December 15, 2023 | In Articles
The stakes are high, your palms are sweaty, and your heart is dancing "borborbor" in your chest.
If you are like me then your bowels suddenly remember that they need to expel some solids in that very moment or not, you can't really tell, all you know is that something is going on in your stomach.
To others it might be just an interview, but to you this could be the thin line between another 5 months of eating gari for lunch or eating a well-balanced meal.
You've prepped your answers, researched the company, and even practiced your handshake and sitting posture until you could win a Guinness World Record for it (shake-a-thon).
But that is not all because in this high-pressure situation, one crucial factor you might be overlooking : your outfit, could be an influencing factor in the hiring decision.
The way you dress can tell a story about your "character or suitability".
Because in the professional arena, first impressions are like traffic lights – they control whether you get the green light to your dream job or get stuck at a red light of rejection. So, before you step into that interview room, make sure your attire isn't the reason your career takes a detour.
In this week's looksharp drop we would be discussing Do's and Do-Nots and Maybes of dressing for a Job interview - Actually, there are no maybes, be sure.
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18-08-2022
adjective
/sɑːˈtɔːrɪəl/
relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress.
[Word of the day: Sartorial]
On the day of your interview, you should have researched the company enough to know and understand their dress code and culture. Matching the overall vibe of the company would be a plus for you.
There are so many reasons and a thousand more why it is important to dress the part including;
It demonstrates professionalism and preparedness: Your clothing choices communicate your seriousness about the position and your commitment to presenting yourself well. A polished look shows you've taken the time and effort to make a good impression, which reflects positively on your work ethic and dedication.
It can influence the interviewer's perception of your skills and abilities: Research suggests that interviewers may form initial impressions about a candidate's competence and suitability within the first few seconds of meeting them. Dressing appropriately can help you make a positive first impression and counteract any potential biases.
However, the overarching reason is that it boosts confidence and we need all the confidence we can get when going in for an interview. When you feel good about how you look, it naturally translates into increased confidence in your demeanor and communication. I can tell you from experience because every time I wear a well-tailored kaftan that fits perfectly, the slouch vanishes in my posture and I am a few inches taller.
Dress professionally and conservatively. This doesn't mean you have to wear a suit and tie, especially for companies that have a more relaxed company culture and dress code- but your outfit should be neat, clean, and well-fitting. Endeavor to dress one step up from the company's culture; for instance, If the company culture is business casual, aim for a polished version of business casual. If the company culture is formal, you could opt for a classic suit.
Your clothes should be well ironed. The boys and girls who went to boarding school can tell you a thing or two about a well ironed shirt, the lines they put in their clothes were sharp enough to cut ties that bind.
Wear jeans, shorts, half sandals, a T-shirt, anything that makes you look like you'd rather be at a house party unless that is the specific dress code or culture of the workplace for which you are interviewing. Clothes that are too tight or too loose will make you look unprofessional. Get your clothes tailored if necessary. Always remember, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Opt for neutral colors, Color Psychology is not a myth. Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, gray, and beige. These colors convey professionalism and seriousness, which are essential qualities for any job candidate.
Wear loud and distracting colors, you do not want your intellect and qualifications to take a backseat while your clothes take center stage.
Style Your Hair Professionally - Your hairstyle should be neat, clean, and well-groomed. If you have facial hair, ensure it is neatly trimmed and styled. Avoid an unkempt beard ,mustache or hair as it might appear unprofessional.
Wear "over-powering" perfume, smelling good is amazing and all but I am absolutely certain that the interviewers would appreciate still having functioning lungs after your interview. Your perfume shouldn't be too strong as some people are sensitive to scents or may even be asthmatic.
Invest in quality or good-looking shoes. I hear quite often that subconsciously someone's shoes are the first thing you notice about them. I do not know how accurate this is as I have not put it to the test but a good shoe that is polished and in good condition will definitely elevate your look.
Wear Uncomfortable Clothing: You should feel comfortable and confident in your interview attire.
You should treat your interview like a date. The way you would dress to impress your date is the same energy you should put into your interview. Dressing the part for an interview is an investment in yourself and your career prospects. It's a way to showcase your professionalism, which can significantly increase your chances of landing the job.
31.May.23 by Jessie W Ghartey
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18-08-2022
Kwame A
A very great read. Thanks for the relevant points. I might use it for my next interview.
2024-01-04 18:05:12