Job interviews are hard enough to get these days that you better look pulled together when you meet your prospective employer. You don’t want something as simple as ill-fitting clothes or lack of attention to grooming dash your chances of getting an offer. Nancy Taylor Farel, a Boulder-based image consultant, has these tips for preparing for an interview.
1. Avoid creating a negative first impression. You’re unlikely to have a chance to correct it. And that starts even before a face-to-face meeting. Begin by reviewing your online presence. If your picture is posted on social or professional networks, be certain it is updated and businesslike. Don’t wear patterned fabrics in photos; they are distracting. Wear something simple and appropriate for the job level you seek.
2. After an interview has been scheduled, plan what you’ll wear. Try to find out the company’s dress code for the position you’re seeking. Is it traditional business dress or casual? The more professional the position, the more conservative and traditional your dress should be. Even in these days of business casual, it is smart to dress conservatively. It shows your respect for those interviewing you and mirrors how you see yourself as a professional.
3. Base your interview outfit on our own coloring. This will help keep the focus on you rather than what you’re wearing. Repeating both hair color and eye color in elements you put together works to your advantage. Consider, for instance, wearing classic pants, a skirt or suit in a color matching your hair. Try a blouse, shirt or tie in your eye color. Solids are better than patterns, which can steal attention away if they’re not subtle.
4. Let the interviewers see your face. If you have long hair, wear it pulled back neatly. If you are a man with facial hair, consider shaving it or trimming it sleekly. For a professional woman, natural-looking makeup should be routine. Male or female, don’t forget a clear manicure. Avoid scents such as perfumes and after-shaves. Avoid jangly or distracting jewelry. A watch, a ring, and for women, classic earrings are appropriate. I If tattooed, cover it up. Shoes should be closed-toe and conservatively understated. Ladies, no platforms or stilettos.
5. Be organized. Get the interview outfit together well ahead of time. Create a list of questions and be prepared to distribute your résumé. Choose a sleek portfolio or tote bag and include paper, pens, business cards, etc. Ladies, avoid social-looking oversized purses. Three days before, check that all parts of the outfit are clean and pressed. Polish or buff your shoes. On the day of the interview, allow plenty of time to dress as well as get to the interview location. Being disheveled, rushed, disorganized or unprofessional will not work to your advantage. Your goal is to look cool, calm, collected and part of the team.
Nancy Taylor Farel is a Boulder-based color and style expert who does one-on-one consulting and conducts special events. More at nancytaylorfarel.com.
Have a fashion or beauty issue you’d like help with? Send an e-mail to sbrown@denverpost.com; or call 303-954-1697.
