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Career
Tips
Dress
for Success
This information focuses on two critical aspects of the job interview
which are your appearance and the message your body language is
sending.
Dress
Remember that when you market your job skills it all starts with
the first impression. How you look is imperative as an interviewer's
assessment of you has already begun when you walk in.
Some key principles include:
-
Your
attire should be appropriate to the industry. This means dress
professionally for your interview.
-
Even
if a company has a casual dress code, wear a suit to the interview.
Chances are your competition is.
-
Your
attire should be conservative - both navy and black work well
on men or women, with a simple white or off-white colored shirt
or blouse.
-
Jewelry,
ties or other accessories should be limited and tasteful.
-
For
women short skirts and open-toe shoes do not look as good as
skirts that hang near or to the knee with hose and closed-toe
shoes. Avoid bright, flashy colors. Pay close attention to your
choice of make-up, purse and nails.
-
Men
should avoid casual shoes, turtleneck and sweaters for the interview.
Socks should match your color of suit and your shoes must be
shined.
-
Your
dress sends a message about yourself, your attitude and it's
those small details that help gain an impression. Use your dress
to your advantage by making the right first impression.
Non-Verbal Communication
The clothes you wear create an impression which is an important
part of non-verbal communication, but so is body language. Here
are some key principles as they relate to non-verbal communication.
-
Maintain
eye contact. If you must look away do not look down as this
is sometimes perceived as being submissive.
-
If
you are asked to sit down, sit with your body leaning forward.
Leaning back shows a relaxed attitude while leaning to either
side looks awkward or evasive.
-
If
you shake hands at the beginning or end of the interview, do
so firmly while maintaining eye contact.
-
Try
to reflect very little emotion. It's okay to laugh along with
the interviewer but not on your own.
-
Keep
your chin up even if you do not feel that you have done your
best.
-
Be
proud for taking the risk of putting yourself on the line.
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