. Wear the scarf

either with an open neck shirt or a turtleneck sweater.

2. Create an ascot instead. Spread the scarf upside down on a flat surface

before you learn how to tie a scarf. Pull the fabric from the center of the scarf,

tie a small knot in the middle, and flip the ends so the knot is underneath the

scarf. Tie the ends around your neck with the scarf peeking from your throat.

3. Learn how to tie your scarf in an easy way. Turn the scarf into a

triangle by wrapping it around the back of your neck so the ends point

downwards. Tie the ends into a knot and style it to your liking.

47

Shopping in Southeastern Connecticut

Men's Wearhouse

850 Hartford Tpke #L*113 Waterford, CT 06385

(866) 604-0973

American Eagle Outfitters

850 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 443-1812

Gap

850 Hartford Tpke H113a Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 442-4534

Aeropostale

850 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 437-1419

Casual Male XL

984 Poquonnock Rd Groton, CT 06340

(860) 449-9811

JoS. A. Bank

915 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 442-0204

Hollister

850 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 447-9086

48

Old Navy

850 Hartford Tpke H103a Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 437-0275

Eblens Casual Cl & Ftwr Str

700 Long Hill Rd Groton, CT 06340

(860) 448-3559

Burlington Coat Factory

268 New London Shopping Cntr New London, CT 06320

(860) 442-2912

T.J.Maxx

670 Long Hill Rd Groton, CT 06340

(860) 405-1005

T.J.Maxx

624 W Main St Norwich, CT 06360

(860) 887-8874

T.J.Maxx

215 E Main St Clinton, CT 06413

(860) 669-5357

T.J.Maxx

100 Franklin St Westerly, RI 02891

(401) 596-6647

Marshalls

New London Mall New London, CT 06320

(860) 442-9607

49

Kohl's

220 Route 12 Groton, CT 06340

(860) 448-0800

Kohl's

160 River Rd Ste A100 Jewett City, CT 06351

(860) 376-7770

Target

900 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 442-3300

Wal-Mart

150 Gold Star Hwy Groton, CT 06340

(860) 448-2022

Wal-Mart Supercenter

155 WATERFORD PARKWAY N Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 447-3646

Wal-Mart

220 Salem Tpke Norwich, CT 06360

(860) 889-7745

New York & Company

New London, CT 06320

(860) 437-8915

Talbots

903 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 444-8910

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Fashion Bug

220 Route 12 Groton, CT 06340

(860) 448-1339

Catherines Plus Sizes

915 Hartford Tpke Ste A4 Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 444-1893

The Limited

850 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 443-1941

Lane Bryant

915 Hartford Tpke Ste A5 Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 442-7636

Forever 21

850 Hartford Tpke Waterford, CT 06385

(860) 447-3837

Dressbarn

42 Town St Norwich, CT 06360

(860) 887-3607

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Thrift Shop Shopping in Southeastern Connecticut

Helping Hands Thrift Shop, United Community Services

(Will provide a free interview outfit)

55 Town St. Norwich, CT 06360

Daytime hours only

Pennywise Consignment Shop (Plus Sizes)

22 Greenmanville Ave Mystic, CT 06355

(860) 572-9232

Chic She Shop (Womens)

12 Coogan Blvd Stngtn, CT 06378

(860) 536-3424

Fantasia

210 Main St Old Saybrook, CT 06475

(860) 395-4444

Essex Consignment

204 Westbrook Rd Essex, CT 06426

(860) 767-9741

Peonies Designer Consignment

90 Main St Centerbrook, CT 06409

(860) 581-4518

Exceptions Consignments

105 Franklin St Unit 13 Westerly, RI 02891

(401) 596-1774

Blue Mitten Thrift Shop

86 Main St Westerly, RI 02891

(401) 596-7526

52

Love Me Two Times Consignment Boutique

15 Merchants Ave Taftville, CT 06380

(860) 889-3535

Fine Consignments

124 Granite St Westerly, RI 02891

(401) 596-9341

The Finer Consignor

Flanders Plaza E Lyme, CT 06333

(860) 739-8845

The Salvation Army Thrift Store

170 Bank St New London, CT 06320

(860) 443-1116

Goodwill Stores

664 Long Hill Rd Groton, CT 06340

(860) 448-6400

Goodwill Stores

214 Flanders Rd Ste B Niantic, CT 06357

(860) 691-3355

Goodwill Stores

201 Salem Tpke Norwich, CT 06360

(860) 204-0018

Mystic Women’s Club Thrift Shop

165 S Broad St Pawcatuck, CT 06379

(860) 599-3080

53

The following articles are provided by Vault.

