No promotion? Blame it on your fashion sense

In a job interview, your clothing makes a statement about yourself before you even open your mouth.

With your appearance you could communicate the following:

• • You are taking the opportunity seriously

• • You are eager to make a good impression

• • You would fit in nicely within the corporate culture.

In the past it was relatively straightforward: men wore a business suit to a job interview. However, society has become less conservative when it comes to dress code. Although certain industries still require dressing conservatively, there are others that have a more casual atmosphere.

Golden rules to dress for success

If you want the job or promotion, consider the following:

• • Thoroughly research the company’s culture/typical dress code within the industry. If you know anyone at the company, ask the person about the environment and culture.

• • If you are interviewing for a professional, managerial or executive position, always wear a suit.

• • Choose a solid white or blue shirt. You don’t want to look too flashy with a brightly coloured shirt, and striped (and especially patterned) shirts are a little less formal.

• • Wear a tie in a dark, conservative colour (never pink). Stick to solids, diagonally striped or small-patterned ties.

• • Wear solid, vertically ribbed socks in black or grey. Get socks that are long enough to cover your legs when you sit down.

• • If you’re interviewing at a company with a very casual dress code, dress as if you were going to a dinner party on a Saturday night.

• • Invest in a couple of “power outfits” that are appropriate, professional and, most importantly, comfortable. If possible, purchase a few outfits because you might be asked to return for a second or third interview.

• • Test-drive your interview outfit. Put the outfit on and spend a few minutes in it. Make sure you’re comfortable sitting and walking.

• • Your body language is part of your overall appearance, so it’s important that you pay close attention to it. Be aware of your posture and body language. Good posture and a solid handshake are important. Always make eye contact and smile.

• • Pay attention to your grooming as much as your outfit. Your hair should be neat and fingernails should be clean.

Top ten common fashion mistakes men make

1. Wearing a short sleeve shirt with a tie. Stick to long-sleeve shirts if you want to look professional and confident.
2. Improper pants length. Your pants should come down to the bottom of your shoes.
3. Wrong socks with a suit. Ensure you match your sock colour to your pants.
4. Improper tie length. A man’s tie should always end at the centre of his belt buckle.
5. Excess cologne. A good rule of thumb is to limit it to two sprays – once on your neck and once on the wrists.
6. Too much jewellery. Limit yourself to three pieces of jewellery.
7. You and your hair. Keep your facial hair well groomed. Hair on the back of your neck needs to be managed well. Keeping your eyebrows groomed is just as important as the hair on top of your head. Also avoid using excessive amounts of hair product at all times.
8. Wearing too many colours. Limit each of your outfits to a maximum of three colours or shades to maintain a coordinated look.
9. Oversized branding. Discretion is the name of the game.
10. Too many prints. Patterns that don’t go well together jar the eye. Wearing nothing but solid colours is boring. Learn how to avoid both.

Then there are the real NO-NOs

• • Socks with sandals

• • Wearing running shoes outside the gym or off the track

• • Backpacks on professionals

• • Stuffed pockets

• • White socks with dress shoes

Mark Twain said it best: “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society.”

 

Sources
http://jordandetmers.com
http://www.kinowear.com
http://lifestyle.myjoyonline.com
http://www.academia.edu
http://jobsearch.about.com
http://career-advice.monster.com
http://au.askmen.com