I am not the best dressed student at Sul Ross, nor am I a model, but we business students must be familiar with proper business attire. Most students around campus roll out of bed and into class wearing pajamas or workout clothes, a habit that will not fly when they join the workforce. I don’t intend to exclude the females, but I know absolutely nothing about women’s fashion. Here are a few of my suggestions when heading to your first job interview.
It all starts with a white shirt that has a spread collar, which is common on most designer shirts. I personally like the French cuff, which has two layers and folds over, and requires cuff links to attach the cuff. Be sure to know your neck and arm length measurements prior to purchasing your shirt.
The three key elements that go into choosing a suit are price, style and quality. The three-button suit is an excellent option for men taller than six feet because the buttons on the jacket reach higher up on the chest, making it more comfortable and visually appealing. A two-button suit that lacks unnecessary extras is timeless, so it won’t ever go out of style.
The shoes and belt should all be the same color, and must match the color of your suit. Be sure to have your shoes shined and wear socks that are a similar color to your shoes. Don’t forget to use a maximum of three sprays of your favorite cologne.
Top off your look with a tie. The double Windsor knot is large and meant to fill a wide collar, and is commonly used by business professionals. If you do not know how to make this knot, YouTube has how to videos…that’s how I learned. Turn your cell phone off and be sure to wear a watch to signal that you are a timely person and respect deadlines.
First of all great topic. I know you have just begun your blog, but what about men shorter than 6 feet?
ReplyDeleteGreat topic and one I hope will generate a lot of discussion. Definitely a need to know and a must do. Ladies? Let's hear some valid tips from you. It's amazing and often scary to see what people think is appropriate but is far from it.
ReplyDeletei like your post Adrian, that's crazy youtube can teach me how to tie a tie, lol, i always have problems trying to do so! yeah i like the french cuff too! really stylish lol! i need to buy some more cologne too lol!
ReplyDeleteGood idea to look sharp at any time for an interview.
ReplyDeleteI think it's always a bit harder for a woman to dress perfectly in settings like these. We have to worry about showing too much skin, wearing outfits that are too loud, wearing a more "professional" looking shoe, even brushing our hair correctlty just to make sure we don't send the wrong signals to anyone. Men are lucky! lol
ReplyDelete@Luis- I would reccommend browsing men's magazines like Maxim, that always offer tips on the latest trends. Have a female stylist assist you while shopping. If she likes your outfit, chances are alot of other girls will like it also.
ReplyDelete@Jasen- The how-to videos on neckties youtube has are easy to follow. My favorite colonge is Tiffany Sport, the ladies love it. lol
@nwilkins- You have some great points, I would reccommend dressing comfortable if you have trouble making a decision. If a male is conducting the interview, showing some skin isn't a bad idea. jk
Excellent post! I have been to a few job interviews the past 2 years and you nailed the "dress code". I now am in a position that I have to interview candidates and I can say the way you dress will not necessarily get you the job but it will lose you the job if not dressed appropriately.
ReplyDelete@ adrian: i'll look into that cologne lol.
ReplyDelete@ Jasen: Polo Blue is one of my favorites. You should check it out! lol
ReplyDeleteGood topic Adrian! This information will be useful to the guys. I on the other hand should research on proper business attire for women. I know the basics but I should look into it more. Thanks for giving me something important to look up lol!
ReplyDelete@ Adrian: lol i actually have polo blue! it's kinda old though!
ReplyDeleteLadies interview apparel should be flattering to the woman wearing it-not distracting. DO NOT show too much skin or cleavage. If the interviewer is a male, he won't even see your face or be able to remember it. You may as well put on your resume "I'm the one with the big ta-ta's". And if your interviewer is another woman, she will immediately lose all respect for you and won't hire you.
ReplyDeleteWear a subdued color such as navy blue, black, grey or dark purple. Occasionally pastels could work, but the darker colors tend to be perceived as more professional. Keep your jewelry to a minimum and tasteful. Your rings should not be huge rocks and your earrings should not hang down more than an inch if you do not choose studs. Necklaces should not dip into the cleavage and should also be tasteful, not gaudy. No bangle bracelets-only simple chain bracelets. You want to keep in mind that you are selling yourself to the interviewer and you want the attention on YOU and what you KNOW. Too much of everything else is a distraction to the interviewer.
This is a very interesting topic and something that is true. The more we do something very often, the harder will be to stop doing it. The way we dress talks about how we really are as a person. It is okay if you want to feel comfortable going into classes wearing your pajamas but we have to be thinking in developing a habit of dressing the best we can since we are growing as professionals that one day will go out there and look for a job..trust me they will not hire you if you go to the interview on pajamas.
ReplyDelete