We all want to look great and let our personal style show through, but during the critical job interview process, its important to remain as well groomed and neutral as possible.
Employers hire people they believe will "fit" into their organization. Skills, experience, and qualifications are important, but so are dress and grooming. Your appearance expresses motivation and professionalism. Your clothing and grooming should create the image that will help you get the job offer.
Why Appropriate Dress and Grooming?
"Feeling good" is directly proportionate the way you look and project a positive image. When you feel good about yourself, you naturally convey confidence and a positive attitude. This is as important as verbal skills when you market your qualifications. An interview isnt a beauty contest, but how you dress and your overall appearance are always get noticed by the interviewer. Dress in a business-like, professional manner, and you will be sure to fit in the interview.
Be clean and neat, including your fingernails, teeth, shoes, hair and face Conservative two-piece business suit in a basic color
Are you preparing to meet with a prospective employer? Remember this that the picture you create will influence of you being hired. During the first few seconds of a meeting employers form a first impression and the judgment is based on appearance.
Here are some basic guidelines to follow
Be clean and neat, including your fingernails, teeth, shoes, hair and face Conservative two-piece business suit in a basic color
Empty pockets-no bulges or tinkling coins/keys, etc.
No gum, candy or cigarettes
Light briefcase or portfolio case
No visible body piercing (noise, eyebrow, tongue, etc.) -wear minimum jewelry and cologne
Arrive ten minutes early and arrive alone
Smile; be friendly
Demonstrate a positive attitude
Use good eye contact
Shake hands firmly
Use good manners
Dont interrupt and dont argue!
Dont chew gum
Take resumes and/or other pertinent information
Clothing
The clothes you wear affect reflects your attitude and confidence levels. Though image alone will not win the job offer, but it will go a long way in building respect.
It varies based on your occupation, location, and preference. The goal is to look the part, and your appearance should be consistent with your occupation.
What to Wear. . .
To a more formal interview: Neat, clean work clothes would be suitable for production, or warehouse positions. Sales and office positions require business clothes. Common sense and good taste are the best guides in selecting clothing for the interview. Wear comfortable fit, neat and clean clothes. Avoid jarring colors & jewelry should be conservative and kept to a minimum. You want the employer to focus on your skills, not on your clothes.
To a less formal interview: Some less formal industries such as software development and technology companies will not require a suit. However, its better to wear something a little nicer than what everyone in the office is wearing. So choose something dressy but casual. Such ensembles might include pressed khakis or trousers, a well pressed button-down shirt, and of course some sort of nice looking dress shoe and matching belt. You may even want to thrown on a blazer. Navy blazers look great with khaki pants.
Shoes and Belts
Pay attention to details such as matching your belt to the color of your shoes. Choose black shoes if your outfit consists of dark gray, navy, brown or black. Opt for dark brown shoes if you will be wearing tans or medium toned colors. I hate to sound like your mother, but polish or clean your shoes before your interview. Scuff marks on your shoes make you look tattered, and we cant have that.Read More
For The Lady !
Perfumes, Scents, and Odors in the Workplace: Do not let the first impression you make about yourself be your personal scent preferences! Avoid wearing perfume and heavilyscented products in all business settings. You might like them, but they have no place in a business environment. Scents can trigger asthma, overpower a room, and are often more offensive than pleasing to others.
How to Present Professional Looking Fingernails and Hands: Women often use their hands to talk with so they become a focal point. It is important to have hands and fingernails looking professional -- not like you are heading out for a wild night on the town. Nails should be clean, and trimmed or sculpted. Avoid wearing unusual or shocking nail colors. Nail art and nail jewels are not acceptable for business meetings.
Hairstyling Tips for Business Women: Style should be neat and conservative, and preferably off the face. With few exceptions, hair color should not be shocking or unusual (leave blue hair for Halloween). Hair sprays and gels that have a strong scent or odor should be
Business Makeup Advice: Keep it simple and appropriate for daytime. Wearing no makeup at all is
Appropriate Jewelry for Business Women: Jewelry should not be noisy (no metal bangle bracelets), too large, or costume jewelry. Keep earrings small, simple, and above the earlobe.
Grooming just does not mean only ones look, but also personal hygiene. If you neglect, it can ruin the image you wish to present. Keep a check on the following.
| ITEM | GROOMING |
Hair | Clean, trimmed, and neatly combed or arranged. |
Facial Hair(men) | Freshly shaved; mustache or beard neatly groomed. |
Fingernails | Neat, clean, and trimmed. |
Teeth | Brushed and fresh breath |
Breath | Beware of foods which may leave breath odor. Beware of tobacco, alcohol, and coffee odor. Use a breath mint if needed. |
Body | Freshly bathed/showered; use deodorant. Remove body piercings, tongue rings, and cover tattoos if possible. |
Make-up (Women) | Use sparingly and be natural looking. |
Perfumes/Colognes/
After Shave | Use sparingly or none at all. Your "scent" should not linger after you leave. |
To summaries taking care of personal appearance communicates to the person whom you are meeting with that they are important to you. Paying attention to the details of your appearance sends a message to others that you will also pay close attention to business details, and the needs of your customers and clients. Good Luck and lets together Groom India!
Sunethra Selvam is a very enterprising person, who strives for excellence in everything that she does. She has several valuable years of experience in the training gambit with soft skills and behavioral skills.
She is now working as a training head, with Naturals to fulfill the vision of "Groom India".