The Art of the Interview

If the very word "interview" makes your palms sweat and your head itch, then take a deep

breath, sit down and read this easy step-by-step guide to interview championship.

Dress appropriately. This one may seem basic, but it's easier said than done. Before you

start your rounds of interviews, be sure to have a comfortable, clean, fairly conservative

outfit. Don't neglect such crucial details as dark socks for guys or stockings without rips for

women. Invest in a nice folder or portfolio in which to stash your resumes - otherwise you'll

end up hurriedly smoothing them out after extracting them from the bottom of your

backpack.

Be prepared to ask questions. Interviewers expect you to come in with a working

knowledge of the company, as well as with a list of questions. When you've really done your

homework, though, you may not be able to think of any questions because you already have

the company's history, financial statistics, and the CEO's mother's maiden name

memorized. If this happens, make up some questions ahead of time to ask during the

interview. Also, and this is really crucial, know what the job is that you're applying for

before you go into the interview. If you need a description of it, call the company's personnel

department and ask to be sent information. If you don't want the personnel department to

know it's you calling, have a friend do it.

Memorize your resume. Imagine the embarrassment if your interviewer asks you to

elaborate on the summer you spent pearl diving off the coast of Tanzania, and you can't

even remember where Tanzania is. For every item on your resume, try to have a

paragraph's worth of information, in addition to what is already listed. Even better, try to

think of a way in which each item illustrates one of your particular strengths or

weaknesses. If you're too nervous to remember everything, it's all right to hold a copy of

your resume in your hand to jog your memory. But don't forget to continue making eye

contact with your interviewer.

Accentuate the positive. But don't brag too much. The hardest thing about an interview

is making yourself sound like the kind of person anyone would want to hire without coming

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off like an arrogant jerk. At the same time, don't be self depreciating to the point of

evaporation. It's important to be able to speak about yourself as objectively as possible.

Practice. This is the most important point. The day before your interview (or even earlier)

put on your outfit, sit yourself down in an uncomfortable chair, and have a friend grill you

with questions. Or, better yet, have a career counselor conduct a practice interview with

you. Many career centers will even videotape your practice interview, so you can see your

own strengths and weaknesses (and dandruff).

Relax. By the time interview day rolls around, you should be set. Get a good night's sleep,

eat well and take a relaxing walk beforehand. And remember, it's just one job. If you don't

get it, it's not the end of the world - it just means that fate has an even better opportunity

for you waiting around the corner.

Interviewing Don’ts

Just as important as what to do, what to say, and how to act in an interview is what not to

do, what not to say, etc. Here are some tips to help you avoid that fumble.

In an interview, don't:

1) Blame poor performance on past employers, workplaces, bosses, or co-workers. Even if

you worked for Satan in Hell, make an attempt to say something pleasant or neutral, such

as, "I learned a great deal" or "It was a really hot industry."

2) Discuss personal or academic pursuits, unless you're still clearly in the small talk portion

of the interview, unless someone asks you about these directly, or unless you can relate

them to the position for which you are interviewing. Hobbies like mountain climbing show

persistence.

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3) Appear too eager to discuss matters of compensation, hours, or vacation time. These are

legitimate questions, but they should take a back seat to discovering whether or not you

and the job are a good fit.

4) Show bad posture: don't slouch, tap your feet or splay your legs or arms;

5) Let nervousness after your actions: don't fumble with objects in your hand, rearrange

your hair, jiggle pocket change or chew gum.

6) Let your message get muffled: don't slur, don't drop your eyes, or speak too quickly.

7) Fail to have questions when the time comes.

8) Run on too long with answers to questions. Be aware of how the interviewer is

responding to what you're saying. If you catch him or her looking bored or staring at you

with a glazed or unfocused look, it's probably time to stop talking. If they want to find out

more about what you were talking about, they'll ask you to continue.

9) Fail to answer the question you're asked.

10) Don't forget to smile! Remember, you're there at their invitation.

Answering the Weaknesses Question

What's your greatest weakness?

This query has been an enduring weapon in the hiring manager's arsenal, but most people

still have trouble with the dilemma it poses: answer too frankly, and you'll torpedo your

prospects. Give a canned answer and you'll seem phony, or worse, evasive ("My greatest

weakness is that I'm a perfectionist and work too hard."). In search of a better way, Vault

asked several HR managers and career experts for answers to this interview toughie.

