By Richard Wilkinson

You’ve done the hard part, secured an interview. This proves that your cv was well written and presented professionally. It impressed the recruiters so much they have invited you for an interview. Many people fail at the interview stage because they don’t do the basic things required to give a good account of themselves at an interview. Dressing well for an interview is essential in helping you to create a good professional impression. Someone who turns up in a nice suit is going to make a better impression than someone who turns up in a pair of combat pants and a tee shirt. Here’s a few tips to ensure your attire doesn’t let you down.

• Regardless of what the dress code for the organization is dress conservative. Finding out what the dress code is should be a part of your research. Visit the company and see what people are wearing.

• Your hair should be well groomed and your finger nails trimmed and clean.

• Keep the aftershave and perfume low key. If you have to wear it, use just a hint. Over powering perfume or aftershave does not go down well.

• Limit your jewellery. If you walk in covered in gold like Mr T, don’t be surprised if you are rejected. No jewellery is better than cheap jewellery. Remember the company is looking to hire someone for their professionalism, someone who will represent them, you need to look professional.

• Women should wear a dark blue or neutral coloured suit.

• Men should wear a conservative suit with a belt with a good quality shirt.

• Body piercings should be removed for the interview. Apart from earrings for women. For men? If it’s a corporate job you are applying for, then men’s earrings are out.

• If you have tattoos, then cover them up. You maybe a biker in your spare time and are proud of your tattoos but there’s a time and place to show them and an interview is not the place.

You have to play the interview like a game. Like an actor’s rehearsal. You need to dress for the part. You may complain that people shouldn’t judge by appearance, that it’s a shallow way to make judgments about people. I agree it is, unfortunately impressions count, whether we like it or not we all make snap judgments about people from their appearance. If you are applying for a position at a company, that company has the right to demand that you dress in a certain way. If you are not happy with the requirements of the company then don’t apply for the position.

Richard is a freelance writer and author. He specializes in self development and writes extensively on techniques people can employ to secure the job of their dreams and reach their full potential in their careers. He is the author of the website http://www.samurairesume.com where he posts articles and advice on job seeking.

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