Dress for success
Looking your professional best for interviews does not happen by itself. You need to plan for it, you need to budget for it and you need to shop for it.
If what you intend to wear has been in your wardrobe for more than three years, ask yourself: “Does it make me feel and look like a million dollars?”
Research, research, research. What do the role models in the company and/or industry tend to wear? Dress not for now but for the position you want to have in five years.
Checklist
- At a minimum, your dress for success wardrobe should include a well-fitting skirt suit, an elegant top or a smart shirt, pantyhose, leather bag, nice folder, quality pen, simple accessories and court shoes.
- The more skin you show, the cheaper your look. Beware of plunging necklines, open-toe shoes, bare shoulders and exposed midriffs. If your skirt length is two fingers above the knee, leave it for the nightclub.
- Women who wear make-up earn 23 per cent more than those who don’t, according to research. Lipstick is a bare essential.
- Always wear pantyhose, even in summer.
- Nothing dates you quicker than old glasses. If you wear spectacles, wipe them well before the interview.
- Sweat marks, body odour, bad breath, crushed clothing, poor hygiene – these all speak louder than your resume. Don’t give them a chance.
- You can tell a professional by her hands. Visit a manicure salon or do your own. The devil is in the detail.
- Accessories are important in finishing off the look. But remember anything that dangles, moves or distracts attention in any other way is not appropriate. Less is more!