Centred Content
Dear Joanna,
My Reena job coach arranged a job interview for me next week with a large computer retail store. What do I wear to the interview? Please help me decide how to dress for a successful and very important interview.
Signed: Dress for Success (DFS).
Dear DFS,
The employers from all industries that our employment team has been helping over the years agree that your personal appearance is critical to creating a positive first impression in an interview whether you like it or not. There is more to it than just your dress code. Your verbal and non-verbal behaviours, appearance and responses can make or break the success of your interview. What you wear, however, definitely demonstrates respect and also shows that you are a professional and take the interview seriously. Like an actor on the stage, dressing appropriately for the interview can help you with your confidence and getting into the mood for the interview. The following are some suggestions to consider for your upcoming interview that I have compiled from our lead job coach and from my own experiences as a job developer:
- Google your interviewers. If you can see photos of them on social media, especially on Linkedin, you can get a sense of how to dress. I would dress like them. For example, if the interviewer is wearing a suit and tie, I’d wear the same as a male.
- Ask the employees. There is no harm in dropping into the store (especially if you are already a customer!). Ask the employees and/or find the manager and ask this question – how should I dress for the interview with your HR team? You can also post this question through social media including the company’s site or iocate a Linkedin or Facebook chat group as well as profiles of employees (or former employees too!). It’s part of the interview preparation process. Call the receptionist to find out about the dress code as the last resort. I just spoke to a job seeker this week who had an interview at Apple. He had heard rumours that you need to wear jeans and a T-shirt and NOT a suit and tie for Apple interviews. Indeed, he called up one of the employees who confirmed this. Do not assume anything these days. Always check out how to dress appropriately to suit the workplace culture.
- Personal Hygiene. Dress in clothing and shoes that are clean, neat and in good condition. Avoid wearing too much makeup, nail polish, or jewelry, and never wear perfume/cologne.
- Clarifying “business casual”. This code of dress can vary, so once again always check the employer’s dress code. Business casual is usually the middle ground between business formal and street wear. Regardless of how casual “business casual” is at the company, clothing should provide enough coverage to cover midriff, thighs, cleavage, and lower back.
- Tattoos and piercings. Consider the industry and position you are applying to. The decision to hide or present your tattoos / piercing for the interview is based on the type of industry or role you’re applying for. But, in all cases, don’t let them distract the interviewers. I would wear simple jewelry, and remove the piercings. You want to sell your skills, qualifications and the value you bring to the role and company. You can also ask the employer about their thoughts about the tattoos/piercings once hired.
Do not forget to include a smile in a greeting, shake each person’s hand firmly (if the person extends their hand first; or you can always ask permission, especially since we have all experienced Covid. Also speak with confidence and enthusiasm in your voice.
Signed
J
To submit your challenges, concerns, questions and comments regarding this column and/or your job search IN CONFIDENCE, please email Joanna Samuels, Employment Resource Supervisor, Reena – jsamuels@reena.org