First impressions last forever. They’re the reason that real estate agents tout the importance of a home’s curb appeal and why women apply makeup before a night out with friends. First impressions and how you dress in your job interview can make all the difference in the eyes of the hiring manager. 80% of hiring decisions are made within two minutes of the start of your job interview – so you’d better make your first impression count.
My Story
Johnny, an applicant for a call center position, arrived to my office for his interview. He had a stellar resume and great experience; I was looking forward to meeting him and he was my top candidate after the phone screen. But to my surprise, Johnny arrived to the interview in wrinkled pants and shirt with a mustard stain, unshaven, and bed head. In under just 30 seconds, Johnny went from my top candidate to out of consideration.
Your first impression lasts forever in the eyes of the hiring manager. While Johnny looked qualified on paper, I started to question things like his professionalism, maturity, and his ability to work for the very strict manager he would be reporting to. Johnny’s lack of professional dress kept him from receiving a job offer.
Here’s what to do so that you don’t become a Johnny.
- Select apparel & accessories that do not detract from your professional image. Leave the strong cologne, perfume and flashy, large jewelry at home. The interviewer’s attention should be focused on what you say and your qualifications.
- Make sure your hair is clean, neat and professionally styled. Avoid a style that covers over more than your forehead or one that you have to brush back.
- Remove facial and body piercings other than earring for interviews. Visible tattoos should be covered to avoid distraction.
- Sweatpants and flip-flops are best left for the beach and gym. If you are interviewing in a professional environment, at minimum wear slacks, dress shoes and a nice shirt or blouse. in some cases wearing nice jeans (no holes, no dirt) to an interview is ok. But if you have any doubts, play it safe and wear dress pants. T-shirts, sweatpants and flip flops are not acceptable.
- Apparel should be clean, neatly pressed and fit well.
When interviewing for a job, it’s important to not only consider your own personal style but the work environment in where you are applying. Choose professional apparel that is appropriate for the work environment — suits for a financial institution or slacks and polo shirt for a blue-collar atmosphere. When in doubt, ask your hiring manager prior to the interview what the workplace dress code is so you can plan appropriately.
I have been job searching here in NY. I have been using snagajob and there are many so called “now hiring” jobs available that I see, but I never receive a reply. I have called a few to follow up with and they all say they are not hiring. I believe I am doing everything correctly but just no bites. If anyone is having these same problems please let me know.
Thank you,
K
try giving them a call or coming into the business to check up on your application. Your chances are better if you take the initiative in checking in and showing interest.
What most people should do is call once a week and stop in once a week during the times of the day the places are least busy. Show a lot of intrest and the job is sure to be yours.
I have five years experience in customer servise . i have been putting in aplications in all over town.i have had a few interviews and im still not being hired. i have a midametor on my record and i have held a job for four years after the fact i got the retail fraud.the company i was with left town.i have been looking for a job since.
Hi Shawna, these tips are for job seekers with a felony, but you may find them helpful: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/job-advice/find-jobs/5-tips-for-job-searching-with-felony/
Sincerely,
Amy
I used this site and put in 4 or 5 applications so far, but I was wondering will it be bad to wear long shorts to an interview? The weather in my town is kinda hot.
Thanks
Hi Steven, interviews are a limited window of time to show employers you take their time and this opportunity seriously, so show them you mean business. Find some breathable black slacks to wear to interviews, and hope that the company either works in AC or embraces a more casual dress code after employment. But ’til you know that, make sure you put your best foot forward!
Hi, i have an interview coming up and i was just wondering if it would be okay to wear a pair of blue jeans(no holes) with a blouse. Im a teenager and im just going to an interview for a job at a grocery store.
Hi Hailey, congrats on your interview! Most grocery stores require dark dress pants or khaki’s so that would be a safer bet than jeans. Thanks for asking, and let us know how it goes!
Hey. I’m 17 looking for my first job. I’d take a job anywhere honestly so I’ve been applying everywhere all over town. Any tips on getting an interview and what I should wear to it?
Hi Angelica! If you aren’t getting interviews, check out this advice: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/why-am-i-not-getting-interviews/
Once you do land one, dress professionally! Here are our tips for affordable interview clothes – http://www.snagajob.com/resources/affordable-interview-clothes-suit-up/
Good luck!