The Seven Worst Fashion Mistakes for Job Seekers
If you’ve been out of work for awhile, you’re probably getting pretty comfortable in your old ratty jeans and t-shirt, at least those of you who manage to get out of your bathrobe and slippers before the Price is Right comes on at 11 a.m. (EST). It may be a long time since you bounced out of bed at 6 a.m., showered, shaved, dressed and whatever else before whisking out the door by 7 a.m.
Aside from the fact that that seems like it would take an enormous amount of energy, the work-appropriate clothes in your closet may not make it any more. Since the layoff, you may have put on a few (a lot?) extra pounds or lost a few too many, and nothing fits anymore. Without a job, it’s tough to think of spending money on new clothes just for an interview that may not pan out. However, it’s true that clothes do make the man (or woman). Even though you may be depressed or discouraged about your job search, your clothes have to say, “smart, professional and appropriate". Here are the seven worst fashion mistakes for job seekers:
1. The frumpy look. If it’s been a year since your last job, the clothes in your closet may be out of date. Frumpy, out-of-date clothing makes you look and seem older. So ditch the plaid sport coat, bell bottom, sans-a-belt trousers and gypsy skirts. If it looks like your great aunt or uncle wore it to your last family reunion, get rid of it.
If you’ve been out of work for awhile, you’re probably getting pretty comfortable in your old ratty jeans and t-shirt, at least those of you who manage to get out of your bathrobe and slippers before the Price is Right comes on at 11 a.m. (EST). It may be a long time since you bounced out of bed at 6 a.m., showered, shaved, dressed and whatever else before whisking out the door by 7 a.m.
Aside from the fact that that seems like it would take an enormous amount of energy, the work-appropriate clothes in your closet may not make it any more. Since the layoff, you may have put on a few (a lot?) extra pounds or lost a few too many, and nothing fits anymore. Without a job, it’s tough to think of spending money on new clothes just for an interview that may not pan out. However, it’s true that clothes do make the man (or woman). Even though you may be depressed or discouraged about your job search, your clothes have to say, “smart, professional and appropriate". Here are the seven worst fashion mistakes for job seekers:
1. The frumpy look. If it’s been a year since your last job, the clothes in your closet may be out of date. Frumpy, out-of-date clothing makes you look and seem older. So ditch the plaid sport coat, bell bottom, sans-a-belt trousers and gypsy skirts. If it looks like your great aunt or uncle wore it to your last family reunion, get rid of it.
2. Too short. This goes for skirts and men’s pants. A man can be in a designer suit, but if the pants are too short, it looks like his mom dressed him up that morning. And ladies, always sit down in a skirt before you wear it in public. Nothing is more distracting than having to tug at a skirt that rides up past decent length during an interview.
3. Too long. Long skirts belong on the prairie or at a Love-in, not an interview. Men’s pants should have a break in the leg, but not bunched up at the ankle in folds. If the suit jacket is too big and the sleeves hang over your knuckles, you will look like you borrowed you dad’s suit. Have your suit professionally altered. The investment will be worth it.
4. Too loud or too busy. The interview is not the time to look like you are going to a Halloween or tailgate party. Bright colors and busy patterns on shirts, blouses, socks, hosiery or jackets can be distracting and hard to pull off. Stick to basic black, navy blue or grey for suits. White or blue shirts or blouses, and for men a subtle tie. Leave the extra bling at home. Less is more for the interview.
5. No backpacks. Even if it’s Coach Leather, a back pack still says college kid or hiking in the woods. A backpack on a Boomer would say, “…hasn’t left the 60’s.” Invest in a good portfolio for taking notes and carrying at least two copies of your impeccable resume and list of references and a pen (without the phone number of the local Chinese carry-out).
6. Bluetooth ear sets, clip-on cell phones and ear pods of any kind. You should come to the interview disconnected—from electronic media, that is.
7. No toes. I have seen women come in strappy stilettos and men in sandals. I don’t particularly want to see your toes during the interview. After you get the job and learn about the dress code, you may display your manicured toes to the world. A professional manicure is another must-have investment for the interview. Many people talk with their hands, so yours will be on center stage.
Have you experienced or observed a fashion mistake in your job search? Share them with other job seekers in the comments.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for BusinessWorkForce.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at businessworkforceblog.com and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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