When it comes to dressing professionally, American author Wess Roberts stated it best when he stated that “they expect a professional presentation, so they expect to see a ‘professional’. Dress appropriately for the occasion, but don’t be one of the crowd.” Indeed when you have an interview for employment, the way in which you dress speaks volumes about you. Interviewers are not only looking for an individual to work hard and get the job done, they are in fact also looking for an individual who will represent their company very well visually. Your first impression matters a lot, especially in Jamaica which tends to be an extremely visual society.
Hopefully you would have done your homework as it relates to the company, learning in advance the dress code they employ and be prepared to dress one step above that. For example, if they have a casual dress code, you should dress semi-professional and so on. In the event that you do not know the dress code a company uses, then conservative business attire is what works best.
It should be noted carefully that when you go on an interview for employment, regardless of position or company, there are certain accessories which just should not be visible, or with you at all. These are, cell phones (should be silenced or preferably turned off), flashy jewelry, mp3 players, and multiple rings. Remember, that you sell yourself through the way you dress and if you do not dress professionally, it can be the difference between gaining employment and remaining in the ranks of the unemployed. Please note, your tattoo might be cute and charming, but you do not know the stance that the interviewer might take on these so it is best to wear clothing that covers them up.
Ok, let us first decide what the men should wear to an interview. It is no major task deciding what to wear to exude that air of professionalism. Wear solid colours in navy or gray, or other dark colours, long sleeved shirts, tie, belt and dark socks to go with your dark conservative leather shoes. Ensure that you are well groomed with a neat hairstyle, and wear very little, or no jewelry. Ensure that your nails are neatly trimmed and you should take with you a briefcase, or if you prefer a dark portfolio.
The dress code for women is just as simple, conservative suits in a dark colour such as navy or dark grey. If you are wearing a skirt suit, the skirt should be of a length that is long enough so when you sit you don’t need to be tugging it down repeatedly. Be sure that the shirt you are wearing is either matching or of a colour which contrasts suitably with the suit. Females should also choose a shoe that is conservative. Be sure to limit the amount of jewelry you wear, as in this case, less is more, earrings should not be dangling, but you can wear knobs. Your hair should be in a conservative professional style, your makeup should be light and your nails neatly trimmed.
Remember, you are marketing yourself to a potential employer and the first impression is critical. It should be noted that when you are neatly dressed and you know you are dressed for the occasion your confidence goes up, and this is a trait which employers look for. Exude confidence and professionalism and guess what? That is exactly how you will be treated, like a confident professional.
Remember that the future of your career is what you are working on; isn’t it wise then to have one less thing to worry about by dressing appropriately?
