Like it or not, you are judged on your appearance when you arrive for a job interview. And the interviewer usually starts with your shoes. When attending a job fair or networking event, it is just as important to look smart and professional like you belong in business, are proud of yourself and you would make a good representative for a company.
Look savvy and contemporary
Dress for the times. One of the deterring factors that hiring managers have about the experienced worker is that they look older. Update your wardrobe. This can be done very economically at consignment stores or full retail anywhere in the world. Hold a ‘clothes swap’ party and see what new outfits you might get from friends.
The dark suit, navy or medium to dark grey, with a crisp white shirt and contrasting tie, not red for a first interview, and socks the same colour as the suit, is appropriate for men. Make sure your tie hits the end of your belt, no higher, no lower. For women a conservative navy, grey or tan business suit is suitable with a subtle blouse, no large pattern on the blouse. Pant suits have made a resurgence even at the higher levels of business.
Casual wear
In more casual environments, like IT, warehousing, distribution centres, manufacturing plants, etc, you are ok with a blazer and dress pants for men and a nice dress, slacks or skirt and jacket for women. There is no such thing as casual wear on a job interview or at a job fair.
Dos and Don’ts
Don’t use too much perfume, cologne or after shave, and remove flashy or noisy jewellry. Shoes must shine and make sure the heel lifts are not worn down.
Get a nice stylish haircut and ensure there is no hair where it shouldn’t be, gentlemen. No roots ladies, and colour grey away if you are age sensitive. You don’t want hair to be hanging in your eyes or hiding your face, and playing with it is taboo.
Carry a ball point pen, not a disposable one, a business looking handbag for women, and a briefcase that isn’t battered looking for men.
Radiate energy and enthusiasm and away you go.
