CAREERS

By Brooke Pearl

Ever been on a blind date? The first impression is visual, so you want to look your best, right? Well, the same theory applies when interviewing for a job, internship or scholarship. Here are some tips on how to dress to impress so your date, or possible future employer, won’t run screaming for the door.

“A first impression is generally made within the first three to five seconds,” says Ralph Ferrone, author of Don’t Blow the Interview. Interviewers react to the initial appearance of the interviewee, judging to see if they’d fit into the company structure. To pull off a tasteful professional business appearance, women should wear a black or gray pantsuit or a traditional knee-length skirt or dress.

Conservative is the key word, so put away the plunging necklines. Hair and nails should be neatly groomed, and even though it’s not the trend, stockings or pantyhose should be worn. Earrings are fine, but nothing too extravagant. “No flashy jewelry because people are very emotional and you don’t want to turn someone off,” Ralph says. The same goes for fur—keep it in the closet.

Men, on the other hand, aren’t as aware of the what-to-wear rules and regulations. A blue or gray suit with a clean, crisp white shirt and a smart polka dot or striped tie “can make you look pretty sharp,” he says. “Don’t get caught with a wild Jerry Garcia tie.” Black shoes with a black belt and calf-length socks will complete an outfit. Men should also be cleanly shaven with hair neatly combed. Before entering the interview, button the suit jacket (women, too), and make sure the tie is straight down your chest; otherwise you risk looking a bit sloppy, Ralph says. Men and women should both refrain from wearing perfume or cologne—the scents can be physically disturbing.

Once you have the outfit picked out, wear it with confidence. An interview, after all, is a presentation of yourself. Look into the interviewer’s eyes, smile, greet him or her with a firm, non-crippling handshake and let the interviewer know you’re happy to be there and looking forward to the interview. With confident body language, a likeable personality and an outfit that’ll knock their socks off, a job offer should be right around the corner.