Dressing the part

Author: Mshahara Kenya   |   Posted on: September 22, 2011

An interview is a formal meeting, so dress accordingly. It is advised that you dress like you applied for a job that is one level higher than the one you are being interviewed for. Typically people judge you before you get the chance to speak, thus the need to get that door open. Walk down any street in Nairobi and notice the manner in which people treat strangers or clients dependent on the way they dress, and even your interactions with well dressed strangers as opposed to the more casually dressed, or poorly dressed.
It is all about perception, and the point of an interview is to plant a favourable discernment in the mind of the interviewer; that of a well groomed professional individual.

Here are some of the do's and don'ts of dressing for an interview;

For the men;

• DO NOT wear bright colours, yellows, reds are a definite no-no, aside from the lack of fashion sense, they are unsightly and distracting. Do not wear collarless shirts; leave the muscle shirts at home.

• Chewed up nails are a definite DO NOT. They are unsightly and look unhygienic. Keep your nails trimmed short.
• Wear a complete suit. Pants, jacket and shirt. Wearing a 3 piece suit would be a bit much, but again dress to according to the organization’s dress code. 
• For those interviewers who stress on casual wear, DO NOT wear jeans. Wear a mismatched suit with a tucked-in shirt. The pants can be corduroy or khaki with a suit jacket and a collared shirt that complements the colours.
• About your shoes; DO NOT wear Timbs, Toughees, loafers or worse still open-toed shoes to a job interview. To be on the safe side, buy sets of matching belts and shoes; in black and brown. Never leave the house without a belt.
• DO NOT wear very new clothes and shoes because interviewers will know. It is either the tell-tale squeaking of new shoes, or the folds on a new shirt or the look of pain on your face caused by tight new shoes, they will know all. Clothes that make you uncomfortable or draw undesirable attention towards you should be avoided.
• Keep your tattoos hidden especially those on your forearms (avoid rolled up sleeves) and neck (buttoned up collared shirt + tie).
• DO NOT wear a pale suit. The white, pastels are a fashion no-no.
• DO NOT wear white socks! Dark socks are a norm with professional dress.
• Get your hair cut. The plaited hair is typically frowned upon and with more companies accepting men in dreadlocks, short hair is generally accepted as a style.
• DO NOT wear studs or any other visible piercings.

For the ladies;

• This is not a rock concert, chandelier earrings, jingly bangles, multiple necklaces and facial studs are a definite DO NOT. Keep it simple, a watch on the wrist, one ring on your fingers, studs in your ears. And about the facial ware, keep it a minimum. You can keep the nose stud, but the eyebrow piercing and fake mole would produce an unfavourable culminating effect. (It would also be difficult to travel by air, you know, metal detectors).
• The 60's were the age for the mini, it has been 50 years. It is expected that if you are wearing a short skirt, it should reach just above the knees, at minimum. Wear a dark suit with a bright blouse to offset the colours. It gives you an air of conservative flamboyance, an oxymoron I know, that shows you care about the image of the company in your dress but you have personality and are all woman. Wearing an all dark outfit should be broken by a silver or gold brooch that complements the rest of your jewellery.

• Your nail should be short, clean with a neutral polish on them. Flashy long talons distract your interviewer and are most probably the only thing they'll remember most about you. Remember you only make a 1st impression once, don't chance it.
• Clothes that are too tight or revealing deserve a strong DO NOT! Too much cleavage or leg wouldn't put forward a favourable perception of you. Businesses are looking for people who can act as their brand ambassadors when they are at work, and a scandalous outfit wouldn't do it for them. We aren't saying you wear loose, unflattering clothes, but rather well fitting clothes that you are comfortable wearing in any situation from attending meeting with clients or attending a board meeting.
• Keep the perfume at a minimum. It can cause irritation and since the nose is the most sensitive of all the senses, it would be best to spray on a light fragrance.
• Killer heels or pumps? That is the question. Leave your 4 inch stilettos at home and wear comfortable shoes to the interview. And that's not to say that you necessarily have to wear flat shoes, but it shouldn't be a balancing act or you towering intimidatingly over everyone. And avoid the ballerinas, as they have a very casual feel around them.
• Make up should be at a minimum, and done up in conservative tones.

Just to remind you;
Do not come into the interview room smelling like the meal or cigarette you just had. Wash your hands, freshen your breath (mints or if you can, brush your teeth) and NEVER EVER chew gum in the interview room.

I know all this sounds really old fashioned, but interviewers are really conservative in their views, and it would be such a loss for the organization and for yourself, if they don't get the opportunity to really appreciate your critical mind because they are wondering if you just dropped out of bed or coming in for a concert. Dress Smart.