I Don't Have a Thing to Wear...

That old cliché may true if you haven’t interviewed in awhile.

Being effective in interviews and creating favorable impressions involves more than simply saying the right things. You’ll need to pay attention to appropriate dress and appearance, as well. You want the interviewer to remember YOU, not your outfit!

If you’re a recent graduate, had an in-home business or are returning to today’s work world after an absence, your closet may not hold the appropriate, professional clothes for an interview. Unless you are in a very artistic field where creative dress is accepted or encouraged, you should stick to the basics.

And, what are these basics?

· Dress in a professional and businesslike manner.

· Wear what you would if you were visiting a business executive.

· For men, a suit or conservative sport coat, business slacks and tie.

· Navy, gray or black suit, recently cleaned and pressed.

· Tie should be conservative, immaculate and neatly tied.

· White shirts are preferred but pale pastels are acceptable in some places.

· For women, a business suit (pants or skirt) in gray, navy, black or brown. A tailored sweater can be worn in lieu of a jacket. Blouse or top should be in a muted color or pattern.

· Shoes should be in good repair and polished (no flip-flops).

· Finally, attend to basic cleanliness and personal grooming.

When in doubt, most department stores and business-wear specialty shops offer the free services of a personal shopper.

Thank you so much!

ACKNOWLEDGE AND APPRECIATE

Congratulations! You got an interview with a company that you like. It all seemed to go well. You liked what you saw and the HR Manager was encouraging.


What do you do next? Write a thank you note!

Sending a note acknowledging the interviewer’s time and expressing appreciation for the opportunity can make the difference between getting the job…or not, in this economy.

There are a few basics. To start, know or write down the name and title of every person who interviews you. Ask for their business cards, so you have all the necessary information.

Sending a note by e-mail is acceptable today. E-mail – within a day, two at most – a “thank you” note to your main interviewers. If you can, acknowledge them for something positive that you know about them or the company. Thank them for their time. Be truthful, authentic and brief.

Type a short but pleasant note. Something like:

"Dear Tom,

It was a pleasure meeting with you today. Thank you for your time. I have heard good things about the Widget Company and you certainly reinforced that.

I would be very interested in a position with such a reputable, stable company. I look forward to speaking with you again because I would be interested in becoming a member of your team.

Regards,
Joan Smith"

Double-check that you’ve spelled the interviewer’s name and e-mail address correctly. Finally, spell-check and proof the note before it goes out. Spell-check alone won’t catch mistakes such as using “you’re” instead of “your.” HR Managers cringe when they see misspelled or poorly written notes.