I want to eventually work on a book titled: “Ten Things People Do To Lose Jobs Without Opening Their Mouths.”
By Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
2/11/2005
Photo by Laura Petrilla
After attending conferences, conducting interviews, and working in various professional settings I am continually surprised at the audaciousness of interviewees and their wardrobe selection. I'm not saying that you can’t express yourself or let your personality come through in your wardrobe. Indeed, a touch of color or style is always appropriate, but patterned stockings, short skirts or tight fitting shirts will not land you that job.
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve?
Interviews are by nature nerve-wracking events. So plan ahead! Many interviews can last all day long or can even be weekend long events so make sure that you do your homework. Prepare by researching the weather for the days you will be under the microscope. Are you traveling to another region or state? It is always appropriate to ask the person who is coordinating your interview details about the climate of the office and the particular events they are taking you to.
If it’s winter in Nebraska you want to leave your pink linen suit, however great you look in it, at home. Research the climate of your future office. I once asked the opinion of my search chair at an interview if a white coat or a teal one was more appropriate. He advised white, so I wore white. These are small landmines avoided by the candidate who plans ahead. Unsure or uncomfortable asking? There are very simple ways to do so. You can begin by asking if the event is formal or casual. And what do you do if they say business casual…
We’d Like to Get to Know You Better…
Business casual seems to be another category that often confuses people. Do not be misled by the idea of "casual" to think it translates into your frayed khakis and favorite flip-flops or other open toed shoes. Most functions will not hold you to the strictest sense of the word casual but if there is a job, promotion, or desired outcome, it is safest to err on the side of well groomed and collected. Do not make the mistake that an offer to want to get to know you means that your entire guard is now down and you can “let your hair down.” Remember – you are still being interviewed!
Perhaps the resistance to appropriate clothing arises from the idea that to be young and rebellious, to be ourselves, is often more important then a judging or discriminating employer. Why should I remove my piercing or cover up my tattoos? I can already hear your question. For the simple reason that there are other ways to express your creativity without the tinges of controversy associated with body altering designs.
When in doubt, ask a professional whose opinion you value. Do not substitute a friend in this category although they are often well meaning, our friends inhabit similar knowledge groups and often find it difficult to be objective. So find a mature, neutral, supportive third party. In the absence of such a person, try the manager of a major middle market clothing store such as Ann Taylor or Jos. A. Bank. They are hired for their sense of taste and can often guide you in the right direction. And you can also buy similar pieces at Target for half the price.
Fashion, hems and other gems
Above all, know your industry and tailor your wardrobe on interview day to the type of job you are applying for. If you have your eye on the CPA position at Price Waterhouse Coopers, then you want to leave your hot pink skirt suit set behind. On the other hand, if you finally got your foot in the door at Elle, that hot pink topped off by a black blouse just may help you stand out from the other candidates on a long interview day. Employers have candidly told me that during hiring committee meetings they often refer to candidates as “the one in the purple suit” or another accessory in absence of any memorable personal traits. I also often ask, “Did you see what the candidate wore?” Therefore, above all else, choose wisely! Because how would you want them to refer to you?
