July 2007 DRESS FOR SUCCESS By Leah JayasankerAce The Interview With These Basic Tips A relevant part of a hiring decision comes down to several basic nonverbal elements: eye contact, posture, a handshake, listening skills, body language, grooming and clothing. Never underestimate the power of a good first impression. Regardless of your knowledge or expertise, using your appearance as a professional tool can serve as the ultimate advantage point. A relevant expert to speak on social etiquette is event planner, Cathy Riva. Riva manages her time running a Manhattan-based event company, Riva Events, and hosting Discovery Home’s “Party Girl.” LJ: What is essential for dressing appropriately for a job interview or a meeting with potential clients? CR: The key to dressing for success for either one of these instances is to represent yourself like the person you want to become or attract. Do not go into a meeting with the head of Chanel wearing casual slacks, but if you are meeting with the president of Sony Records, a pair of slacks with a blazer might be perfect. Choose a role model from the industry from which you are interviewing and choose a style of dress that they wear. For professional interviews in the corporate world men should always wear a suit and tie and women a skirt and blazer or a traditional pant suit. Fashion is key for a successful interview. How you feel in the outfit you choose should help you gain confidence and exude positive energy. The cliché “Dress for Success” is true. LJ: What are your top five musts for a successful meeting with potential clients and for an interview? CR: 1. Understand the company and what the position is for which you are interviewing. Review the company’s website and become familiar with their mission statement. 2. Arrive early. If necessary do a drive by the location days in advance so you know how much time it will take you to arrive, park and get into the building. 3. First impressions count. Make eye contact and have a nice firm hand shake when you meet the person who is going to be interviewing you, and most importantly, smile. 4. Dress with confidence. Choose your favorite suit or appropriate outfit that makes you feel like a million dollars. If you don’t own a suit or appropriate attire immediately go to a shop near by and buy something. It will be one of the best investments for your future. 5. Don’t answer questions with one word answers like “Yes” or “No”. Elaborate as much as possible, as the interviewer wants to get to know you and your personality. LJ: What are a few things to avoid doing when meeting with potential clients or heading to an interview. CR: Clients want to be represented by a person that is most like them. Include the language of their question in your answer and dress so they can relate to you. Avoid making excuses, as clients want direct answers and don’t have time for excuses. Also, do not be soft spoken, a company wants to hire someone who exudes positive energy and confidence. Riva’s final advice: If you are uncertain that you want the job within the company it’s OK. Just don’t let the interviewer know. It is very important to make the person feel like their time is valuable. Put yourself in their shoes whenever possible. If you were the interviewer what would you like to know? With the above tips you’ll ace any interview, guaranteed. * Photo courtesy of George Lange |
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