Showing posts with label interview attire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview attire. Show all posts

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Take advantage of this...

Do you remember my post on interview attire (suits) for men? Well, I saw this commercial on my TV recently about a sale going on at Men's Wearhouse. Here's the skinny:

+With the purchase of a suit you can get a 2nd one for $100.

+Free ground shipping on a purchase of $99 or more. It won't be difficult to spend $99 even if you're just buying a nice belt, shirt, and tie.

+Evidently they also have free return shipping as well. This is definitely a good thing particularly if you don't have a Men's Wearhouse retail store near you.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

More on Men's Suits

I found this great post (written by a man on wisebread) on why men should invest in a really nice suit. When you walk in confidently to your interview with a nice suit IT WILL speak volumes for you. Promise.

So, if you don't own one yet then you better go out and purchase one pronto. (Ladies, please encourage your man to purchase one.) There may even be suits on SALE right now! If not, they will be reduced soon.

Need some classic suit suggestions? Check out this post on the Style Me Pretty blog.

Still second guessing your investment in a suit for a job? A suit is good for more than just a job interview. Most ladies appreciate and respect a man in a classy suit.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Interview Preparation: Clothing

Invest in at least 2 sets of interview attire and keep them on-hand and ready. Here's why:

Today I will have to pick on my little brother. A few weeks ago he went to a job fair to find a summer internship. He wore khakis, a white collared shirt, a tie, and brown shoes. He told me this attire was acceptable for someone looking for a summer internship.

However, after a successful conversation with a particular company he was invited to a next day interview. My brother rarely dresses up. He called me at 10 pm the night before the interview to ask what he should wear. Since you've read my post on "What do I wear for my interview: Part 2 for Gentlemen" you know what I suggested for him...

Well, guess what? He only brought half of his suit to college, forgot his black shoes at home, had no formal ties on hand, his shirt was dirty and had no black socks. His interview was for 10 am the next day. Where exactly does one buy formal wear between the hours of 10 pm and 10 am? (Wal-mart? I don't think so.)

I'm not sure what he ended up wearing---maybe he borrowed some of his friend's clothes. The bottom line is this: Invest in at least 2 sets of interview clothing and keep it ready (cleaned, pressed, and polished) for your big day(s). Why 2 sets? You may have two interviews, maybe even 3. Trust me, prepping your attire ahead of time takes part of the interview anxiety away.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

What do I wear for my interview? Part 2 for Gentlemen

You should always dress for success. What does that mean? Well, a lot of things. The general rule of thumb is this: For your interview you should always dress one-step above what you would be wearing to work on a normal basis. Some companies will indicate their dress policy on the website. At other times you will have to ask about the dress policy. Don't be afraid to ask about the dress code during your interview because it indicates that you are interested in company policy and following the rules. You may also ask at your interview, "Is my attire today acceptable for work here?" Be receptive to their response in the event that you need to alter your attire. I met with an expert last week to get some tips on interview apparel. Here is Part 2:

Gentlemen Professional Dress for Interviews


Suit
+Wear the darkest suit you have, preferably crisp black. Chinos or khaki pants with a navy sport coat can also be acceptable.

Shirt
+Wear a white or blue collared, starched shirt. A starched, collared shirt will indicate that you are serious about the job.

Tie
+Wear a silk tie with two colors, perhaps black, gray, blue, maroon, or hunter green. Avoid flashy colors.

Socks and shoes
+Black shoes and socks should be worn with a black suit. Shoes should be shined and have no scuffs or dirt.

Jewelry/Accessories
+Cuff links are not necessary. You may wear them if they are not flashy or gaudy. A black belt should be worn with a black suit and black shoes. Wedding rings and college rings are acceptable.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

What do I wear for my interview? Part 1 for Ladies

You should always dress for success. What does that mean? Well, a lot of things. The general rule of thumb is this: For your interview you should always dress one-step above what you would be wearing to work on a normal basis. Some companies will indicate their dress policy on the website. At other times you will have to ask about the dress policy. Don't be afraid to ask about the dress code during your interview because it indicates that you are interested in company policy and following the rules. You may also ask at your interview, "Is my attire today acceptable for work here?" Be receptive to their response in the event that you need to alter your attire. I met with an expert last week to get some tips on interview apparel. Here's Part 1 (ladies first)...


Ladies Professional Dress for Interviews

Suit
+A black pant suit is highly recommended over a black skirt suit. Why? The employer may ask you to do a task that requires bending over or reaching. Trying to do this in a skirt can be awkward and embarrassing. If you decide to wear a skirt suit make sure the skirt is to the knee or longer. Cross your legs when you sit down!

Shirt
+A white or blue collared, button-down, starched shirt should be worn---NOT a playful, flirty blouse. A starched, collared shirt will indicate that you are serious about the job.

Shoes and hose
+You should be able to walk in your shoes. I pity the girl who decides to wear her 3 inch heels for the first time to an interview. You should wear 2 inches or less. Your shoes should come around your heal and over your foot. Shoes should be clean (no scuffs or clinging dirt). I hate hose but it is recommended that you wear hose with a skirt suit, particularly in the winter. Don't wear hose with designs or ones that make you look too tan. Pick a color that matches your flesh.

Jewelry
+Wear modest jewelry. This can include post earrings. Necklaces should not be gaudy. Modest necklaces should be tucked into the shirt so that it does not detract the interviewer. Dangly bracelets and large rings are not recommended.

Nails
+While you do not necessarily have to get a manicure before your interview you should buff and trim your nails at the very least. A clear top coat can give a finished look. I do not recommend getting acrylics or nail colors because they can make performing a task difficult or detract from the interview.