According to a recent Oregon State study, it only takes ten seconds for an interviewer to decide whether or not a potential interviewee is right for the job. The more polished a person’s appearance is, the more likely they are to be hired. The fact is that our appearance and how we dress speaks volumes about us before we even open our mouths to speak.
The fact that we’ve spent our entire lives trying to make believe that looks don’t matter and it’s what is on the inside that really counts is, in this instance, not applicable. It’s not a matter of whether or not a person is attractive enough. It’s more than just whether of not a person is qualified for a position. It is a matter of whether of not a person can dress the part.
If you walk into an interview and you are qualified, in this economy, you need to stand out above all the other qualified candidates. These days, qualified applicants are a dime a dozen. Here are a few tips to make sure that your appearance is saying what you want it to say about you to potential employers.
Breast is not best. Never show cleavage or wear see through clothing to an interview, unless you are interviewing to work in a strip club, at Hooters or at the Bunny Ranch.
Exposed body parts only get in the way of potential employers seeing your true assets and it muddles the mind. Worse still, if what you’re exposing is not worth seeing, you could actually offend someone or make them afraid that you will show up every day to work with your guns blazing. Put the twins away; there is no need to expose yourself unless you are trying to get a job as a prostitute.
Conservative is best. Just pretend that every single interviewer is a right winged republican. Dressing conservatively shows that you are making a concerted effort to look presentable, not offend anyone and that implies that you are polite, conscientious and respectable.
Yes, I know that you can have pink hair and a nipple ring and still be a kick ass worker, but some interviewers will see you as a distraction and a possible liability. Crazy hippies.
The little things count. Pay attention to the details. No ripped stockings, no slips showing, no body jewelry or exposed tattoos should be visible on an interview. Jewelry should be minimal, all hair should be styled and not unkempt, nails should be well manicured with no chipping, extreme lengths or loud colors that might be offensive to others. Clothing should be wrinkle free, teeth should be clean and breath should be fresh. Make-up should be demure and not distracting.
Always remember that there are a hundred people just as qualified as you are applying for the same job, you need to wow your interviewer with your resume and seal the deal with your appearance. You have to look like you already belong at the company. You have to look the part before you even have the position.
What is your go to interview outfit?
Photo Source: Jerry Bunkers
