It’s that time of year again.  Graduation from College is a milestone that is both exhilarating and scary.  From the day that you walked through the doors of your first class until now, everything was leading to this point.  Now what??? 

If you have been coached by your advisers properly, you should have a resume that shows all of your best qualities.  You are absolutely the best candidate and feel confident that your resume speaks to your abilities to do the job.  You are getting ready to tackle that interview, but what do you wear?  You may ask yourself, “does it really matter”?  I answer with a resounding YES-simply YES.  It is the key to you being able to show what you’ve got. 

Follow the simple rules of business etiquette and personal presence and you’ve taken the first step toward separating yourself from the crowd of others just like you getting that first job.  It is in the details and image does really matter-you’ve heard it said “a picture is worth a 1,000 words”.  Make your picture worth remembering.

1. Hair should be clean and well groomed
2. Clothes should be clean and pressed
3. Minimal make-up
4. Nice pen (nothing plastic)
5. Clean, well-heeled, polished shoes (no scuff marks)
6. Men no earrings, 1 watch and 1 ring if you wear a ring
7. Women-minimal jewelry, no multiple piercings or bracelets
8. Always think in terms of 3 pieces (jacket being your third piece)
9. Skirts worn to knees and with hoisery
10. No capri length pants
11. Men socks should be to the knee (don’t want to see your legs)
12. Men 2 piece matched suit is appropriate
13. Sports coat and high quality wool slacks where appropriate
14. Women 2-3 inch heels appropriate (if you can’t walk comfortably wear shorter heels)
15. Belts and shoes should match
16. Women if you have long hair (below shoulders) tie it back to the nape of your neck or pull it up
17. Men be clean shaven-2 or 3 day stubble is not appropriate (people look to your facial expression and facial hair can hide this)
18. No perfume or cologne
19. Leave the cellphone in the car
20. Small portfolio or briefcase (briefcase can act as your handbag)

It goes without saying that you must always prepare for the interview.  This means to research the company that you are interviewing with.  Some companies are more formal than others.  You would want to know this.  Finally, when you are dressed appropriately to manage your first impressions, you are more confident and it shows.  You will be more relaxed and the concerns are no longer about you but how you can help this company meet their objectives.

Good luck and may the best person “GET HIRED”!

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.

Posted by Karen Hughes on April 11th, 2009 in Business Wardrobe, Interview Skills