Do clothes really make the (wo)man?

Won’t your knowledge shine through your wrinkled suit? I hope so, but only if your first paycheque finances a clothing iron.

In my last post I discussed the information interview, where the dress code is slightly more relaxed. In the corporate world, you want to put your best foot forward. Confidence and pride in your appearance as well as your body language will convey as much as the answers you give to their tough questions.

Dress for the interview. If you’re at Bay & Wellington, a suit and tie, shined shoes are expected. If you’re in graphic design, if you’re expected to work outdoors, if you’re working in fashion, the rules start to change.

Keep your look neutral. Blacks, greys, browns, beiges, keep the colours muted and coordinated.

Ladies: don’t wear the highest heels you can squeeze your feet into, and don’t wear too much perfume.
Gentlemen: don’t select the tie with the most “personality”, and the same thing goes with the cologne.
Jewelry should be conservative, and shouldn’t distract from the rest of the ensemble. Maintain eye contact. It might stop anyone from noticing that small coffee stain.

You’re answers should dazzle brighter than your smile, (and do smile – you’re going to an interview, not to prison). But the rest doesn’t hurt. You don’t need to spend a fortune, and if you’re going through an interview mill, as long as it’s clean and professional, wear that “interview outfit” more than once.