First Impressions

First Impressions What You Wear Really Does Make a Difference!
How often have you heard the phrase, dress for success? Now, how many of you really believe that dressing for success really makes a difference? Whether you believe it or not, dressing appropriately for interviews, meeting with a prospective client, attending professional events, and even representing other organizations in a professional capacity, does matter and it does make a difference.

Heres another clich.you only have one opportunity to make a good first impression. Have you ever met a person and made an instant impression of him/her? Sometimes you dont even know what it was that gave you that feeling. More than likely, it was the way they looked, dressed and presented themselves.

Over the years, Ive had many opportunities to accept applications from job seekers, read their resumes and call them in for an interview. While I was the assistant manager of a large womens retail, clothing chain store, I would be approached by young ladies handing in applications. This particular womens chain specialized in preppy casual to professional business styles of clothing for petites to fuller figure women. We didnt sell miniskirts; we didnt sell faded or ripped jeans; nor did we sell belly bearing tops. Our line of clothing couldnt have been more conservative and sensible. So it struck me as odd and peculiar that the gals who handed me their applications were dressed in the exact clothing we didnt sell. When the applicants presented their scribbled applications to me, or to any of the other managers on duty, we thanked them pleasantly and promptly filed their applications in the garbage. If they didnt know how to dress as they applied for the position then they wouldnt be able to help our customers with their choice of clothing. Many of our customers were in the business world and expected that our sales associates understood the dress for success concept.

Dressing appropriately, in any situation, shows respect for the interviewer, and prospective client in addition to respect for yourself. When in a professional setting, and youre dressed appropriately, you become more confident and self-assured. You feel better about yourself and the power within you begins to show. Others sense your confidence and, in turn, become secure and assured in your abilities and skills.

Now that I own my own business, I havent let go of my dress code ethics. Its just as important now, if even more important than when I was punching a clock. Each client, each reason for the meeting and the location of the meeting dictates what I wear. A business meeting at a casual breakfast caf tells me to wear a neat blouse with a pair of business slacks, but meeting the same client at a four star restaurant tells me that I should wear a business suit.

The first impression you make on a potential employer or client is so important. When putting your interview clothes together, first find out what the dress code is. If youre not sure what it is, drive by company during lunch hour when employees are coming in and out of the building. Make sure you dont go on dress down Friday. Better yet, call the company and find out what the dress code is. Over dressing, in most cases, is better than under dressing, but when you are too formal in your appearance, you might give the impression of being inflexible and stuffy. On the other hand, if you are too casual, you may convey to the interviewer that youre not taking the interview or the job very seriously.

No matter which gender you are, a dark blue suit is best for your first interview. If you dont own a dark blue suit, chose black or light gray. Men should take care not to add wild or bright colors. A white or cream colored, long sleeve shirt with a conservative tie works best. Also keep in mind the geographical region you live in. A long sleeve shirt might not work on a hot Southern California summer day, but would be appropriate in the fall or winter in the New England states. Clean and well soled shoes are always called for. Women can more easily add color to their suits. A touch of red will tell the interviewer that you are confident. Too much red will say that you are a power freak and it just might cost you the job. Try not to wear yellow to an interview. For some reason it turns people off. Skirts should cover your thighs while you are sitting, and the heels of your shoes should be conservative in height.

For both men and women, hair should be clean and worn in a conservative style, fingernails should be manicured. Cologne and perfume should be kept to a minimum as should jewelry (guys, dont wear any jewelry except for a wedding bandif youre married of course). HIDE ALL TATOOS AND PIERCINGS! Dont come into the interview room with your backpack, sunglasses (either on your eyes or on top of your head). Throw out your gum before the interview and please, DONT SMELL LIKE CIGARETTE SMOKE!

Always offer a firm handshakeanything else shows a weak personality. Look into the eyes of your interviewer long enough to learn the color of his/her iris. Never, ever keep your hands in your pockets. This denotes that you have something to hide, as does averting your eyes away from the person who could be the one who decides whether or not you get the job. Mirror your interviewers body language. Not to the point that you look like monkey see, monkey do, but subtle movements. Putting all this together might not guarantee you the job, but it certainly will put you in contention. You still have to have the skills, knowledge and motivation to prove to the interviewer that you are the right person for the position. Your appearance and intelligent dialogue will team up to make you the candidate of choice.

This may be a different world from the one I was brought up in, but respect is never out of style. When you dont respect others, you lose the respect FROM others.

Eydie Stumpf,
Eydie's Office
http://www.eydiesoffice.com

Eydie is a small business owner in Southern California. She is an active member of the Corona Chamber of Commerce and recent recipient of their Rookie of the Quarter Award. Eydie's clients range from non-profit organizations to business coaches, and authors.

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