How to Nail That Job - In Stylish Fashion

As promised, I will be sharing some tips to make your job search process a whole lot less confusing. One area that is actually quite simple but yet raises a lot of questions is the area of Dressing and Appearance.

To put this as gently as I can, I have seen numerous fresh-faced graduates who possess real quality, but the impression that they portray through their dressing is just BLEH! I understand that there is a lot of room for creative and expressive dressing in universities and colleges but the job interview is the most important event (no, not prom, silly!) to dress Up and dress Right!

The right interview attire is no rocket science, really. The most essential thing to remember is to Keep it Smart and Simple (KISS)! Your dressing is never meant to get in the way of your presentation, make sure it is discreet, not Loud! Take a look at the following image samples off a simple Google Search:

If there is a common theme among the pictures, it is definitely that simplicity is king. For Muslim females, a hijab/tudung with a plain and tasteful design would ensure that you portray a professional yet sensible image.

Here are some thoughts off the top of my head:

• Your personality (conduct, interpersonal skills, preparedness, articulation) should be the main focus of the interviewer NOT your interview attire; if that's the case, it is usually because of a mistake made in your dressing.
• Certain industries or job areas where interaction with customers is more crucial are more critical about your dressing.
• Even when the company has a casual dress code, unless given specific instructions to do so, DON'T show up casual!
• Prior consultation with professionals within the industry or inquiring the employer directly (and nicely) would be very good research on your part.

General guidelines for dressing up
Gents and Ladies:

• Long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white, pastel colors)
• Iron/Press everything!
• Clean and polished shoes (as conservative as possible, no 'new age' designs please!)
• Hair neatly groomed
• Trimmed and clean fingernails
• Lightly scented
• Empty pockets - bulges are an eyesore
• Fresh breath (but don't chew on gum or candy during the interview!)
• Be mindful of cigarette scent if you are a smoker
• A professional light briefcase or portfolio will be handy (remember to organise documents chronologically)
• Remove non-traditional body piercings (e.g. nose, eyebrow, lip)
• Body odour is very very important - Deodorise and keep yourself fresh!

Gents

• 2-piece business suit (dark coloured, black, dark blue or grey preferably)
• Don't roll up your sleeves
• Silk tie with simple design (leave polka dots or funky shapes alone)
• Match plain tie to a shirt with patterns or designs - a patterned tie on a patterned shirt is too distracting
• Tie's length - touching the waist of the pants
• Dark coloured pants, socks and shoes - leave Michael Jackson's white socks at home, even though we all love him
• Appropriate length socks - so that skin is not visible when sitting
• Hanky (handkerchief) is useful to have around to swipe that sweat off your forehead when you're panicking
• No sports watch
• Only wedding ring, no other bling-blings!

Ladies

• 3-piece business suit, no dresses (dark coloured, black, dark blue or grey preferably)
• No revealing blouses/shirts
• Headscarf or traditional hijab/tudung must be neat and simple - no patterns is preferred
• Appropriate skirt length - knee length while standing is best, longer skirts should not be too narrow
• Hosiery should be skin-shade or as close as possible, and without any patterns
• Closed-toe shoes/pumps that are comfortable
• Briefcase or a professional tote bag is much more professional than a purse - match colour to your shoes
• Light makeup is better than all-natural, just make sure it is not excessive
• Choose conservative accessories - a creative industry may allow more room for expression
• No more than one ring per hand
• No more than one set of ear rings