Armed and Ready
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Published December 20, 2009 Power suits and power ties — terms first applied to the no-nonsense business attire of the 1980s — describe conservative, well-tailored garments that command respect. To the basic interview attire, a jobseeker might also consider adding “power accessories,” a few well-selected items that help project a pulled-together, professional image.Technology is not on the list. A smart phone or PDA may feel like an extension of your arm, but do not bring it into an interview. “It looks completely rude and inappropriate,” says Birmingham, Ala.-based image consultant Dallas Teague-Snider, author of “Professionally Polished” (Tendril Press, 2009). Even if the interview is a success, it’s not likely you’ll be invited on the spot to return for round two, so there’s no need to have an electronic calendar at the ready, she adds. Bring a portfolio with a legal pad and pockets for extra copies of your résumé. The hiring manager probably has a copy already; however, it’s prudent to have extras to pass out in case more people are involved in the interview process. “Bring at least a couple more copies than you think you’ll need,” says Ira Bershad, a partner in the Plano, Texas-based executive search and recruitment firm Kaye/Bassman International Corp. A classy pen with blue or black ink will leave a better impression than a cheap, plastic, chewed-on ballpoint, but even a BIC is better than nothing. And though taking notes is a good idea, “You should ask first if your interviewer minds,” says Teague-Snider, adding that it’s simply the polite thing to do. Don’t get so absorbed in note taking that you avoid eye contact. You can bring samples of your work, but don’t initiate show-and-tell unless asked to or the right opportunity arises. “If the interviewer says, ‘I understand you worked for XYZ Company. What kind of work did you do?’ then you can say, ‘I have work samples if you’d like to see them,’” Teague-Snider says. Tab your work beforehand so it’s easy to flip to. “You don’t want to be stumbling through a 20-page document,” Bershad says. Bring a list of references with their full contact info, just in case you’re asked to present them. Or, “at the end, if you feel like the interview has gone well, you can say you have a list of references and ask, ‘Would you like a copy?’” Bershad says. When dressing for success, the outfit you are building on should be strictly business vs. the latest fashion has to offer — unless you’re in a creative field where playing it safe sartorially might actually be frowned upon. What’s appropriate “depends on the specific type of job, but you’ll basically never be penalized for being the best-dressed person in the room,” Bershad says. “And I’m not talking about the most decoratively dressed. The rule of thumb is, Less is more.” When it comes to accessorizing, men should opt for a blue or red necktie with a conservative print, such as pinstripes, Teague-Snider says. Women should avoid dangly or chunky jewelry and should not only wear nude hosiery but also stash an extra pair in their briefcase in case they get a snag or run, she adds. It’s best to carry a small purse or just a wallet that slips into your briefcase so you’re not juggling too many items. Men should carry a classic attaché case as opposed to a messenger bag. The latter is worn slung across the body and can crease clothing, and those types of bags tend to look too casual for a job interview. Avoid wearing perfume or cologne. Some people are allergic or sensitive. Plus, “You don’t want to take the focus off you as a potential client. Smells can be distracting,” Teague-Snider says. As a precaution, Teague-Snider suggests job candidates carry a small assortment of emergency supplies including a safety pin or small sewing kit in case a button pops off, a stain remover pen in case you dribble, breath-freshening mints or strips, a travel-sized lint roller, a nail file and lotion if your skin is dry, since you’ll be shaking hands. Don’t forget the intangibles. One of the most important things you can bring to a job interview is a mental list of questions you’ve prepared to show you’ve researched and are interested in the company. In addition, “Bring a firm handshake and steady eye contact,” Bershad says. “Hiring decisions often come down to chemistry.” - Written By Dawn Klingensmith |