Dressing for the Interview in Today’s Job Market
With the weakened economy and more people hunting for work every day, job candidates are thinking beyond the usual resume and references to gain that competitive edge. Not only must professionals keep their business skills honed, they must maintain a professional image that is current and emphasizes the message they choose to communicate. Ensuring you look as brilliant as your resume is the best way to distinguish yourself in today’s volatile job market.
When considering what to wear for an interview, sometimes the best idea is to start fresh. While some candidates may have to spice it up or clean it up, others have to tone it down to land the job they want. The first interview is not the time to be a fashion icon when getting the job is the goal. If you are too fashionable it 
will distract from your professionalism. Don’t let your appearance keep you from getting a job. Young women especially have a tendency to dress unfavorably according to hiring personnel. Use your looks to your advantage; dress for the position in a conservative manner and let your inner beauty shine. Win over the human resource manager with your ability to get the job done, eagerness to work hard and positive outlook.
If the office atmosphere is business casual, here are some useful interview guidelines. Wearing business casual attire for the first interview is seldom recommended unless the interviewer has specifically advised you to dress that way. For senior positions, it’s always best to opt for a suit.
Women have always had to choose from a variety of different looks. With greater wardrobe options and the evolution of workplace roles, women have had to work harder at projecting the right first impression. There was a time when women entered the boardroom and needed to make a power statement. These days clothing choice must also project approachability without being sexy. To project a positive first impression, make sure you feel good in your clothing, have a positive outlook, and when in doubt boring is better. Your clothing is a reflection of you. If you look good, you’ll feel good and others will respond accordingly to you.
Investing in your professional attire will be a good return on your investment for your career. If you are just beginning your career and don’t have a lot of money to spend, browse upscale consignment shops in your area or look for a well tailored suit in stores like Ann Taylor or Banana Republic. If you are seeking a clerical position, dress conservatively but not necessarily in a suit. Clean, tailored separates are fine. And if you are seeking a senior level position, make sure your suit is dark in color, well-tailored and firm in fabric to communicate authority and credibility.
For more information about Lyndsey Sites and Global Image Group, log on to www.globalimagegrp.com.
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