Dressing for your interview

06/24/2009 10:00 PM

Marian Rothschild

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The stylist speaks
The interview appointment time has arrived. With resume in hand, you step out of the elevator and into the foyer of the office where your dream job awaits. Highly confident, you announce yourself to the person at the reception desk.

She has a confused look on her face and tells you that there is a mirror on the back wall that you might want to look at.
Gulp.

Your wind-blown hair is a mess, your shirt is wrinkled and a car splashed filthy rain water on your trousers! The boss is walking toward you. He stops shakes his head, sees you and turns to leave. Heart racing, sweating, can’t breathe … then your alarm clock sounds: beep, beep, beep.

It’s the classic job interview nightmare: unprepared and unpolished. And with the economy the way it is, never has it been more important to get all the elements right. Image matters. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that wardrobe and grooming aren’t important. What you wear sends an immediate, non-verbal message of who you are to everyone.

JoAnna Nicholson, author of Dressing Smart for Men writes, “One negative impression at the wrong moment can hinder your career. One instant positive image could change your life.” You’ve heard the old saying: Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. It’s a truism that is entirely doable without breaking the bank.

Just as you have invested in your education, you need to invest in your starter interview wardrobe. That means a well-tailored quality suit, two or three shirts for men and blouses and sweater sets for women, high quality shoes and accessories. Buy as high of quality items as you can afford. For both men and women, go with classics — professional business attire shouldn’t be trendy.

My friend Angela Roberts, of Lincoln Park, recently landed her dream job as director of research communications with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She had been interviewing since February and offered some recommendations based on her experiences: “Interviews require suits, even if everyone in the workplace is wearing jeans. Opt for conservatism. People will subliminally judge you negatively on things like ruffly tops, flamboyant ties or gaudy jewelry. Have a manicure before an interview and do a final mirror check before going into the building.”

As a personal stylist, I’d like to suggest additional preparations for your interview wardrobe.

For women: wear in a knee-length skirt or conservative dress, with clean hair pulled back off from your polished, day makeup face. Shoes should have a two- or three-inch heel with rubber stops. Both bare legs or sheer hose are acceptable. Wear a jacket, with no more than eight accessories.

For men: a solid-color navy or gray suit, two- or three-button style is a great choice. Under the suit, wear a soft white or light blue pressed shirt, a tie that has a bit of the same colors as your suit and shirt, black shoes, socks, and belt, minimal jewelry, clean hair, teeth and nails.

Additional tips for both men and women may seem obvious, but bear repeating: no gum, no eating or drinking, cover body art, turn off cell phones and pagers, don’t bring a friend or relative, smile, shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact.

Nicholson writes, “A quick look at any man [or woman] can convey the following: Appropriate or inappropriate, Decision maker or invisible, Creative or cookie cutter mentality.”

An interview wardrobe dress rehearsal could alleviate surprises or even tragedies. Try on everything a few days prior to your interview. If anything needs to be cleaned, pressed, or tailored, take it to a professional immediately. Be prepared for bad weather with a rain coat and umbrella. Protect your resume and notebook with a leather briefcase.

Wear a watch and check the time; be early. My son once was rejected from an interview because he arrived three minutes late.

Neiman Marcus public relations manager Tina Koegel knows all about interviewing prospective employees.

“A professional appearance is the first impression an interviewer will have and dressing appropriately and being well groomed are key to making a good impression,” she said. “Whether it is the first, second or third interview, your appearance is equally important.”

Roberts, who has plenty experience interviewing, has some final interview tips: “Companies are looking for sound investments and they want to make sure the value you’ll add to their company is worth their investment. Research the company by reading their Web site, memorize their leadership, and familiarize yourself with their mission and values. Always take notes during an interview and bring along a nice pen and clean notebook. Make sure your clothes project quality and professionalism, your clothes, nails, hair are clean.”

You are the only one who has control of how you look and what impression your appearance makes. A well-groomed, put-together appearance can lead to confidence, credibility, respect and trust.
And perhaps even a job.

On a personal note, this is my last column for Skyline because I am moving to the Denver/Boulder area in August.

I’m still happy to answer your styling questions and even give phone consultations. Have a wonderful summer Chicago, and blessings.

Marian Rothschild is a Chicago area personal stylist and image consultant. For personal style tips and wardrobe solutions e-mail questions to marian@marianrothschild.com and visit her blog and Web site at www.marianrothschild.com.


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