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Dressing for Success at the Interview

Prepare through practice

Prepare and practice for a job interview is as important as the interview itself, so after the date and venue for an interview has been set, the job applicant should allow enough time for interview preparation so that on the big day s/he can be relaxed, confident and poise throughout the interview.

Understanding that first impressions “are lasting impressions,” the manner in which an applicant appears, speaks and conducts him/herself really matters alot. An employer could easily base his/her hiring decision on any element of dress, speech or conduct during the initial interview.

Better questions and overall interaction can be achieved if the appearance itself commands respect; but in order to accomplish this it is important to consider the environment of any company granting you an interview. It is important to point out here that there is no reason for a job applicant to be over dressed, nor is dressing poorly acceptable during this very significant day.

Dress to impress

In fact, it is a good rule of thumb to always dress appropriately for any situation, because all too often appearance is not given the attention necessary to make it satisfactory. Some might say that the person’s inner characteristics matter more, but in reality you only have one opportunity to make a good first impression you should make it count!

Although there are specific guidelines that can be followed however, such rules of the road may not apply to all states, especially trend-setting areas like New York, California, Chicago, Paris, London and other such locales where people wear trendy to extreme styles that are far away from the usual fashion rules average people adhere to. The rule of thumb should be to wear something that could boost more confidence.

Following are some recommendations for interview conduct:

Avoid wild colored nail polish before the interview. The same goes with long nails that could easily turn off some conservative employers. These should be neat and very tidy looking.
Never wear jewelry that rattles and jiggles as you speak and move. Try not to wear two or more rings or earrings. Piercing aside from the ears is also a no.
Professional hairdo also counts
If you are a woman, wear closed shoes. Heels are very appropriate as this gives more confidence to an individual and sense of respect is also provided once they see the person wearing them.
Again, for the ladies, never bare those newly shaven legs. If possible, use stockings regardless of the temperature; but make sure not to use fancy colored ones. Only use those made for neutral looking legs. These should also match the shoes.
Remember that a good suit or dress brings more confidence as well. This will also allow more comfort and chance for the applicant to answer comfortably or with ease.
Avoid short skirts for women. Wearing pants or leggings are a no, no during interviews.
Wear the appropriate blazers just as long as they do not look fashion outdated. Do not wear any leather coats or jackets.
For men, the tie is still appropriate. Avoid using turtlenecks. If there is no suit and tie available, use a collared shirt or white long sleeves.
Men must not use too much aftershave.
Women should be using bags that are not too bright and conspicuous. These should be conservative and matching the dress.
Any briefcase used must be in perfect condition.

The way a person looks equals the message s/he is trying to convey, and during an interview, this can either become a plus factor for the applicant or big loss. Know for a fact that the way an applicant should look must be appealing and fashionable but not loud.

Consider latest trends in the area or location where the prospective job is located. One aspect that is a part of how employer picks a new hire is based on the physical attributes of the applicant. From the way his/her hand was shaken, keeping an eye contact and his/her posture was maintained, to how a smile was delivered and the manner of dress are all being rated.

Regardless of your personal career background, skills and underlying talents; if the first impression was never striking enough to make an outstanding appeal to interviewers, nothing else really counts. This can be the potential employers’ initial interpretation of how an applicant will do on the job; and whether that perception is “fair” is irrelevant. Do you want the job? Look the part and your chances for success will be much greater!

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

Processes

In order to achieve goals there are processes which should be implemented; processes designed to streamline and analyze such goals and objectives so that they are deemed achievable before the first step is taken. It is important, however, to start at the very beginning and with the smallest, most specific part of the goal or objective, making these initial steps the most important in meeting the guidelines.

An objective is a thorough understanding of what action or plan is to be taken and then identifying the anticipated results. Such a plan provides the set of directions intended on making the decision less complicated than it appeared in the early stages or at inception.

Peter Ducker wrote a documentary-style book published in 1954 entitled Practiced Management wherein MBO or Management by Objectives, was introduced. The book outlined a program which consists of simple but very useful processes in order to meet commitments in an organization. The nature of this program is such that it is also be applicable to personal plans.

MBO consists of 5 steps

First – It should be Specific. It is better to accomplish one goal at a time instead of attempting to – or even thinking of – pursuing several plans simultaneously, since a single objective cannot be reached if there are two or more results expected. Fundamental to this step is the need to clarify that which is to be achieved and giving it full attention. It also must be taken as seriously as possible.

Second – It should be Measurable. Many things that are not tangible can be difficult to measure and, by contrast, there are things which are measurable by the mere fact that they include numbers or ratings. Take, for example, that service crews are hard to measure based on how the service was delivered; but if complaints are counted there is then a specific number which can be used to rate the effectiveness of the service.

In offices, the number of tasks or assignments that were accomplished is used as basis for measurement. Cooperation, though a very vague word can also be measured by taking survey a subordinates and peers. How fast or slow customer assistance was provided to a certain individual is enough to provide data on how situations can be measured.

However, refrain from the use general terms when making an objective statement, but speak in clear and specific terms, such as: to write, to recite, to perform, to fix, to process, to designate, to purchase, to choose, to reprogram, etc.

Realistic

Third – It should be Attainable. The resources made available provide information on how an objective can be attained, indicating that it must be something derived from fact which being very realistic. Keep in mind, the possibility that certain objectives can indeed be realistic but the time frames in which to reach or accomplish them are not.

So it is better to state objectives that are factual since this promotes motivation; rather than stating an objective taken from belief, as this may result in unexpected (devastating?) failure and lead to a feeling of discouragement and/or despondency.

Fourth – It should be Result-oriented. An objective should be stated clearly so that the expectation is clear. Focus on the end result as this will be a guide in determining whether or not the objective to reach a stated goal is effective and meaningful. Is this objective going to help the individual grow or succeed? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? For it is only after all the plans are completed, reaching the objective can be considered a success.

Fifth – It should be Time Bound. There should be a limitation on all the things needed to be accomplished. This matters, since the root of any plan can be traceable; but it matters also because it is an indication of whether or not the objective is effective enough not to cause unneccessary delay. Of course, as with any goal or objective, there will will always a sense of fulfillment when accomplishing a set of objectives occurs earlier than the deadline.

Chart

In conclusion, developing an objective that is easily measured, can be attained, within a limited time will help in determining if the objective is realistic enough, meaningful, and worthwhile to everyone involved.

A chart or journal can be kept to keep track of any opportunities and strengths that were recognized along the way. This will also indicate the time that was consumed and the length of the objective developed. A successful objective helps motivate the individual or the group involved toward greater achievements.