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Making a Strong Visual Statement

MayMay
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MayMay
Dress and Appearance are critical elements in a favourable first impression. In a survey of college recruiters, 95 percent cited professional image as important and 61 percent as very important. They see clothes and accessories as "making a strong visual statement" that suggests confidence and gives the interview a competitive edge.

While many companies are now promoting business casual at the workplace, 81 percent of the respondents in this survey prefer formal business attire for formal interviews "to see how applicants would present themselves in a business meeting or presentation".

5 common mistakes men and women make:

Men

  1. Dirty and wrinkled clothes that do not fit properly.

  2. Shirts that are too tight at the collar or around the waist.

  3. Dirty hands, nails, or hair.

  4. Shoes wrong colour for clothes or dirty and scuffed.

  5. Wrong style for body shape.

Women

  1. Too much or inappropriate jewellery.

  2. Too much or too little makeup, overpowering perfume.

  3. Scuffed or inappropriate shoes.

  4. Clothing inappropriate for the workplace.

  5. Ill-fitting clothing.

Your budget may limit the clothing you have to wear, but there is no excuse for dirty hands, nails, and hair or rumpled, dirty, and inappropriate attire. Be sure your hair is neatly combed or brushed and trimmed.

There are many printed sources and websites that offer tips on dressing for success, including:

Mens Wear House

Dressing for Interview Success

Dress for Success


Image Credits:Thepretenda, Photog, Karmaticoma

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4 Comments

  1. babceo said – Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:29:24 -0000 ( Link )

    I think this could be even stronger. Too much perfume is often used instead of bathing, not good. Smell is one of the first things that penetrates anyones opinion, quickly. Wrong seasons clothing is another problem. Summery little things are not meant for business, that includes shorts and flip-flops for men. I am sure you can add more.

    I would also add, if you are going to a language interview please remember the person giving the interview can remember you on the minus side if you don’t smell good, look like something out of another century, etc.

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  2. BillElliott said – Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:00:54 -0000 ( Link )

    If you are large framed or have difficulty in buying “off the rack” clothes that fit properly, it’s always a good idea to check with a tailor and invest in some shirts, trousers and sport coats. One good tailored suit can in many cases get you by until your budget gets bigger. Clothes are “tools”, and just as a carpenter, mechanic or other types of tradesmen doesn’t scrimp when buying the correct ones for the job, neither should you.

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  3. Bonny said – Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:19:12 -0000 ( Link )

    Very correct! I also feel that your appearance is the first thing a person would judge you on. This could also govern/affect the overall interaction. Another important thing – men think that no one looks at their dirty shoes. But I feel that a man is know by his hat and well-polished shoes. It reflects a lot about him.

    Regards, Bonny

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  4. babceo said – Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:49:04 -0000 ( Link )

    A limited budget can be a problem but there are lots of ways to enhance your wardrobe without spending lots of money. For instance, a scarf can be used to enhance any woman’s present wardrobe in at least 25 different ways. Can’t afford a scarf. Buy some material. Hem it with iron on tape. WA! La!

    Use second-hand stores. There are lots of good stuff that can really improve your look for little money. Men suits are much less and you can even get designer labels. Specialty stuff such as cuff links, belts and other goodies are reasonably priced and make a the difference in completing your look. A good place to look for second-hand stores with good product is an area that is affluent.

    Use the internet to discover ways to redo things you already have. Watch shows on TV that talk or show ways to update your wardrobe.

    Please share your tips.

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