How to stand out in a crowd when looking for a job
April 13, 2009 by Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler - The Glam Gals
Are you having to go back out and interview for a job?
What can you do to stand out in a crowd?
Everything you do is important, from being one of the first to submit your resume to wearing the right thing so you look the part!
Here’s what you need to do:
- Do Your Homework. A blue suit is not a one size fits all solution. Do what you can to find out what most people are wearing for the job you want. Go on the company’s website, call and ask about their dress code. Showing up in a suit,when the dress code is more casual, will send the message that you are clueless and won’t fit in.
- Be well groomed. This means getting out the iron. Also make sure your shoes are in good condition and polished if they are leather!
- Update your look. If your glasses are old, your hair boring, then you look out of date. Make sure you’re sending the message, I’m not stuck in old ways.
- Don’t dress too young. This can be just as bad. No short skirts, no cleavage, not too much makeup. Look in the mirror, if you think something you are thinking of wearing might be too young looking, it probably is!
For more on this topic and a variety of others visit the Blogging Boomers Carnival #112 being hosted this week at Hole in the Doughnut.
While I agree that you should scope out the dress code of a potential work place, in fact, I think it is very important — it is critical to note that you should error on the side of over-dressed rather than under-dressed. You are trying to make a good impression and are presenting yourself for a very important meeting – dress that way even if the person interviewing you is not. This is how I look at it – in my firm our clients can come to a meeting in polos and khakis, but we arrive in suits, always. However, on a day to day basis, the office is fairly work casual but we expect a potential hires to be in a suit (and we do note it when they aren’t). I’m not saying a suit is the only choice – but it is what WE wear to present ourselves, so we expect the same from a possible hire. I think the same should apply at any company.
Hi Girl Architect,
Yup… once again our readers are right on the money! Its funny though…how much Business Casual is going on out there in the workplace these days…even more reason to spiff up your look and try to get it so you look just right…not overdone or underdone.
However, we could not agree more with your point…. it is exactly what we are talking about….do your homework!!! Find out what people are wearing and it is perfectly fine to call ahead and check.
Look your best, and then you can forget about it and concentrate on making a great impression with your God given talent!
I think a suit is the way to go. What about the 2nd interview? I only have one suit. Any suggestions?
Hi Professor Frump,
If you only have one suit, wear a different and colorful top underneath. Or wear a blouse for the first interview and a knit top for the second, to give it a totally different look.
Or, you can go to a consignment store and pick up a used jacket that will coordinate with the bottom, for a fraction of the cost of a new one!