(Editor’s note: This story originally ran on Feb. 8, 2007.)
As I waited for a latte recently, a woman rushed in, begging to move to the head of the line. She gushed that she was late for a job interview and without her morning caffeine, her brain wouldn’t respond to questions. Wondering about her party-girl outfit and shiny black stilettos, I politely asked where she was going. I didn’t tell her, but her response told me that her Sex and the City outfit wouldn’t fly with the conservative corporate company she was interviewing with. Even in environments with relaxed dress codes, a fashion faux pas can kill careers and keep you from advancement.
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In September 2006, job-search site TheLadders.com conducted “Fashion in the Workplace,” a survey revealing what not to wear to work. Wearing revealing clothes was the most common flaw (63 percent), followed by flip-flops (62 percent), sleeveless shirts (44 percent), sneakers (42 percent), visible tattoos/piercings (37 percent) and clothing with inappropriate slogans (34 percent). The site is dedicated to high-earning executives who often interview aspiring corporate wannabees. In terms of image, perception matters.
Finding a fashion balance can be difficult for new graduates or those who favor trendy styles. So much depends on environment. Business casual has become the norm, say 78 percent of professionals surveyed, but I don’t believe it works for interviewing. Call me conservative, but I know how employers respond when candidates dress informally. You have a better chance if you are overdressed.
This may be difficult for the “I gotta be me” generation. My neighbor, a young talented graphic artist, recently had dismal job-hunting results. He asked what he was doing wrong. His portfolio was great, his responses to interview questions were on target, and his resumé looked good. His problem: his appearance-double earrings, chin stubble, excessive rings and dyed hair-ruined his chances. He was stunned. He thought he looked perfect for a “creative” environment. He did-he just looked wrong for interviews. I told him to compromise: Lose one earring, wear one ring on each hand and shave. He did so, begrudgingly, and landed an ad agency job he now loves. He hadn’t realized that his “personal brand” was competing with his prospective employer’s “corporate brand.”
If you are not getting job offers or promotion opportunities, look at this checklist:
• Ditch the backpack. Look corporate, not campus.
• Tone down the jewelry. Temporarily remove nose, eyebrow or tongue piercings.
• Keep nails clean and manicured. Women: Avoid too-long nails, funky colors or painted designs.
• Limit cologne or perfume.
• Repair missing buttons, frayed cuffs, stains, rumpled fabrics or drooping hems.
• Wear polished, unscuffed shoes. No sandals, flip-flops, backless shoes, sneakers or loafers without socks.
• Men: Avoid short-sleeved shirts with ties. Go long-sleeved.
• Ladies: Watch hem length and cleavage. (Women interviewers judge you more harshly if you breach this rule.)
• With new suits, remove extra buttons and snip threads that keep pockets and slits closed.
These might sound petty or ridiculous. I’m not a dinosaur-this is what I hear daily in this business. Once you’re on the job, review dress code and study senior leadership’s attire. Dress for the position you want, not the one you have. Appearance creates credibility-you create opportunity.
Nancy Schuman is a vice president at Lloyd Staffing, headquartered in Melville, and is the author of five how-to books on career guidance and job-search techniques. Lloyd Staffing offers temporary, contract and full-time employment services on a regional and national basis. Send your career-related questions tojobadvice@lloydstaffing.com.
