I can still remember my job-hunting days when I would make my way through the city in long sleeves, a tie, slacks and dress shoes-with the summer sun above. The last missing piece of the puzzle-the all powerful men's suit-was missed because I sent mine away for repairs.
What do you make of it? Did I overdress? Isn't it that the Internet and outsourcing boom resulted to a boom as well in a tad more relaxed dress codes? Queueing up by the manager's office, I did feel conscious with the laidback style of the other applicants, the most out-of-this-way being an untucked, button-down short-sleeved shirt, or loafers.
A review of today's literature on jobhunting attire showed me that I was all right (and no more right had I worn a men's suit, or a jacket!). Nevertheless, more and more job candidates nowadays are showing up in denims, hoodies, or sneakers. Still more had no qualms sporting their pierced body parts and spiked hair. All of which means alarm bells; schools ought to meet their would-be graduates and explain very clearly that they ought to to dress one step up or two times higher than what they would wear in the job they are eyeing.
And now we turn to the meat of the matter: what to wear? We know about industry standards, such as the navy blue suit popularized by Japanese or British accountants and bankers. But what do you do when you will work in an industry where there are no uniforms? And what if companies that allow more casual attire enter into the picture?
Keep the following in mind when planning for a job interview:
Stick to the employer's dress code. Will you end up wearing for years what you wore at the interview-men's suit and all-or will you be in polo shirts now and then? Check out employees arriving for work.
Again, dress slightly better than you would if you were already hired for that position.
Tattoos and body jewelry are usually a big reason why people botch up their interviews. Until you know whether they are acceptable, keep these away.
The following are the nitty-gritty details:
Plain color men's suit
White long sleeve shirt: Long-sleeved shirts are considered one level higher than short-sleeved; these are even acceptable in summer. The two minimum that you ought to have in your wardrobe should come in the following colors: white or light blue solid. Tucked golf shirts are acceptable in more relaxed situations.
Tie
Dark socks, dress shoes: shoes must be leather; loafer shoes also seem to be gaining a following in the office.
