Since first impressions greatly
influence a hiring assessment, the manner in which probable employees present
themselves can make a critical difference and make them standout from the rest.
Two really important facet of business etiquette are professional dress and
table manner. Dressing right and eating with good manners are essential to the
job interviewing process. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way
through the sometimes confusing rules of etiquette. Here we shall consider
dressing.
Dressing for your first impression
To
most employers, first impressions still count and poor personal appearance at
an interview is a major factor leading to the rejection of applicants and their
applications.
Dress
to project the image you want the employer to receive and let your clothing
reflect your knowledge of the type of job for which you are applying.
Even
if the company has a “business simple” dress policy, it is better to take a conformist
approach when going for an interview.
Knowing that your appearance is
good may give you added confidence, and self-confidence is essential if you are
going to make a positive impression.
It is also very good to know the
company’s dress style so that you can conform to their uniform or dreSS code.
Once the Job is yours
Don’t
forget about your grooming and appearance once you have been hired
Despite
the trend toward more freedom of expression in the way employees dress, many
employers have maintained strict dress codes
As
soon as you’ve been hired, find out whether your employer has a dress code
Some
codes are written down, but others are “just understood”
Your
dress and grooming may affect the initial friendships you form on the new job
because dress extremes may attract some people, but turn others off
Dressing for
the interview and professional environment
Most interviews require that the interviewee should be
professionally dressed, they first and foremost examine your appearance. Worthy
of note is that appearance is not only about you dressing but also everything
else that sums up your appearance: hair style, perfume, smiles, etc. thus the
following tips will be of intense help.
Tips
for men and women
Men
Suit
for a business professional conservative environment -
dark solid or slight pinstripe conservative
Blazer
for an informal business casual environment – coordinated
sport coat or blazer with khakis, chinos, or gabardine trousers
Shirts
– long-sleeved dress shirt in solid colors such as white, cream,
or light blue are preferred
Necktie
– medium width silk ties in solids, stripes, and small patterns.
Tip of the tie should touch the top of the belt
Shoes
& Socks – dressy slip-ons and lace-up shoes in black, burgundy, or dark
brown. Dark color or neutral over-the-calf socks coordinated to trousers
Belts
& Accessories – leather belts in black, burgundy, or dark brown to match
trousers or shoes. Avoid flashy cufflinks, rings, or neck chains. If wearing an
earring (or several), remove it (them) before the interview. Trim-styled watch
with leather or good-quality metal band. Wedding bands and conservative rings
are appropriate, but limit one per hand
Hair, Skin & Fragrance –
hair should be clean and neatly combed. No “five-o’clock shadow”; facial hair
should be groomed and trimmed. Go light on after shave products and avoid
colognes.
Cover tattoos
TIPS FOR WOMEN
Matched-skirted
suit for a conservative business professional environment – conservative
suit in neutral colors or understated plaids. Skirt length no shorter than
slightly above the knee, no longer than just below mid-calf
Unmatched
suit for an informal business casual environment – jacket
and pants or skirt in coordinating colors and fabrics. Skirt no shorter than an
inch above the knee, no longer than just below mid-calf
Blouses
– Solid colors or small, subtle geometric patterns and floral. Avoid
sheer fabrics, oversize prints, frills, ruffles, straps, or plunging necklines
Shoes
– Medium to low heeled pumps, no open toes or slings, opt for shoes
in black, navy, taupe, or dark brown leather. Shoe color should match or be
darker than hemline. Neutral-colored stockings to match or compliment skin tone
Belts
& Accessories – Belts in neutral colors no more than an inch wide. Limit jewelry
to small pieces in gold or silver; pearls are also appropriate. No dangling
earrings and only one pair per ear. Good quality rings limited to one ring per
hand
Watch-
Plain round face or tank-styled watch with leather or clasp-style
metal band
Hair, Makeup, & Fragrance –
Hair should be natural color, or at least look that way. Wear longer hair
pulled up or back and away from your face. Go light on makeup and avoid
perfume. Cover tattoos
General
Note
Dressing generally has lots of volumes to speak, people always
assess you base on the way you dress, above all you are the way you are
dressed. What you are on the inside is what you show through the way you dress.
Dress nicely!!!
