Friday, June 25, 2010

Dressing For Success In Your Job Hunt

You can have an exceptional resume, a stellar employment history, and outstanding skills, but when you walk into an interview, unless your physical appearance speaks those traits, you will not be taken seriously. The wrong choice of clothing may very well cost you a position, while on the other hand; the right clothes may place you a step ahead of the crowd. It is imperative to dress for success in your job search.

Everyone cannot be talented in all areas. If your ability to match outfits and accessories is lacking, go get help. It is not a personal shortcoming, simply a fact of life. Most retailers will help you pick out clothes, shoes, and other accessories to assure you look your best when you leave your house. Utilize their fashion knowledge. You should also avoid the following mistakes at all costs.

Mistake 1 - One of the most common mistakes women make in dressing for a job hunt is wearing sexy clothes or clothing that is somewhat suggestive. There is a very fine line women must walk. While you want to look your best and accentuate your best features, you have to be very careful not to give the wrong impression. There is a time and place for those kinds of clothes and a job interview is not it.

Mistake 2 - Another mistake some women make is wearing too much makeup or jewelry. You want to do you best to look nice, but do not let nervousness cloud your judgment. Too much jewelry is distracting and does not look professional. On the same token, too much makeup will cause you to not be taken seriously. If you need help with your makeup, there are plenty of retailers willing to provide assistance in this area.

Mistake 3 - This is one for men and women - do not go to a job interview looking unkempt. Wrinkled clothes, disheveled hair, or general untidiness will absolutely cost you a job.

Mistake 4 - It is impossible to wear white socks with dress clothes and not look fashion-challenged. You may notice there are no white dress socks; there is a reason for that. Buy brown or black if you are uneasy matching other colors or ask for help.

Mistake 5 - Clothing that does not fit properly will also be distracting in a job interview. Sleeves and pant legs that are too long or short will make you appear unprofessional. Likewise, shirts that are too tight that cause gapping at the buttons are distracting and will cast you in a negative light though the interview.

Mistake 6 - While individuality is important, do not expect to get a professional job with a radical appearance. Sometimes your skills may outweigh your physical features, but this is a rare occurrence. "Professional" often means mainstream. Piercings, tattoos, and radical hair color will probably be looked upon negatively in an interview.

Mistake 7 - Try to avoid too much color or extreme color in your clothes. You do not have to dress in black, but hot pink is probably a bad choice. Likewise, neon yellow, bright orange, or anything that would qualify, as a color of highlighter should be avoided. If you are male, you may consider avoiding pink, as it seems odd to some people. The idea is to look professional and well kept, not make a fashion statement.

Bookmark and Share

No comments:

Post a Comment