How to Dress for a Job Interview

How to Dress for a Job Interview<br /><br />First impressions are everything when it comes to interviewing for a job. When preparing for a job interview, it is important to consider the first impression you will make on the interviewer. Your prospective employer will get a lasting impression of you from what he/she sees when you initially step into the office on your interview day. Will you appear to be an incompetent slob or will your appearance give the interviewer the impression that you are exactly the person for which the company has been searching?<br /><br />Basic HygieneFirst things first: remember basic hygiene. If you appear for an interview with broccoli hanging out of your teeth, dirty ears, and reeking of body odor, your chances of landing the job are shot regardless of how many years of experience or how much education you have. Be sure to run through your basic hygiene routine before you walk out of your home to head for your job interview.<br /><br />What Should I Wear to My Job Interview?One of the most important things you will want to take care of is selecting appropriate attire for the interview. If you are interviewing for work in an office setting, you will want to dress in professional business attire. For men, this may involve a suit, tie, and coordinating socks and shoes. Depending on the work setting, men may opt for a white or pastel button down shirt with a conservative tie and dress slacks, rather than a complete suit.<br /><br />For women, a two piece suit jacket with slacks or skirt is appropriate for most jobs in office settings. A modest, coordinating blouse should be worn beneath the jacket. Solid colors are most acceptable in an interview situation. Hosiery should be skin toned in color and shoes should be conservative and functional.<br /><br />For men and women who wear jewelry, there are certain unspoken guidelines that you may want to follow in order to secure the best chances of getting the job. Men should remove earrings before interviews. Women may choose to wear one pair of small earrings. Men will fare well if they choose to leave their necklaces at home, while women may opt to wear one simple necklace. As far as rings are concerned, men may choose to wear a wedding ring, but this is all that is recommended. Women may wear one ring on each hand. All other jewelry should be removed for interview purposes. When it comes to jewelry and job interviews, less is usually better.<br /><br />What Should I Wear to My Retail Job Interview?Up to this point we have only discussed dressing for an interview for an office position. But what if you are interested in a job in the retail industry? For these interviews, it is generally best to wear a button up shirt in a solid color, slacks, and coordinating socks and shoes. It is best to wear little jewelry, minimal makeup for women, and only light cologne or perfume.<br /><br />What Should I Wear for an Interview at a Fast Food Restaurant?Many fast food restaurants require their employees to wear a button up uniform shirt, black slacks, and black socks and shoes. If you are interviewing for work at a fast food restaurant I would strongly recommend wearing a button up shirt in a solid color, black slacks, and black socks and shoes. If you appear to be ready to play the part during your interview, your chances of being hired may increase.<br /><br />When Interviewing for Factory WorkMost factory work requires manual labor. When interviewing for a position on the factory floor it may be appropriate to wear a nice T shirt, jeans, and work boots. This will indicate to the employer that you understand that your job will involve hard work. If you were to wear a suit to this type of interview, you would likely be dismissed because the employer might get the impression that you are not aware of the type of labor that would be required of you as a factory employee.<br /><br />What Can I Do to Guarantee I Will Get the Job?Each job interview is different. The employer is looking for the person that he/she believes will be the best employee. If you have followed guidelines for hygiene and proper attire, have put your best foot forward in your interview, and presented a healthy resume, then there is not much more you can do. If you do not get accepted for a position, continue to put in applications elsewhere. With hard work and dedication you will find a job that is right for you. Just remember that patience and persistence will pay off in the long run.