If you have applied for a job (or if you plan to apply for one) then an interview is an essential part of the application process that you must prepare for. Interviews can be the single most critical factor that can make or break your job application. As a general rule, if landing that job is one of your biggest dreams then you cannot afford to be unprepared. You simply must be at the top of your game during your interviews and power dressing may just help you achieve that feat.
Power dressing during that all important job interview will help you exude a sense of confidence, competence, authority and professionalism. As we all know, appearing confident and competent is key to getting the trust of your future employers, especially if they are hiring people for high level or executive positions. This is why you need to make sure to dress the right way and here are a few tips on how you can do just that.
Perhaps the first thing you should do is to ask the company’s contact person if there is a particular dress code that is followed by the company you are applying for. If they do, then adhere strictly to this dress code. However, even though some companies can adopt a casual dress code, keep in mind that “casual” is not an excuse to look inappropriate in shorts and flip-flops to your interview.
Next, you should consider the position you are applying for and the company you are applying to. If you are applying for a corporate job then power dressing in the corporate setting is what you need to follow. This may include (but is not limited to) wearing tailored suits, sophisticated dresses (for women), long-sleeved shirts (for men or women) and simple accessories (for men and women). Avoid wearing jeans, flats, flip-flops, simple tees or even polo t-shirts for interviews if you are applying for a corporate position because it will make you look like you lack authority and competence.
If you are applying for a non-corporate job, then power dressing will follow non-conventional norms. Think about an idol you have who has the same or a similar job in a similar company. Think about what he/she usually wears to work and use that as a peg for what you would wear during your interview. The most important thing is that you look clean, presentable and competent. Your clothes will speak volumes about your personality so make sure you also do not neglect expressing yourself in what you wear to your interview.
Also consider where the interview is going to take place and how you are going to get there. The last thing you want to happen is that you show up in a full suit to an interview location that is extremely warm. If you are a woman and you need to take public transportation and walk long distances to get to the interview location, pack flat shoes that can easily fit in your tote bag so you do not have to walk around in sky high heels only to appear extremely tired when you get to your interview. I know this is a men’s blog but I think we can throw in a few tips for our female counterparts! 🙂
These are some simple but important tips to keep in mind when getting sorted for your interview. Hopefully, these do’s and don’ts will help you land that dream job through power dressing. Good luck!
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