Tips on What to Wear
to an Interview

What to wear to an interview can be answered in one statement – Dress for Success. This is particularly important when applying for a sales job. A smart interviewer knows, how you dress for an interview is probably the best you’re ever going to look. Their main concern is how a customer will respond to the way you look.

I have interviewed many hundreds of people over the years for jobs in sales. I am still amazed at how inappropriately some people come dressed to an interview. In some cases I’m even talking about people applying for senior management positions.

Remember when you are going to a job interview you are making a very important sales call. You are the product and the packaging is how you’re dressed. The packaging can make all the difference in your success. So let’s look at:

• Tip #1 Dress Conservatively – Yes, the dark blue suite or sports coat, the white long sleeve dress shirt, a conservative silk tie, dark leather belt, dark dress socks and black dress shoes is usually the smartest way to go when interviewing for a sales job. It says you’re stable, professional and mature when it comes to understanding how to present yourself to others. You should dress the best you will ever dress for a job.

  Depending on the company’s dress code casual may be fine once you start working there. Casual is not fine for - what to wear to an interview - for a sales position. Having said all that make sure you are comfortable wearing the clothes. If an item is new wear it a day first to see how it feels.

• Tip #2 Jewelry Keep Minimal - For men it’s one conservative ring, two if you have a collage ring, a watch and leave the rest of the jewelry at home. Women may add (not men) one conservative earring in each ear and a conservative necklace. Nothing should swing around, make noise or be distracting. Remember you are the show not your jewelry.

• Tip #3 Good Hygiene is a must - Clean neat hair, shower, brush teeth, gargle and bring breath spray with you, clean trimmed fingernails. Women conservative nail polish and light on the makeup. Men conservative hair cut collar length or shorter. Facial hair is usually a negative, if you want to be safe shave it off.

• Tip #4 Be as odorless as possible - Men forget the cologne. Women use little or no perfume. The attention should not be on your smell.

• Tip #5 Cleaned and Pressed -Your interview clothing should be cleaned or dry cleaned and wrinkle free. Your shoes need to be shined.

• Tip #6 Bring a brief case - In your briefcase should be your resume, your reference list, and any letters of recommendation. Also bring two working pens with ink in them (one as a backup) and a pad to take notes.

• Tip #7 Get an early start - Give yourself plenty of time to get cleaned up and dressed for the interview. Extra time can avoid unnecessary emergencies. Plus you don’t want to look or feel rushed and anxious walking into an interview.

When it comes to what to wear to an interview the above are important tips you need to know. If it’s down to the last two finalists and you are one of them, what you wear to an interview could give you the winning edge.

Next take a brief body language check up on what to wear to an interview. This will give you a powerful first impression advantage.

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