Article Fashion

Ever wondered why you didn't land your dream job? You rehearsed for your interview
researched the company
and appeared to be a qualified applicant at the interview. Perhaps
it was your career apparel choice that made that man behind the desk turn up his nose.

Even if it is just a restaurant or thrift store in which you are applying for
showing up in casual street clothes is always a no-no. Selecting the appropriate and classy career apparel could make or break your chances of getting the job.

The first thing you should do is analyze the atmosphere of the company that you're applying to. Is it a laid-back atmosphere? Are there a lot of cleaning duties or stocking tasks involved? Or
is it a high-class establishment where employees are consistently dressed in Sunday best career apparel? Do some investigating by popping in one day to observe what other employees are wearing. Talk to former employees about the expectations of the business's supervisor.

If you are applying for a position with a big-league business (such as a bank
high-class retail store
investment company
etc.)
wear nothing short than high-class polished career apparel. Even if you are in your 20s
dressing as if you are 10 years older will give you a mature and professional air.

For women's career apparel
you might choose to wear a white button-down blouse
a long black skirt or dress pants
panty hose and black flat shoes. This may be a far cry from your usual clothing
but remember
you are trying to present your best professional image--not your personal tastes.

If you wear contacts
put your glasses on. Your hair should be tied back in a bun or tightly-secured pony tail. Make-up should be minimal
wearing no bright eye shadow or lipstick. Career apparel is all about looking smart and sophisticated
and being able to pull it off.

For men
depending on the company's reputation
a nice knit sweater with a collared shirt underneath might suffice for career apparel for the interview. If not
stick to the traditional pin-striped button-down shirt with a solid tie and khaki or black dress pants. No tennis shoes! Try loafers or polished dress shoes.

If you are interviewing for a more relaxed establishment (like a pet store
newspaper delivery or fast-food restaurant) or for a physical labor job
dressing in black tie career apparel may be a bit over the top. Instead opt for comfortable career apparel- within reason. Wearing blue jeans is an interview taboo. Go for casual tan corduroy or cotton pants and a long-sleeved knit top. Keep it simple
but make sure you appear clean-cut
well put together and polished. For women
add a pair of small gold earrings. For men
flourish with a nice wrist watch.

While career apparel is important in impressing your prospective boss
be sure to adlib extras that will make your face memorable: smile a lot
speak clearly and concisely
be knowledgeable about the expected work duties
and above all
be courteous and polite.