Got Your Game Suit On?

For all my dear employment-seekers:
Allow me to share with you my perspective as a recruiter and how I expect you to dress for an interview. We're both well aware the market is as competitive today as it was throughout 2008-2009. What you wear to your interview can land you the position or blow it for you. I'm still shocked to see my candidates arrive at my office like they're dressed for a business casual Friday. Keep in mind that your interview with me (a recruiter) is just as important as your interview with a prospective employer. If the position is temporary or temp to hire in nature, I am your employer! You have one chance to show me how serious you are about your career, how polished you will present to my clients and you'll show me you mean business. I can tell within a few minutes of meeting someone or almost instantly, if the candidate (based on presentation) would be great for client So and So. I've already carefully reviewed your resume - so when I shake your hand, I want to be able to match your terrific qualifications on paper, to a neat and tidy, polished applicant in person. You don't have to be wearing an Armani suit to pull this off.

If I had two candidates with the same amount of experience, same level of education, same skill set and one wore a sharp suit and the other wore a pair of slacks and casual top, who do you think I'd present to my client who is looking for a top-notch assistant? If you wore the latter, you automatically took yourself off my radar. Of course, coaching is part of my interview. But really? Do we have to review business dress attire?

Points to keep in mind during your interview:

• Please...take off your coat! Stay a while. Nothing is more odd than interviewing someone who is wearing a bulky coat. I've even had a candidate keep her purse over one shoulder throughout the entire interview!
  
• Your suit jacket should be able to button comfortably; and your pants should be hemmed. I should be able to check out your shoes!
• Skirt suits are great! As long as the length is modest. Don't forget to wear conservative hoses and appropriate business shoes or heels. Strappy, party sandals should not be part of your professional game suit.
• Choose a color suit that portrays your professionalism. A flaming orange or yellow suit may not be appropriate in most settings.
• Large hoop earrings are never professional.
• Wearing a ring on each finger is never professional.
• Lip, eyebrow, nose and tongue piercings are not going to portray you in a professional light when reaching out for your dream position. I'm all for self-expression and individuality, but we're talking about interviewing for a professional position here. We're also talking about interviewing in "Hampton Roads, VA". This isn't NYC and it surely is not LA. So, yes, try to hide your tattoos, if you can. If you land the job, there will be plenty of time to show off your cool artwork once your foot is in the door and you have established credibility.
  
• Clear nail polish is great! Chipped nail polish is not.
  
• Do not hold your head up with your hands. I write this -- remember -- from experience.
• Get rid of the gum while parking the car and take a moment to get yourself together if you're windblown while walking into the building. Yes, it's possible to wear a business suit and look a hot mess.
  

Remember, your first impression is critical to recruiters. Your attire sets the tone for the interview and can very possibly give you the advantage "edge" you need to compete in this market. Put your game suit on!

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