Suit Up for Interview Success
—Kate Traynor
BETHESDA, MD. 10 August 2000 — You've finished
your resume, but have you bought your blue suit?
As the end of college approaches, it's time to put
away the books, end the all-nighters, and think about
entering the working world. If you've secured job
interviews with campus recruiters or residency directors,
congratulations! But how will you present your best
face during the interview? Like it or not, first
impressions count, and the interviewer will notice
your clothing along with your qualifications.
It's unlikely that the wardrobe that served you
during college is suitable for interviews. And even
if the company you hope to work for has a casual
dress code, you'll still be expected to wear conservative
business clothes during the interview. To the interviewer,
casual clothes reflect a casual interest in the job,
and no company wants to hire a person who doesn't
take the job seriously.
The interview suit is similar for men and women—conservative,
not stylish; dark blue or gray. One or two outfits
are all you need to buy as long as they're kept clean
and pressed between interviews. If you're looking
for a specific list of dressing do's and don'ts,
eHow Inc.'s guidelines for men or women is a good
place to start.
Consider accessories to be part of your interview
outfit; that means sensible shoes (no sandals), minimal
jewelry, and a belt that matches the shoes. Men should
wear a necktie with a sedate pattern, and women are
expected to wear skin-toned nylons. If you indulged
in body piercing, play it safe and remove the excessive
rings and studs before your interview.
This doesn't mean that you're destined for a working
life of wearing clothes that don't reflect the real
you. When you interview, take time to notice the
way others at the company dress for work. You'll
likely see individual touches—a loud necktie,
maybe some funky jewelry.
Need more information about dressing appropriately
for interviews and making the transition from college
to work? Your university probably has a career guidance
office and may offer online career resources. To
learn more, try these Internet sites:
College
Grad Job hunter—A member of the
iCollege Inc. network, this career site discusses
dressing
for interviews, preparing your resume, and interviewing
and offers practical tips for landing that first
job.
About.com—Part of About.com Inc.'s extensive
list of resources for job seekers, this Web page
can help you make your first job a successful
choice.
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