by Kevin Hartford

Created on: February 08, 2010

When applying for a job, the job seeker needs to be as well dressed as possible.  The unfortunate truth is that personal treatment is based on how one is perceived by other people.  There is something to the success begets success maxim.  The nicer a  person dresses that better they are treated by all people.  The ultimate goal of the job seeker is to get the job and to get that job they need to get to the decision maker.  A job seeker that is not dressed in conservative business attire will never make it past the gate keepers.  Of course, there are exceptions to the rule; mainly in the arts, but for mast people this rule applies.

For men, the best choice is to wear a dark blue or gray business suit.  For the job interview, sports jackets and shirt sleeves are not exactly the best things.  It is said that a person should dress for the job they want, not for the job they have. The male job seeker should also only wear blue or white shirts and have a somewhat conservative complimentary tie.  Black shoes and a matching belt are also needed, as well as a conservative watch.  The male job seeker should leave all other jewelry at home; sometimes less is more.

For women, the best choice is also a conservative business suit.  Women have a little more choice in colors, but in truth the same colors always work.  As with their male counterparts, females need to have conservative shoes and a conservative watch.  The handbag is a bit of a dilemma, but a small conservative bag, that compliments the shoes is good.  The same rule applies to jewelry as with men; sometimes less is more.

Do not over apply lotions, perfume, and cologne.  Not everyone has the same tolerance to these scents and quite frankly, the job seeker doesn't only want to be remember by an overpowering smell.  This also applies to hygiene issues, such as smoking, eating, drinking, and any other event that may cause the hiring manager to remember anything other than the job seekers qualifications.

The potential employee should also bring a conservative portfolio type writing pad and pen.  The job seeker needs to have extra resumes, reference lists and a set of questions to ask ready.  He or she also needs to be ready to take notes.  Being prepared and acting prepared is very important during the interview.

Knowing what to wear when applying for a job is not a complicated task.  The answer is to wear the best suit of clothing available.  The secret is for the job seeker to dress for the job they want, not the job they have.  There is no doubt that dress to impress is one of the secrets to successfully landing the job. 

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