Lifestyle
What You Wear May Be the Deciding Factor in Getting a Job
By
Apr 16, 2008 - 8:11:14 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - DALLAS, TEXAS – Thousands of college students across the country are preparing to graduate. This means that, for the first time in their life, many of them will be applying and interviewing for jobs. What most may not realize is just how important what they wear to the interview can be. According to Bobbi Schwartz, founder and CEO of The Bobbi Schwartz Group, a Dallas-based personal styling company, there is a definite connection; when it comes to landing a job, the clothes do make the candidate.

“It cannot be overstated just how important it is for people to dress the part when they are going on a job interview,” explains Schwartz. “People often make a decision about you within the first 30-seconds they first lay eyes on you. That’s why it is so important to dress to impress for every interview.”

‘Looking the part’ simply means that you show up to the job interview dressed as you would if you were working at the company. It gives the employer a chance to see just how well the candidate fits into company atmosphere. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends that job candidates do their homework first, by learning about the company with which they are interviewing. In doing that, it is important for prospective employees to see what the dress attire is, and to try to match that style when attending the interview.

“If you are applying to work at a place that always dresses in full business attire, then you don’t want to show up to the interview in anything but that,” adds Schwartz. “On the other hand, if it is a very casual company where employees wear jeans every day, then you will want a more neutral outfit for the interview.”

To avoid showing up at the interview over- or under-dressed, follow these simple tips.

For women:

· Have good quality shoes, with a lower, more conservative heel

· Keep skirt length conservative middle of the knee or below, not above it

· Choose dark colors (black or grey) and avoid eye-distracting bold patterns

· Wear pantyhose with skirts and dresses, and make sure they are free of flaws

· Keep perfume and jewelry to a minimum

· Handbags should be conservative and of good quality and should match the shoes

· Have your nails manicured in a nice shade of pink

For men:

· Make sure shoes are good quality, polished, and black or brown

· Gray, navy and/or black suits are ideal, paired with a white or pale blue shirt

· Choose ties that are conservative. Especially good color choices are reds, blues and yellows

· Good quality fabric and tailoring are key

· If the company wears business attire and you don’t have any, then opt for a neutral-colored sports coat with a conservative tie

· Wear a nice watch to match your manicured hands

· Keep cologne to a minimum

“You don’t have to break the bank to get something fabulous for an interview,” adds Schwartz. “Look for sales at discount retailers. Dressing for success means keeping it classic and simple. Darker colored pant- or skirt-suits are ideal. Accessorize with simple shoes of great quality, gold or pearl earring studs, a nice watch, and you are ready to go!”

To learn more about The Bobbi Schwartz Group, visit the Web site at www.thebobbischwartzgroup.com.

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