Dress For Success

Whether you're looking to get a new job or advance your career, utilizing the Best Job Interview Questions and this unique way of presenting yourself will help. As you explore these concepts open your mind, challenge yourself and get excited.

How you present yourself can be a determining factor of your success in an interview. Start your new job with a solid foundation so you can have a successful and long term relationship with your new company.

You can view lens #4 at: Pre-Interview Phone Call

You can view lens #5 at: Preparing For Your Interview

You can view lens #6 at: The Best Job Interview Questions!

You can view lens #8 at: Post Interview Follow-Up

Mark me in your favorites so you can get a Squid Cast when my next lens in this series is released!

Here's an expression I've heard many times, "What you wear is who you are".

It may sound a bit objectionable, but bear with me. Despite our personal feelings there is some reality in the expression.

I say this because the reality is: It's not your perception that matters in an interview....it's theirs.

Food for thought:

Q: If you walk into an interview with a tie-dyed shirt, ripped pants and a beanie, how do you think you'll be perceived?

A: You're going to put on trial and given your sentancing before you ever have the opportunity to speak a word. (I have nothing against tie-dye or beanies. However, they're really meant for after work or weekends.)

Q: If you walk in with stains on your shirt, your hair unkempt and your socks don't match, how do you think you'll be perceived?

A: You'll look unorganized, unprofessional and possibly perceived as a liability for being late or absent.

Dress like you want the job. Business Professional should be the only applicable attire for an interview. It doesn't matter if you are applying for a manger position or a deep sea diver.

You want to present yourself with confidence and professionalism. Keep your style simple and appropriate. The last thing you want your interview(ers) focusing their attention to is your clothes...except for the fact you take this interview seriously and you're dressed appropriately.

The focus should be on you, your skills and what you bring to the table.

I'm not suggesting that you go out and get a $1000.00 wardrobe. Most people can't afford it and getting a job shouldn't break your bank.

Utilize discount stores that carry high quality merchandise. Local favorites to me are TJ-MAX, Ross, Crossroads and Target. They all carry professional attire for low cost. Even if you can only afford one business professional outfit, that's ok. It's an important investment for your future career.

Below I've found clothes below that are great examples & great buys from Amazon. I encourage you to look at the styles and figure out what works best for you.

While you're at it, save yourself some time and just pick out your interview outfit while you're here! You may pay for shipping but you're saving on gas and time. As an added bonush, you're clothes are delivered to your front door. All while you just finished sending out 15 more resumes....

(I've added additional info to each item that talks about the fabrics blends, how each style can lend to another, etc. Pay attention to the notes!)

A woman has such diversity on what they can wear compared to men. Men are tied down to relatively set standard of clothes. However, women can diversify with colors, styles and attitude.

What women should realize is that with that diversity can come trouble. You're going into an interview, not a fashion show. The important aspect to remember is that you shine, not your clothes.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting you wear a gunny sack. Nor am I suggesting you wear a prom dress (or less). A woman can be both confident and business professional with a little attention to detail.