Don’t Let Careless Appearance Damage Job-Hunting Chances
Job hunting? Maybe this sounds familiar to you: You have the experience, education and desire, but you just can’t seem to land a job.
Whether you’re a teenager looking for part-time work after school, or an experienced executive making a career change, you seem to be stalled. Something is holding you back from being hired.
It could be you simply don’t have the right qualifications. Or, maybe it’s your appearance.
Like it or not, employers base some of their hiring decision not on degrees and years of experience, but on how an applicant looks.
It’s called a first impression and it speaks volumes about you and your attitude toward employment.
That important first impression is usually made long before most people realize. Consider this scenario: You hear of a job opening you know you are qualified for, so you stop by on your way to the market to pick up an application. You’re wearing jeans and a baggy shirt, your hair is a mess and you’re not wearing makeup.
BOOM! You just met the front office personnel who will tell the boss what they think of your chances of fitting into the company. What do you think they’ll say? Many things, most of which will lead to you not being hired.
This is called the “pre-interview.” It’s something more and more companies are using to help determine which applicants are interviewed. They are looking for the real you, not the dressed-up version you’ll present in a meeting.
Anytime you go into the business, you need to look your best. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. Comb your hair. Brush your teeth. Wash your hands. These are the little things that might make or break your chances to advance in the hiring process.
If you’ve successfully navigated the first phase and they’ve called you for an interview, it’s time to look the part.
Your clothing choice should be appropriate for the job. Common mistakes people make are to over-dress (wearing a three-piece business suit to apply for a warehouse position) or under-dress (wearing a sleeveless sun dress when interviewing for an executive position).
A standard acceptable interview outfit for men consists of white shirt, dress slacks, socks and clean shoes. A tie and jacket should be added for managerial level jobs.
Women should choose a white blouse, dark skirt, nylons and conservative pumps. A jacket may be added to make it more formal when applying for executive positions.
Be sure your hair is clean and combed. Avoid unusual colors or fussy styles that may detract from your qualifications. You may be the best in your field, but if your hair is dyed electric blue, the interviewer could have a difficult time taking you seriously.
Keep jewelry to a minimum. Wear only one or two finger rings, a modest tie tack or an uncomplicated necklace. Earrings should be kept simple. Any other body parts you have pierced should be left unadorned.
If you have a tattoo, cover it up with clothing or body makeup. This is not the time to flaunt your undying devotion to Mom or Harley Davidson.
Regarding other clothing options you may consider wearing: running shoes, jeans, alma mater sweatshirts, sunglasses, sandals, tank tops … the advice is simple: Don’t.
Will your appearance alone get you the job? Let’s hope not. But it may be an important factor in getting you an interview so you can dazzle them with your charming personality and brilliant intellect.
Is this fair? Of course not. But it’s reality, and the sooner you accept the rules of the game, the better your chances are of being hired.