Students are trying to find ways to get ahead in this economy and with the job market the way it is, things don’t always look too bright so you have to know how to sell yourself.
One way to land the job that will get you through the recession is to incorporate the idea of a brighter future into your interviewing attire. Bright colors convey confidence. Show your interviewer that you have the confidence it takes to get the job done.
“I think different colors represent different feelings for people,” said Jami Smart, a student at City College.
Remember to keep it subtle though, you don’t want your potential boss thinking you will scare away guests or customers.
Solid, neutral colors are the safest way to go, but if you want to add a personal flair, add a patterned tie or for the ladies a light neckerchief. GQ magazine suggests that anyone can wear a tie bar, but to stick with the classic silver or gold.
Either way that you go, make sure that your outfit is complimentary to your skin tone and that the colors are tied together neatly.
Women can get away with either fitted pants or a skirt that falls just below the knees. Unless you are applying to Hooters, you’ll want to err on the side of conservatism. Men should stick with solid dark slacks that fit snug at the hips and the cuff should end right at the bend in the ankle leaving about one to two inches between fabric and floor at the heel. Also, you are not a perfume shop or a jewelry store so keep scents barely noticeable and limit the bling.
Many would say, “This just doesn’t make me feel comfortable.” The most important thing you want to keep in mind is that you don’t want to be fidgeting around with your clothing during an interview. Interviewers will think you are nervous or distracted and that can take the focus away from your job experience to making the interviewer think you won’t give your full attention to the task assigned.
Wear materials that feel good to your body, have the right fit and compliment your assets. When your appearance looks great, people will think that the rest of the package and its contents will be great as well.
Knowing that you look good gives your confidence a huge boost whether you are at work or in the classroom.
In many of the more conservative work places it will always be better to be overdressed than to be under dressed. If you find yourself lost on how to dress for the interview ask the person scheduling your interview.
“I usually stick with gray bottoms and white tops,” said Angela Drew, a student at City College. It is a good thing to show that you care.
You don’t want to go into an interview with the attitude of, “this is me, take it or leave it.” If you show the interviewer that you care about yourself, you might be able to convince him or her that you care about the company. That way you both get what you want: you’ll get a job and they’ll get someone that cares about the job.
If you present a more prepared, confident self-image there is a good chance that your future employer will be confident in hiring you. Show them that you mean business and sell it.
