have prepared yourself well for the occasion - anticipating
the questions and getting ready the answers - but have you
given a thought to what you will wear?
If you have not peeked into your wardrobe yet, it's time to
take a real hard look now. Your application's fate depends
not just on how well you answer the interview questions, but
also on how well you project yourself physically.
The first impression your interviewer makes about you is
based on the way you look, and you know what they say
about first impressions. According to Joe Hodowanes, J.M.
Wanes and Associates career strategy advisor, "The way a
person dresses is the single biggest non-verbal
communication you make about yourself."
The right dressing is a measure of the seriousness that you
place on the position, as a person normally spends time on
his looks if he considers an event important enough.
"Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job,
a poor dress sense may exclude you from further
consideration," warns Gerry Ditching, managing partner of
Filgifts. com. Besides, given two equally good applicants,
the company may choose to hire the person who is dressed
more professionally.
Here are some tips to give you a headstart.
Men
Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks. White is still the safest
and the best color for shirts. The colour is also appropriate
for our tropical weather. Also acceptable: pale shades such
as beige, blue, and other pastels. Tuck in the shirt and do
not roll up the sleeves. Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to
an interview or any business purpose. Wearing a short-
sleeved shirt will destroy your executive image.
Ties. Optional. But if you do wear one, choose a
conservative pattern. Solids, small polka dots, diagonal
stripes, small repeating shapes, subtle plaids and paisleys
are all acceptable.
Belts. Belts should match your shoes. Those with smaller
buckles with squared lines look more professional.
Socks. Black socks are the best, followed by blue or gray,
depending on your attire. Never wear white socks! Check
your sock length, too--no skin should show when you sit
down or cross your legs.
Shoes. Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them,
because tassel loafers are very casual. Other suitable
colors are brown, cordovan and navy.
Hair.
Keep neat, short and preferably parted on the side.
And shave off all those facial hair.
Jewellery. Wear no or little jewellery. The watch and
wedding ring are the only acceptable pieces of jewellery to
go with the male attire. Thin gold or leather-strapped
watches look professional but not digital watches. Also,
avoid political or religious insignias, necklaces or bracelets.
Definitely no pierced body parts, and cover up your
tattoos!
Accessories. As much as possible, use leather briefcases or
folders to hold copies of your resume. Use narrow
briefcases and avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens
as they are out of place.
Women
Three-piece business suits, blouse and skirt or slacks,
and cardigan twin-sets. Sleeveless shirts should be
rejected. Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are
tailor-cut or have features such as a sports collar or double
breast design to create a business-like look. Skirts can
either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or
barn-dance look or short where it falls no shorter than two
inches from the knee. Nothing too revealing, please!
Panty-hose or stockings. A must for professional
grooming, but nothing with overly fussy patterns. Bring an
extra pair, just in case the ones you are wearing run.
Shoes. Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1½-inch heels
suggest a more professional look. Dark colors are best.
Hair. Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up
or pulled back. Don't let it fall in front of your face and
don't keep trying to fix it during the interview. Avoid large
hair ornaments and trendy hairstyles.
Make-up. Be subtle; natural is the key word. Light shades
of lip coloring and nail polish are recommended."
Jewellery. Be conservative. Studs of gold, silver or pearls
are best. Do away with gaudy fashion jewellery, and those
that clank and make noise when one moves.
Accessories. Folders and bags should blend well with the
total professional look. Women should match their purse
with their shoe colour.
This job alert was brought to you by www.nigeriajobalerts.com
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