Dressing for Career Success
by Rachel Abramson, AACC Member
After all the research and preparation is done, you are ready to go to the interview. You can just dress in anything that feels comfortable, and go. Right? Wrong!
In order to maximise your chances at the job interview, you need to dress for career success. You can also dress for career success before you begin each working day or when you apply for a promotion. Dressing for career success means thinking about the image you convey to others and matching the way you dress to suit the situation. By dressing for career success, you are letting prospective employers know that you take your work seriously, and see yourself as the 'right person for the job'.
This article provides a four point checklist to help you dress for your career success.
1. Have you dressed for the position you are applying for?
The most important step you can take is to select an outfit that matches the position.
If, for example, you are applying for a position in the legal precinct, you would be well-advised to wear a traditional striped suit. If you were applying for a position where you would be working with children, you can wear more relaxed attire. If however, you are applying for a labouring position, you could wear clean and tidy work clothes and sturdy shoes. If you find you don’t have anything suitable in your wardrobe, you could consider looking in a second hand shop, or borrowing an outfit from a friend. For any of these positions jewellery should be used sparingly and should match your chosen outfit and the position for which you are applying.
2. Are your clothes clean, neat, tidy and in good condition? The outfit you choose will need to fit you properly. It should also be clean and in good condition. It will be worth your while to check that there are no loose threads visible and that your shoes are clean.
3. Have you selected your accessories? Any accessories you bring with you also need to be neat, tidy and in good condition. Accessories may include a presentation folder, briefcase, carry bag, coat, gloves or umbrella.
4. Have you gathered all your needed resources? It is often useful to bring resources and materials that help give you confidence at the interview. These materials may include a current copy of your résumé with the names and current phone numbers of your referees, relevant certificates, testimonials, and work samples. It will be worth your while to ensure that all these resources are kept neat, tidy and in good condition within your folder or briefcase.
And another thing to consider to present yourself at your best?
Arrive early or on time. Be sure to allow sufficient time to get to the interview. This will help you to look relaxed and confident, the kind of person that employers are seeking. And you will have dressed for your career success.