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Do you know that what you decide to wear to a job interview could decide your fate in as little as two minutes - at least according to some experts? Others disagree - they say you only have between 30 seconds and one minute to make a good first impression!

Whatever number you like to believe, it is obviously of the utmost importance to get things as right as possible when you’re dressing for a job interview.

Getting the dress code right does several things to tip the odds in your favor.

It shows you’ve studied the company, you have some idea of how staff normally dress, you’re serious about the job interview and you want to make a good impression.

If your job interview attire is correct, it is also a compliment to the interviewer; it sends a non-verbal signal of respect and appreciation - and most people will repond favourably to such signals. Some authorities estimate that as much as 80% of communication is non-verbal, so make sure your job interview clothes do the job for you.

Remember, the interviewer has a very limited time to decide whether you’re right for the organisation, whether your approach and attitude go with the resume and the experience that got you to the interview in the first place.

Getting your job interview dress right won’t get you the job, but it will set the tone, make for an easier interview that will focus on what you say rather than the way you look, and probably give you an edge over the other candidates who don’t take the same trouble with their appearance - or who simply ignore the organisation’s dress code.

What then you do consider when you’re dressing for a job interview - or at least for an interview at this particular orgnization?

Well, there’s a lot to be said for asking. Try the receptionist, or perhaps a helpful secretary. If that doesn’t work, perhaps you can watch the staff as they come and go in the building. Asking the HR department for some relevant or additional documentation should provide a good excuse for getting a close look at some of the employees.

If your job search is sector specific, you might be able to visit appropriate shows, exhibitions or conferences to see how the delegates dress.

Once you have some ideas of what is appropriate, you can start thinking about your own attire. A good rule of thumb is to dress a little more formally than is the day-to-day rule in the company you are targeting. It is much safer to be slightly over-dressed than under-dressed; you will be much more relaxed, and anything that will reduce the perfectly normal tension you will undoubtedly feel in a job interview situation is to be welcomed.

You might have to decide whether to wear a suit or a jacket. Even if the job is for a position where a suit would be inappropriate (factory, construction, even some of the sectors with more casual dress codes), at the very least consider a jacket, matching trousers, long-sleeved shirt and a tie. Smarter is definitely better than too casual!

For both men and women, the conservative route is normally the safest option. That means a two-piece suit, in dark grey, navy or black. Women can wear a skirt or pants (although opinions are divided on the pants issue); many experts advise against a dress. If you choose a skirt make sure it reaches the knee; you don’t want any thigh-flashing in the job interview. Choose a tailored blouse and don’t show any cleavage.

For men, long-sleeved shirt (white, blue or an unobtrusive stripe), black socks, leather belt and leather shoes (avoid loafers - too casual), lace-ups with toe-caps being preferred.

For both, clean, professional-looking hair, clear of the face. If you wear a beard, make sure it’s trimmed. Clean and trimmed fingernails.

These are all basic points, but you’d be amazed at how many hopefuls ignore the basics.

Cover any tattoos, take out any nose or tongue rings. For men, no earrings; for women, one pair only. No chunky accessories such as large bracelets or heavy chains. Style is fine, but make sure it is understated.

Use mild, under-stated perfumes or after-shave.

Make sure the clothing fits well, is clean, newly laundered or pressed, no loose tags or extraneous labels, no wobbly buttons, no loose threads.

And make sure you decide on your job interview wear well ahead of time - you don’t want to be running around looking for items the day before the interview.

Deciding what to wear to a job interview is an important part of the process. You can find more detail and more information on job interview attire at http://www.masterjobinterviews.com .

Tags: attire, code, dress, dressing, hair, jacket, sit

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