{"id":2139,"date":"2014-02-15T13:24:31","date_gmt":"2014-02-15T21:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=2139"},"modified":"2014-02-15T21:59:00","modified_gmt":"2014-02-16T05:59:00","slug":"clothes-make-wo-man-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/career-advice\/interviewing\/clothes-make-wo-man-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Clothes Do Make the (Wo)Man in an Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Dummy<\/a>While prepping clients for their interview, we spend a great amount of time discussing the importance of quality communications.\u00a0 During an interview, for optimum communications to occur it must incorporate such elements as knowledge of subject the matter, proper word choice, body language and the one most often underestimated \u201cour clothing\u201d.\u00a0 In addition to helping people appreciate the many elements of communications, the discussion also allows us the opportunity to debunk the aphorism that \u201c Clothes do not make the man\u201d.<\/p>\n

With 90 % of our bodies typically clad in clothing, what we choose to wear is a direct reflection of our personality, beliefs, habits and value system.\u00a0 It therefore stands to reason, that even when we dress for a special event, such as an interview, we tend to focus more on our likes or habits rather than on the message we would like to impart to the panelists.\u00a0 Style of dress is not neutral.\u00a0 It will either leave a positive or negative impression on the panel.\u00a0 It is why first impressions are so critical.\u00a0 It is also why this aphorism is true; \u201cYou never get a second chance to make a good first impression\u201d.<\/p>\n

As you enter the interview room and meet the panelist, they are immediately beginning to assess whether or not your style of dress is professional? Do you look credible based on what they see? Do you fit their perception of the right person for the job? This is all occurring within the first few seconds of you having entered the room despite the fact that all they have to go on is your attire and body language.<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, interview panels (whether they are assembled from within or outside the organization) expect the interviewee they are recommending for hire to wear attire consistent with that geographic area\u2019s image of professionalism.\u00a0 When considering proper attire, consider the cultural norms of the community and organization as well.\u00a0 Let it serve as a guide in how to maximize on this very important visual image.\u00a0 As an example, in major urban cities, a man wearing a pin stripe suit with a pocket square, starched shirt with cufflinks and a well-coordinated silk tie would be viewed as well appointed. But dressing this way for an interview in a small mid-western community or a college town may cause you to be viewed as a poor fit.<\/p>\n

A woman wearing an attractive pants suit with a well-coordinated blouse and accessories would be well received in most areas of the country, but depending on the position, she may not necessarily be perceived as a good fit in some of the smaller towns in many southern states.\u00a0 I typically get tremendous push back from people when I make these statements, especially from the more independent, creative, free spirited types.\u00a0 Without hesitation they say, \u201c that\u2019s ridiculous, people should not judge you based on what you choose to wear\u201d.\u00a0 I wholeheartedly agree but guess that’s what they do!\u00a0 In fact, whether we choose to admit it or not, the vast majority of us form opinions and pass judgments based first on what we see.<\/p>\n

Try following these basic rules when selecting your ensemble for that important interview:<\/p>\n