Top 10 Fatal Mistakes in a Job Interview: #3

In this article, I want to talk about the importance of presentation. By presentation I am not necessarily referring to your communication skills although that is a important aspect of the interview process. I want to specific refer to your physical presentation. If you have been following along on the blog we have been doing a countdown to what I believe are the top 10 fatal mistakes that candidates do that cause bad job interviews .

This list of top 10 items would be good for you to review the day before you are to go in for a job interview. Let’s dive in and take a look at #3 on our top 10 list.

Fatal Mistake #3: Showing up with Inappropriate Dress

I am always amazed at what candidates just seem to take for granted. I have seen candidates show up to meet me wearing everything under the sun. Don’t take interviewing with a Recruiter for granted because if he does not feel comfortable with you, he will not want you representing him to his clients. You always want to dress more up then down. It is always better for you if you are just slightly over dressed than under-dressed. If you are too casual it is difficult for the hiring manager to see you as a real professional. I don’t care how hard they try it is a mental hurdle that they have to overcome.

General Guidelines

Men – Unless told otherwise always wear a traditional suit with a tie. Make sure your tie is pulled all the way up and your top button is buttoned as well. It is more important then you might think. Stay with traditional suit colors like black, blue, gray, and navy. Hiring Managers read into eccentric colors thinking that maybe someone with wild colors might be too independent and difficult to manage.

Ladies – A nice business suit always demands respect. It gives off the vibe of power and confidence. Remember, that the clothes that you wear does give you a sense of confidence. One way to boost your confidence for an interview is to go out and buy new clothes. A new outfit can help you get prepared mentally. Be careful of wearing clothes that is too revealing. This can be especially damaging to you if one of your interviewers is another female. She will assume the worst about you and your personality.

Just remember that what you wear does matter. Either buy a new outfit for the interview or have your favorite clothes dry cleaned. This will ensure that you will walk through the door placing your best foot forward.