Clothes-A Representation

Written by Ellen Marie Hawkins

Clothes for Jobs

I know I’ve discussed clothes on the job and for an interview before. But it’s always an
issue. What you wear does matter, especially if you are representing who you are to a
possible future employer. Here are a few hints of what to wear, or not, to an interview.

It has to be clean…and no stains!
Seriously, why am I even mentioning this? Because hopefuls still believe their
experience and qualifications will overrule any first impressions given by clothing.
Um, no. Make sure it’s clean, please. It doesn’t have to be expensive designer wear.
There’s nothing wrong with going to Goodwill and picking up a clean white shirt if your
favorite has an unidentifiable shadow. Even if you wonder if the interviewer will notice,
it’s best to go with the better safe than sorry mentality.

Ironing? What’s That?!
Go ahead, go that extra mile and put in a little extra effort to making your clothes look
the absolute best. Why? Because if you put time in the little details, it just might let
that employer know you’re the type of employee who cares enough to pay attention to
everything, especially what others might overlook.

Over dress? Is that Possible?
Why, yes it is possible. My husband recently had an applicant show up to an interview
dressed as if she were applying at a fortune five hundred company. Did it impress?
It absolutely did. Unfortunately, she had an ego to match her fancy suit but her
qualifications were far from that level. She failed a test she claimed she would ace. If
she had just been honest, she may have had a chance, but she presented herself as if
she was better than everyone, including those who were conducting the interview! The
moral of the story-it’s still okay to be who you are. Presenting yourself as though you are
someone you are not will only lead to disappointment in the future.

Tags: Career Corner, Clothes, employer, interview, job, wear, what to wear