CentreO Blog

A few days ago when I was doing my regular reading, I came across the idea that these days we have forgotten the true meaning of recreation. I was a bit surprised myself to take the words apart and realise that this time is given to us to“re-create” ourselves. Yet how often do we spend it in front of the TV, eating junk food and sleeping till the afternoon? Do we really feel re-created after that? Are we newer and better selves or do we feel even more tired, bored and uninspired?

Remember the true meaning of recreation. Use that rear time to give yourself more inspiration, health, knowledge and power to come back to work re-created!

 

Brenda Fergusson points out a tricks to make dressing for an interview stress-free and helping you keep your mind on the conversation:

–       Research the company’s culture and dress code before the interview and choose an outfit that is a step more formal, to play it safe.

–       Invest in a power outfit – depending on the industry and desired position, get a few outfits that are professional, comfortable and make you feel confident. So that when the time comes, you will not have to start from scratch and put your look together.

–       Have a pair of comfortable and professional shoes ready, and “break them in” in advance. Wearing new shoes for an interview is risky, as your whole experience may be spoilt by foot pinching.

–       Keep a light fragrance/perfume ready and use it on your outfit a day or two before the interview. Some people may be allergic to strong scents or simply have a different take on what smells nice.

–       Pay attention to accessories: a watch, a thin chain or a modest necklace for women is a good choice. A classic watch and cufflinks for men are as well. Do not over-accessorize and draw attention away from your face by flashy jewelry.

–       Your grooming is just as important as your outfit (neat hair, clean fingernails, polished shoes, no wrinkles on the clothes on so on)

–       Posture and body language will complete the look. Practise a strong handshake, eye contact and a nice smile.

It’s common sense that the outfit you choose will depend on the position you are applying for. But are there any common guidelines for interview style?

According to the image consultant Brenda Fergusson, there is a simple rule of thumb to apply here.

_.“If you are interviewing for a professional, managerial, or executive position, always wear a suit.

“If the position is more casual, you should still dress professionally, wearing a ‘business casual’ crisp outfit. Crisp meaning no wrinkles, stains, lint, holes, or snags. Absolutely no jeans for any jobs you are interviewing for even if you talk to people who are currently wearing jeans to work. They already have the job; you don’t yet.” Basically, this is a good principle to stick to.

 

You must have heard the phrase – “ Don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want”.

Like it or not, first impressions we make are still based on looks – and looking the part for the job you are applying for may be no less important than your CV.

So how to dress for an interview?

It is definitely more complicated now than it used to be, as several decades back the “uniform” for a job interview was juts a suit. Easy and simple. Now, however, the options are endless and it’s up to you to make the right choice.

The key to dressing well is to show your respect and seriousness towards the position, your personal sense of style and the fact that you feel confident and comfortable in your outfit.

I think for most of us this information is not new. However, in the constant hurry of today, we may forget to give the issue due attention: lack of time, research or interview experience can result in us dressed inappropriately for a job we have the skills for and in the end – missing out on the opportunity.

In the next few blogs we’ll give you a few options for quick interview styles, as well as a few tips from professional corporate image consultants.