Dressing for that all important interview

The fact is that many of us evaluate people on sight. We make our minds up about them immediately based on the way they look or speak. Interviewers are no different.

On many occasions our first impression of a candidate has colored their interview as our initial view has given us a negative impression and despite the content of their interview it can prove difficult to change from our initial judgement.

It is important that you promote yourself on sight and to do this you must present yourself at interview in a professional manner. If you turn up for interview unsuitably dressed it puts you on the back foot immediately.

Firstly it is a sign to the interviewer that you are not taking the interview seriously and this in itself is disrespectful. Secondly it is apparent that you don't take yourself too seriously and this too makes it difficult for the interviewer to respect you.

To demonstrate your interest in the position and your professionalism you should choose your interview attire carefully. It will enhance your image before an interviewer and give you additional confidence as you prepare to answer some tough interview questions.

We all know that when we look good we feel good and indeed appropriate dress will heighten your sense of self-esteem as you prepare to enter your interview.

While your clothes will not guarantee you get the job they can guarantee that you don't.

The following are tips that will help you dress for that all-important interview:

MEN

* Suits should be worn in colors of navy, dark blue, dark to light grey.
* Do not wear a black suit; it is too somber and severe.
* Long sleeved shirts should always be worn.
* Shirts should be white or cream or a subtle shade of blue.
* Shirts should be ironed and crease free.
* A silk tie is preferable as it ties neater and has a better finish.
* Your tie should complement your shirt and your suit.
* Ties should be conservative or more preferably plain.
* Wearing a busy tie with icons or pictures can prove distracting.
* Shoes should be black leather preferably, brown is also acceptable.
* They should be pristine and polished.

WOMEN

* Suits should be well tailored and stylish.
* Preferred colors are Gray, Light Gray, Black, Dark Blue and Navy.
* A shift dress with matching jacket is also a good choice versus the traditional suit.
* A conservative hemline, preferably knee length is desirable.
* Blouses should be made of cotton or silk preferably and should be long sleeved.
* Soft colors are preferable, white, cream, lemon or pale blue.
* Take care with the accessories; do not ruin a smart suit with a gaudy brooch or a poor quality scarf.
* The color of your shoes should match your clothes.
* Shoes should be made of leather, pristine and polished.
* Shoes can be black, navy, brown or wine.
* A classic court shoe with a medium sized heel is preferable.
* Stockings or Tights should be a neutral color. (Remember to always keep a spare pair with you to cover emergencies.
* Jewelry should be subtle. Wear a minimum of well-chosen jewelry that reflects good taste.
* Ensure that your bag is good quality leather, clean and polished and matching your shoes.
* Make-up should be subtle and natural. In this case less is more.

As you can see there is a lot of variables at work here. The overall message is that a professional but subtle understated look is best. Do not power dress but do not under dress either.

Personal hygiene is an important point. Interviews can lead to emotional sweats and it is extremely important that you project a pristine image. Pay attention to your fingernails, breath and hair. Very obviously no interviewer wants to be put in the position where it is difficult to conduct an interview because of someone's poor personal hygiene.

The attention you give to your personal appearance will reap its own rewards.

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