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"It's a tricky question," admits Andrea Kay, a syndicated career advice columnist and

author of Interview Strategies That Will Get You the Job You Want. "I would suggest,

number one, that you be ready for it, anticipate it, because it is still a question

that gets asked over and over again."

Some HR managers suggested the old approach of naming a fault that's not really a fault.

"I am impatient, and I like to get things done and done quickly and get frustrated when

politics and red tape slow down projects," was how a recruiting and staffing manager for a

Florida-based trucking company answered.

A related strategy: name a "weakness," but link it to more egregious faults demonstrated by

others.

"When I was asked that question, I responded that 'My weakness was getting frustrated

when "leadership" fails to make decisions or lead,'" said the director of human resources at

a manufacturing company in Wisconsin. "I've also answered the question with 'I get

impatient when organizations or groups say they want something, don't take the initiative,

or make the decision to make it happen, pass it off to someone else, and then criticize how

it's done.'"

Jerry Houser, the director of the Career Development Center at the California Institute of

Technology, says students should consider a skill, mention the down side of this skill,

describe how they keep that weakness in line, and then give an example.

"This can be done with each skill anyone has," Houser said. "A weakness is just the flip side

of a strength taken too far. Great customer service may mean being too talkative. Ability to

concentrate for long periods may result in seeming unfriendly. Being realistic can become

uncreative. Juggling many projects may mean lost details or follow-up. Strengths and

weakness are situational. You have to know how to read your environment and use or

moderate your skills in context."

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Of course, you can always chose not to answer the question at all or ask the interviewer to

rephrase the question, in hopes of drawing out the real concerns about your qualifications

and temperament.

"I always tell clients, if they're comfortable enough in their own skin while they're being

interviewed, to respond with either of these," said Ruth Luban, a career counselor and

author of Are You a Corporate Refugee? "'My resume, and our discussion thus far, are about

my strengths and what I can bring to this position. I'd prefer to focus on what you're

looking for, rather than respond to a negative question,' or 'What would my weakness have

to do with this job?'"

But be warned: each of these strategies can have drawbacks. The first can seem too pat.

The second might be seen as condescending. The third might be regarded as evasive, even

dishonest.

If you're not comfortable with any of these strategies, try mentioning real weaknesses, but

only those that have nothing to do with the job they're applying for.

"I would say, if they asked me what my weakness was, that I'm not good at math, because

I'm not, and it has nothing to do with anything I will ever do," Kay said.

Or name a real weakness, but one you're taking steps to improve.

"Pick something you've decided you need to get better at, like, 'I need to know more

languages. All I speak English, so I'm going to make it goal to learn Spanish and French,'"

Kay said. "It's saying I'm really aware of what it is that I need to be doing, and I take action

on it."

Again, try to name only weaknesses that have little to do with your prospective

job.

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"Not everybody's great at everything," Kay said. "But you don't want to say "I don't get

along well with people. You don't want to open up a can of worms, or go down a path that

gets you in trouble. Don't talk about people issues."

So why do HR folks continue to ask this question, with all its attendant perils? Is it fair?

"Absolutely!" said the Wisconsin HR director. "It's thought-provoking and if posed

correctly is one of those questions that can open the door for further discussion."

He adds, "It's especially useful for further probing of a very strong, decisive,

dominant type personality, then I use it to see if they are as in tune with their

weaknesses as they are with their strengths."

But other HR folks had differing opinions.

"The only thing it could possibly measure in a positive light is the candidate"s diplomacy

quotient," says one HR staffer. "I quit asking the question long ago."

Following Up After the Interview

When you leave an interview, you should leave the building as gracefully as you entered it.

Make sure you're as cordial to people on the way out as you were coming in. Then, as you

decompress, take some time to review the interview while it's still fresh in your mind.

Because interviewing is a learnable skill, use the experience to help you in the future.

Ask yourself: how could you have better answered the questions? Where did you succeed?

Where did you fail? What will you do differently next time?

In assessing the interview, don't let the fact that you didn't feel a connection with the

interviewer frighten you away from a great job. And lastly, consider what you've learned

about the company and whether or not, all things considered, it would be a good place for

you to be.

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A thank-you note is essential. Get it in the mail the day after the interview. If

competition between you and another candidate is intense, the thank-you note just might be

the extra burst of effort that propels you to victory. Avoid hyperbole and excessive

enthusiasm. Keep your note cordial, brief, and let the tone bespeak its having been written

from a cool remove. Thank the interviewer for inviting you to the interview. Say that it was

a pleasure to meet him or her. And then mention something you learned during the

interview and assure them of your continued interest in the position - provided you are still

at all interested.

