THE POLISHED PROFESSIONAL PART 1

''The way you look may not make up for poor performance, but it could give you a competitive edge in your  career.''  

Today's post is about our professional life. Two to three readers requested for a post on how to dress to a job interview. I did not want this post to be longer than it is, so i decided to divide it into 2, the first one which is this, is for the ladies, the second will be for the men.

Job interview is a process we all go through one day, and it often happens that we feel unsure of what to say or how to behave. It is said that the first 30 seconds people come in contact with us, they form an impression which is based solely on what they see, hear or perceive, so you want to dress appropriate to a job interview . 

The pressure you feel when going for an interview is a normal thing as everything happens for the first time once. But to achieve a success you need something else beside professionalism, you need good appropriate clothing. Taking into an account the fact you wish to be hired you need to dress for success.
This may sound a bit silly but clothes are of high importance for creating first impressions. Your outfit may be as essential as your resume information.

When you walk in through a door, although no one has ever seen you before, you create what the socio psychiatrists call the ''threshold effect''.

What your image says about you:

• Your socio-economic status
• Your level of education
• Your age
• Your emotional state of mind
• Your level of sophistication
• Your moral character.

Well dressed people are perceived as:

• More productive
• Intelligent
• Responsible
• Personally acceptable
• Hardworking
• Taking their work seriously.

The number one piece of advice I'd give you is that you should dress as if you already have the job, so you don't dress too much or anything , just dress to fit in with everyone else but walk in with the attitude that you are pretty much expecting to find out how much they are going to pay you and when you will start.

When going for an interview, you have to be prepared. The first step in determining what to wear to your interview is to do some research. Find out what business sphere the firm works in, talk to other people who have worked there if you have an opportunity, even walk past their office to see what current employees are wearing if you you can!

If you’re going to be interviewed for a job in the fashion industry, get to know the style of the company you wish to work for.
If it is a designer, know their line and what it represents.
If it is a PR agency, try to find out about their clients and their styles, etc.  This will help you to understand which wardrobe choice you should make.


Generally it is advised to wear professional business dresses. So if you feel unsure of what to wear go as conservative (i.e navy blue, black, grey or dark brown) as you can with your wardrobe. Being overdressed is always better than being under dressed!
As you must have understood your style of dressing has to depend much on the industry the company works in. Here are some sample outfits for you to consider....

You can put a bit of your style in your outfit, the shoe and bag in this outfit makes it more stylish.

If the company is business causal, you can do without a blazer or suit.

The blazer does all the work for this outfit, it gives it a sophisticated professional look.

This is another business causal outfit.

The red pack is a panty-hose for those that would like that.

If you are not sure of the dress code for the interview, simple and chic look is the best. You will never go wrong with a basic black skirt suit or pants, a white collared shirt, classic black pumps, a black bag and a pearl necklace.






When you’re interviewing for a job in a creative field, you can usually dress a little more creatively for the interview.  Unless you’re sure that the office will be very casual, dress fairly formally, adding personal touches like a bright handbag to your outfit.  Don’t be afraid to show off your personality, but keep your look chic and classy at all times.

If you’re interviewing with a fashion magazine, you should go trendier than normal to show that you understand current fashion.  Don’t be over-the-top though, you still need to look professional.  Even though it might be a dream job, it’s still a job!  Remember that when you’re getting dressed for it.

Hair & Makeup

When it comes to doing your hair and makeup for a job interview, just remember: less is more.  You should try to look as polished as possible while still keeping your makeup simple and understated.
Do Wear:

• Your hair in a clean and simple style
• Concealer if you need it
• A small amount of translucent powder to get rid of shine
• Mascara
• Neutral-toned lip gloss or lipstick
• A small amount of eyeliner & neutral eyeshadow (optional)

Don’t Wear:

• Your hair dirty.
• Tons of caked-on foundation
• Smokey eye makeup
• Brightly colored eyeshadow
• Glittery or super bright lip gloss

Other Things to Avoid or Look out for:

•  Avoid slips, bra or panty line that shows.
• Avoid unpolished or rundown shoes.
• Height of shoes should be medium or low, solid colors to start with.
• Invest in scarfs, blazers and good but simple accessories.
•  When it comes to jewellery, stick to the bare essentials. Go for smart sleek designs for a sophisticated and professional look, ear studs, a single bracelet, a slim chain and pendant combo for the neck should do fine. one ring per hand.
• If in doubt, don't wear it.
• leggings
• Avoid showing your 4B's (behind, bust, back, belly)
• Tight and short skirts, pants and dresses.
• chewing gum and coffee
• Gadgets should be on silence.
• cover tattoos.
  

  At the end of the day, dressing for an interview is about dressing for the job you want, and showing your professionalism via your clothing choices.

You’re dressed like a winner. Now, look into the mirror and perfect the winner look and attitude. Square that shoulder, stand straight, look in the eye. And stride ahead in the corporate ladder.

 If you follow the tips above, I know your next interview will be that much more successful.

If you have any questions, click the comment link and ask away, also your feedback will be appreciated!
Thank you for stopping by....

Cheers.