Toni-Ann Neita, Staff Reporter
Dress your best for all interviews
Difficulty level - average
Time required - 1 hour or longer
BEARING in mind a well-known saying "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression", how important is proper dress for a job interview? Well, the final selection of a candidate will rarely be determined by dress. However, first round candidates are often quickly eliminated by inappropriate dress. Sad, but true.
The gentleman in a T-shirt and jeans, interviewing for a professional position, is likely to be crossed off the list. The same fate probably awaits the lady in a bright red skirt so tight she can hardly sit down!
This is not to say that you must go out and invest in a new wardrobe; just be sure that you are able to put together an adequate interview outfit.
The interview outfit
The traditional rules of interview dress are still the best rules - simple and conservative.
For women, when interviewing for a professional position, a classic suit is a must have. Choose a solid colour so that you will be properly attired, regardless of where you are interviewing. Consider a cotton or silk collared blouse, in a colour or pattern that co-ordinates with your suit.
Heels must not be too high. Flats or shoes with a moderate heel will comfortably dress-up your interview attire. Not just any shoes obviously - make sure they match or co-ordinate with your suit. Speaking of shoes, avoid open toe or sling back shoes.
Other things to avoid are patterns and bright colours (you should be doing the talking not your clothes!). Overall, keep everything low-key and in moderation, avoiding excessive perfume, make-up (keep it light and natural) and jewellery (especially big earrings and things that jingle).
The number one rule that women should follow? "Thy cleavage shalt not runneth over," said a male friend of mine, who interviews many applicants for positions at his firm. This is very true if you want to be taken seriously.
Top personal grooming is more important than finding the perfect outfit. Be sure that your clothes are immaculately clean, pressed and fit properly. If it's too tight or too loose- don't wear it! Also make sure that your hairstyle is neat and businesslike, and that your shoes are clean.
Finally, a briefcase or portfolio, if you have one, will help complete the look of professionalism.
Much the same holds true for men. A classic three-piece suit is the way to go. When it comes to suits, the rule that says "you get what you pay for" holds true. A good quality suit will cost more, but, if you order a traditional version, it won't go out of style and will last almost forever.
A long-sleeved cotton dress shirt, with a button-down collar, is still the epitome of classic dressing. In terms of ties, pick a couple of colours that will co-ordinate with your suit and dress shirts. Keep ties conservative. A silk or nylon tie with a paisley pattern or a striped tie, of the old-school variety, are good choices.
Dress shoes, oxfords, or loafers will complete the top-to-toe professional look. Socks are simple as long as you remember to wear a pair of calf socks that matches your suit.
A man's checklist should include minimal jewellery (watches, wedding bands and school rings are acceptable), a conservative haircut and either a clean-shaven face or neatly trimmed facial hair. Speaking of shaving, go easy on the aftershave. The same goes for cologne.
Sometimes people are unsure how to dress for an interview at a business with a more relaxed dress code. If you are in doubt about how to dress for an interview it is best to err on the side of conservatism. It is much better to be overdressed than underdressed (or undressed!).
The cost
Go for quality over quantity. One or two well-chosen business suits will serve you all the way to the first day of the job and beyond. Then when you are making some money, and have had a chance to see what the standard 'uniform' is for the company, you can begin to fill out your wardrobe.
For now, no one will fault you for wearing the same sharp outfit each time you interview. If you desire some variety with a limited budget, you might consider varying your blouse/shirt/tie/accessories as a simple way to change your look without breaking your wallet.
So what will an interview outfit cost you? Well, as with anything, it depends. A woman's suit can easily cost $5,000 and up, but cheaper versions, that still look good, can be found. Be prepared for a scare when visiting certain stores where jackets alone can cost $5,000 or more. Usually these are brand name and reputed to be of higher quality and durability, in which case it may make sense to invest in one or two such jackets. You may be broke when you are done but at least you will "look like a million dollars".
A man's shopping trip can prove to be quite a bit more expensive. The middle range for a decent suit, for him, is about $8,500 to $16,000 according to a representative from Spencer' s Tailoring. Let us not even mention the cost of Italian suits and the like.
'Work shoes' for men and women run in the range of $2,000 to $4,000, ties can easily exceed $1,000 or go as low as $200 and nice silk scarves cost about $500 and up. There are a variety of briefcases ranging from budget-priced to top-of-the line. Leather briefcases, for example, are not cheap but they look good and last forever. Portfolios are a less bulky alternative to the briefcase. They too vary widely in price.
Thus the complete ensemble can cost unspeakable sums of money and you will need more than one to carry you through the work week once you have got the job. A suggestion is to buy colours that can mix-and-match, thereby giving you five outfits from three, for example.
From the interview to the workplace
The rules for interview dress can be transferred to the workplace. Some businesses have strict dress codes with specific dos and donts - often implementing uniforms to avoid any confusion. On the other hand, others have relaxed the dress codes; opting for a more casual look. Use your best judgement and remember that a person who is well put together stands out from the crowd.
