Big interview? Learn what to wear for success

Sophia Lorena Benjamin

"Your image matters because it shows your attentiveness to detail and gives recruiters an idea of how you'll represent their company to clients, both internally and externally"A

You've just been shortlisted for an interview at a workplace you've always dreamed of. You've spent sufficient time studying all that you could about the company, the role and the responsibilities that go along with it. You've even gone steps ahead and prepared for possible interview questions and you've rehearsed fantastic responses to potential questions expected. Well, you couldn't' be more ready. But do you know, you've e just about done everything there is to ensure a great meeting, except for one tiny detail that could play spoil sport.

Are you dressed the way you should be for this particular interview? That's the BIG question that certainly demands the best right answer. Before you set off, step in front of a mirror and take a look at yourself from your interviewer's point of view.A One easy way to remember paying attention to your look is to imagine yourself as a product and that you need to market yourself and so you want to have the best look possible.

Because apart from your verbal presentation skills and business etiquette, your professional presence and presenting a professional image is speaking more about you than you think. Therefore you might want to do a little more homework to ensure this part of the preparation gets the attention it deserves.

To help you here are a few tips to get prepared:

It's OK to check A what to wear

Traditional workplaces like accounting or finance a professional business dress is quite appropriate. What's best accepted in such roles is a conservative suit, full sleeved shirt and tie if you're a man and a neatly fitted suit with clean jewellery if your'e a woman.

Other businesses as information technology, advertising and media, public relations and event management do not lay much emphasis on conservativeness. In such industries it is best to know clearly about the company's general dress code or policy when you are first contacted for an interview.

It's not considered disrespectful or ignorant at all if you ask the person "I want to make sure I understand your company culture and dress policy appropriately" Look at it like this, being overdressed at times is better than being underdressed.

Indulge in some A Smart Shopping It is not necessary to invest in extra expenditure trying to make an impression with the way you dress. This means you do not have to necessarily purchase several new outfits for each round of interviews, if required. Be smart. Combine your suit with the other clothing items you wear with the suit each time. Just make sure you don't repeat the same outfit twice within a few days.

For example, women might change the inner shirt, jewellery and scarf each time with one suit worn for the interviews.

Don't spend a fortune on a new wardrobe One way to keep control is to consider the "cost per wearing" and not just the price tags of items purchased. The idea is to consider how long the piece will be useful to you over a period of time after the interview.

Accessorise well, accessorise right Shoes, especially if they are leather, must be polished enough to reflect a shine. For suede, make sure they get brushed. Shoes that are older must have their soles redone at a professional shoemaker, in case you are not considering investing in a new pair.A Make sure the briefcase you carry is in good shape and colour and is not something that grabs the attention away from your overall appearance.A In case you do not have a leather briefcase, a professional portfolio binder purchased at the neighbourhood stationery shop will do just fine. Will all the effort and expense you put into your professional image for your interview make any difference? Absolutely, In fact, it's essential.

"Your image matters because it shows your attentiveness to detail and gives recruiters an idea of how you'll represent their company to clients, both internally and externally," A In conclusion. "The visual message you send makes a big difference in how you're perceived and, ultimately, whether or not you get the job."

(The writer is an image consultant in Hyderabad)A