How to Dress for a Job Interview

May 8, 2017 by

In the years that I have been putting on job fairs and volunteering for job fairs, one thing really stands out, and that’s how people dress for a job fair. A job fair should be treated exactly like a job interview. It’s the first impression anyone who will be hiring you for a job will get and it should be a good one.

Before you bring out your resume, before you have a conversation about salary or why you want the job, you will be judged on your appearance. No matter how much money you have or don’t have, you can always put yourself together in a way that will impress a hiring rep.

The first thing to think about is what kind of dress is appropriate for the job you’re applying for. A job in accounting, finance, law, etc. would dictate a more conservative, traditional type of outfit. Colors like navy or grey work well, as well as medium heeled pumps for women and oxford shoes or dress slip-ons for men. Natural looking makeup and simple jewelry like pearls for women is also a good choice.

Creative jobs in the entertainment industry and advertising can be bolder with bright colors and accessories. Originality is important, so show off your own style. Be creative with jewelry that can be a conversation starter.

No matter what job you’re interviewing for, you should always wear clothes that fit and flatter your body type. Camouflage your flaws and play up your best assets. No matter how much money you have, you should always have shoes that are polished and clothes that are in good shape. I’ve found very nice, affordable outfits at consignment shops or at discount outlet stores.

Also, no matter what kind of job you’re applying for, some things are out of the question, like flip flops, sandals, sweatpants, huge gold chains, miniskirts, and too much cleavage. Believe it or not, I’ve seen all of these at job fairs.

Body language is very important, so make sure you wear clothes you’re comfortable in. Nothing is worse that squirming in your chair during an interview because your clothes don’t fit. Popping a button on your shirt or accidentally leaving a zipper down could cost you the job. Also, any kind of jewelry or accessory that makes noise, like bangle bracelets should be left at home.

You don’t want anything to distract a hiring manager. You’re there to show your sparkling personality and your top level skills for the job.

 

 

Filed Under: Job Interviews Tagged With: ,

Job Interview Follow Up

March 3, 2013 by

< ![CDATA[There\'s a fine line between being excited about getting the job and being desperate. If you really want to work for the company you\'ve applied to and have done your homework to make sure you are the perfect candidate for the job, then you have to do some job interview follow up. The follow up should start right after the job interview. Simply ask the hiring manager what the next step will be and when you should expect to hear something from them. A good length of time is somewhere between a few days and a week or so. In a couple of days send a hand written thank you note for them taking the time to meet with you. Wait for them to get your note and give them time to respond. [Read more…]

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A Fun Job Interview That Leads to a Fun Job

June 23, 2012 by

http://kierlandwavemaster.com/. The application process starts with a video submission and an explanation of why you are the perfect person for the job. If you are selected, you\’ll go on to the next step, and finally to the surf off event to determine the winner of the position. The wave master job search goes from June 20th to July 23rd.  

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Job Fair Mistakes You Should Never Make

January 13, 2011 by

Since I’ve been putting on job fairs I spend a lot of time talking to recruiters and HR. As tough as the job market is out there I’m constantly shocked at the mistakes people make once they actually get in the door.

The first one kind of surprises me and that’s the inappropriate dress. I’ve seen this at job fairs quite a lot. A job fair should be treated like an interview. You should dress appropriately for both of them.

I have seen people waiting in line in flip flops, tons of gold chains around their neck, very low cut blouses, sweat pants, and mini skirts. I’m not making this stuff up! I’ve also heard the same thing from HR professionals when people come in for job interviews. It’s shocking. There’s simply no excuse for not dressing up for a job fair or a job interview. Maybe people mistake the atmosphere at a job fair as a place where they can just dress comfortably. Don’t be fooled into thinking you don’t have to dress to impress at a job fair.

Another job fair and interview mistake would be texting and answering your cell phone in an interview. Turn it off or just leave it at home. You would think that would be common sense but it still happens all the time. That’s just a signal to the person hiring you that you don’t care about the job. No phone call is that important. It can wait.

After working many job fairs, I am aware of other big job fair mistakes…missing an interview or showing up late. It’s hard enough to get that interview, especially these days. If you can’t make it or you are going to be late (and it had better be a really good reason), then at least call. It’s common courtesy. This goes for a job fair too. I can’t tell you how many people constantly showed up after the job fair was officially over and were upset that they couldn’t get in. If you really want to make the most of a job fair, be the first one in line. As the day goes on things get more and more backed up time-wise, and the likelihood that HR reps will be gone when you get there or they won’t have time to see you increases every hour.

Above all, use common sense!

 

 


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