20 May 10 How Should You Dress for the Interview?

Hitting the dream job is not just a matter of best CV, sound knowledge, impressive communication skill; to a great extent, it’s your appearance; i.e. how you dress up. The first perception that the interviewer develops by seeing you is from your appearance and what you are wearing. First impressions are very important, since you can’t rewind the time and get another chance to prove yourself. Rather your appearance will develop an opinion in his mind regarding you, it will also set the tone of interaction and questions that the interviewer is about to shoot at you. That’s why professional, smart attire is very important while going for a job interview. You simply can’t afford to mess up with it.

Attire should be apt for the job profile and the kind of industry you are going to join. In industries where your profile deals directly with customers or clients, your attire will be judged even more critically.

If you aren’t confident about interview attire, follow the given tips while going for your next interview.

Men’s attire

A well-fit suit in dark, mono color never goes wrong
A long sleeve button-up shirt, preferably white or coordinated with the suit
Wear a conservative tie. Avoid too bright color or patterned ones
Belt
Dark shoes paired with dark socks
Professional looking short hairstyle and conventional hair colors (brown, black, blonde)
Little or no accessories
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase
Light aftershave or perfume

Women’s attire

A well-fit suit (dark blue, black, grey, white) or a dark colored pant or skirt, just above or below knee, along with matching blazer or coat
A well coordinated blouse, which has a proper fit, neither too body hugging nor loose
Conventional, closed-toe shoes, matching your skirt or pant. Either go for flat shoe or heels not more than 2 inches high
Wear limited jewelries. Danglers, flashy gold, silver are to be avoided
Keep a neat, professional hairstyle. Go for the regular hair colors
Subtle make up and light fragrant perfume are fine
Neatly trimmed, medium sized nails with formal nail colors look professional
Portfolio or bag

Tips for both men and women

Clothes should be laundry clean, crease-free
Clothes should fit well, neither too loose nor too tight
Shoes should be polished
Fresh breath is must
Clothes should have no missing buttons, no lint; no stains, no external tags
Laptops, folders, small briefcase look professional

Now you know what it means to dressing up to the occasion. Get ready, and blow the interviewer away with your professionalism.

Tags: Aftershave, Blazer, Blouse, Briefcase, Closed Toe Shoes, Communication Skill, Conservative Tie, Dream Job, First Impressions, Gold Silver, Grey White, Hair Colors, Interview Attire, Interview Men, Interviewer, Job Interview, Mono Color, Pant, Short Hairstyle, Sound Knowledge

Filed in Career Management with 0 Comments

04 Jun 09 Make A Cover Letter Stand Out

In a job market that’s still a bit stale it’s more important than ever to make yourself stand out from the pack, and a fantastic cover letter is your first step to doing just that. A cover letter’s importance really can’t be understated, considering that is your initial introduction to the employer that you’re trying to impress. First impressions essentially mean more than anything else in practically all aspects of social interaction, and a job interview is no different.

With your cover letter there are a few guidelines you want to follow. First, stay on topic, an employer only really cares about what you can offer them, and how your experience and past qualities applies to them. You want to personalize the letter, never send a form cover letter as these can be easily spotted, and your lack of a personal touch will reflect negatively upon yourself. If you won’t put in the time and effort to write a good cover letter, how much time and effort are you going to put into the job once you are hired?

Never forget that the goal of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and then sell yourself and your unique abilities to the company with which you are applying. Your cover letter is practically an interview in itself, and you should treat it as such. Really sell yourself as the best candidate for the job, even if you yourself feel yourself to be under qualified. Never suggest that you feel that way however, nor should you defend your lack of experience in any way, as that will make you seem to lack confidence in your abilities, and you’ll appear on the defensive about the likelihood that you’ll get the job, and that’s never good.

Express the interests you have in the company that you’re applying to, and outline why you would like to work for them. Give specific reasons tailored to the company. But make sure always that your cover letter is in a business tone, shy away from using any humor as that usually doesn’t come off well, and make sure that there are absolutely no grammar mistakes. Grammar or spelling mistakes are horrifically bad for the first impression of the company you are applying to, and will be a red flag to any employer that you don’t double check your work.

Tags: Confidence, Cover Letter, First Impressions, Humor, Initial Introduction, Job Interview, Job Market, Likelihood, Personal Touch, Social Interaction

Filed in Job Interview with 0 Comments

20 May 10 How Should You Dress for the Interview?

Men’s attire

Women’s attire

Tips for both men and women

Translator

Recent Posts

IT List Favorites

Categories

Gossimer Press Releases

Gossimer Promotions and Announcements