You are What You Wear

I was watching the news one night last week and there was a segment about the current jobs crisis which included a live report from a local job fair. The reporter interviewed two middle-aged job seekers both lamenting the fact that they were having difficulty getting recruiters interested their candidacy.

As I watched the report, I immediately noticed one thing: the two job seekers, both articulate and seemingly experienced, competent women, were not dressed or groomed to place themselves in the best light with prospective employers. In fact, the contrast between the applicants and the local female reporter (also an attractive, middle-aged and smartly-dressed woman) was striking. As a career recruiter, I notice these things immediately, in both men and women, and it can be a “deal breaker,” particularly in this difficult job market. It’s not fair, but it is a reality.

Dress for Success
OK, so what is the best approach when considering what to wear to any type of job interview? How does one know what is appropriate and most flattering? Does it vary from company to company? Let’s briefly cover a few key points.

• When in doubt, keep it “conservative.” You can't go wrong wearing a dark suit with accessories to liven up your outfit. By this I mean a non-distracting blouse and jewelry for women; a contrasting but muted tie and crisp shirt for men.
  
• Beware the hair. Women and men should be certain to maintain a hair style that is age- and style-appropriate. For mature women, it means updating your style, not going for the style of your youth nor the style of today’s youth. For men, the same advice. And, for those gents who are “follicly-challenged” a neat, trim look is best. For both genders, consider your hair coloring. If you decide to alter your hair color, just be certain it has a natural look.
  
• The eyes have it. If you wear glasses, consider updating your frames.
  
• War paint. In the battle for a job, go easy on the makeup and scents.
  
• Into leather? Be certain shoes, belts, portfolios, attaché cases and other similar items are made of a good grain of leather.
  

These items may sound superficial, and you may ask what any of this has to do with your qualifications for a job. Well, our tendency as human beings is to form first impressions partially based on appearance. Given the competition for jobs and the current volume of potential candidates, recruiters generally have the luxury and necessity these days of filtering out otherwise qualified candidates for reasons other than basic qualifications. Don’t lose out on an opportunity for the wrong reasons. In these tough times, it is not as much a question of getting to “yes,” as it is avoiding “no.”

Look for future tips on where to get feedback, ideas and information to be certain you are “dressed for success.”

Please let me know what you think and let us know other ideas you have on this topic. Keep Careering Today and Everyday!

Mark