Sadly, one glance at the headlines and it seems like layoffs are the new norm. It’s got to be stressful, and I can only imagine that the competition for open positions is tough. Thus, in the spirit of always giving back, I thought I’d share some tips for standing out a job interview in these unique and challenging employment times.
What qualifies me, you ask?
Well, I’ve interviewed dozens if not hundreds of people in my day. And I’ve interviewed for and gotten some jobs myself. And clothes factored in here or there, I bet. Plus, I am – generally speaking – a snazzy dresser. I know the difference between culottes and gauchos, and I strongly encourage you to wear neither.
It used to be that superlative prior experience or a stunning resume were all it took to get the interview and land the job. But today? When the competition ALSO has a PhD in nuclear physics and a law degree and spent ten years working for Doctors Without Borders while working as a photographer for National Geographic? Well, obviously just having the right credentials isn’t enough. It’s time to stand out. Big time.
Thus, sit back and take in my top five tips for dressing for interview success in 2009!
1. Don’t be afraid of color. Go ahead and buy that canary yellow tux. If it’s good enough for the cast of Cirque du Soleil, it’s good enough for you. They may not remember what you said in the interview, but at least they’ll remember that your outfit ‘popped’!
2. Don’t be afraid to show a little skin. Sure it could be read as a willingness to perform ‘favors’ to get the job, but the rent’s not going to pay itself, is it?
3. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for causes or clearly state your political views. People with opinions are often people with jobs.
4. Be comfortable. A relaxed interviewee puts the interviewer at ease. Plus, they just may admire your bold devil-may-care insouciance about looking like a jackass?
5. Go ahead and go all out. If you want to dress up in order to send a message that says, “I’m a festive person who loves Hello Kitty AND I feel like this job interview is a party!” then by all means, go ahead and wear this. In these tough times, you’d be a fool not to!
Good luck and happy job hunting!
