Dressing Etiquette For Interview And Professional Environment

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!!!