Follow-up calls can also provide that extra thrust over the job wall in some cases.

But it's a good idea to assess the situation before you call. Calling can make you look

overeager and can, if overdone, turn off prospective employers. After interviewing with a

large and busy company along with several other candidates, it's probably better to just

send a note and wait for the response. And until prospective employers make their

decisions, everything you say to them can be used against you at decision time.

For this reason, both calls and letters should be viewed as extensions of the

interview. The last thing you want is for a clumsy follow-up call to dash a favorable

impression of you. To wit: ONE call, e-mail or letter to follow up is just fine. If it's been two

weeks, follow up again. That's it. Pestering your interviewer can earn you a hasty journey

into the garbage can or trash file.

On the other hand, a well-placed follow-up call or letter can give you an opportunity to state

an idea you failed to mention in the interview, to position your name in their memories, to

demonstrate perseverance, and to separate yourself from the majority of candidates who

don't follow up.

Here's one warning.

As tempting as it may be, don't call to check up on a resume you've sent - and

then start quizzing the person on the other end of the phone (or e-mail) about the

position and necessary qualifications. Eager's fine, but desperate is a turn-off.

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Dressing the Part: Office Attire

Whether you’ve just landed your first accounting position or you’re a seasoned professional,

your attire at work matters. Clothing is part of presenting a polished image, and it can

significantly affect your career advancement potential. Ninety-three percent of senior

executives recently polled in a survey developed by our company said dress influences a

professional’s chances of being promoted.

Whether you’ve just landed your first accounting position or you’re a seasoned

professional, your attire at work matters. Clothing is part of presenting a polished image,

and it can significantly affect your career advancement potential. Ninety-three percent of

senior executives recently polled in a survey developed by our company said dress

influences a professional’s chances of being promoted.

But the results of the survey don’t mean you need to spend a fortune or become a fashion

slave to earn that promotion. Dressing well can be as simple as selecting flattering, non-

distracting clothing that matches your company’s corporate culture. Here are some

guidelines to help you dress smart at work:

• Why does attire matter? While your career trajectory is certainly based on your

accomplishments, dressing appropriately can give you an extra leg up. A polished

appearance helps establish instant credibility, and companies tend to promote those who

make a positive impression. If you dress unprofessionally, it may be hard for others to

take you seriously, and you may not receive the respect your achievements merit. Tasteful

dress enables your supervisor to visualize you in that plum position you are seeking.

• What is appropriate? Dress codes vary by employer, and can range from suits-only to

jeans on Fridays to business casual every day. If you’ve just started a new job and are

unsure of the company standard, it’s wise to err on the conservative side rather than

appear too casual. Remember, your clothing should present a professional image and not

be flashy or distracting. For women, this means avoiding low-cut or see-through blouses,

short skirts or high slits. Men should avoid wild prints on their shirts or ties. Clothing

that is wrinkled, stained, or poorly fitting may give the impression that you lack attention

to detail.

• What about business casual? Many workplaces have adopted a business casual policy in

recent years, whether it is in place daily or reserved only for Fridays. If your workplace is

casual, it’s important to remember that you must still appear professional. Some good

options include shirts with collars, short- or long-sleeved blouses, long pants, loafers or

casual flats. If jeans are allowed, wear a more formal pair rather than your comfy

weekend favorites.

About Accountemps

This article was provided by Accountemps, a division of Robert Half International. More

information at www.accountemps.com.

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References

Community College of Philadelphia. (2011). For Women. Retrieved February 4,

2011 from: http://www.ccp.edu/vpst-aff/studentlife/career.html

Dahlstrom, H. (2010). The job hunting handbook. Holliston, MA: Dahlstrom & Co.

HiWAAY Information Services. (2011). How to Tie a Necktie. Retrieved February 4,

2011 from: http://home.hiwaay.net/~jimes/necktie/tietie.html.

Levitt, J.G. (2004). Your career, how to make it happen, 5th ED. Mason, OH:

Thompson Learning, Inc.

North Dakota State University. (2011). Career Center. Retrieved January 31, 2011

from: http://www.ndsu.edu/career/dress_for_success.html

Washington State University. (2011). Apparel, Merchandising, Design & Textiles.

Retrieved February 4, 2011 from: http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti.html