Corporate Moves, Inc.

           Executive Search, Recruitment and Succession Planning

Some of the information below will seem "obvious" to some and might even be offensive to others, even though it's not intended to be. The information is supplied to help those who need it and those who may not have been aware that they need the help. If you've been getting first interviews and nothing more it may be wise to read through the suggestions. We also suggest these pages as the first step for recent college grads looking for a way into their career path.

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Self Image...  

You don't have to look like a Model, but you do need to make sure you look like the best you. If you're interviewing for a professional level position you need to look "professional".

It is always a good idea to find out how the employees dress at the company where you will be interviewing  before your interview and to dress in a similar manner. If you will be interviewing with a typical large business; the top 500 type, the following information will be appropriate for most interviews.

If you've been wearing your "Interview Suit" for more than three years chances are it's time to update your wardrobe. This is the time to go to a good store and buy a quality outfit; a well fitting current style suit in a season appropriate business color.

Many small to mid size businesses have adopted very casual attire, it isn't appropriate for first interviews. Research the company style before your interview and dress in a similar manner.

Generally speaking, a male candidate will find that a navy blue suit in a good light worsted wool will work for all but the hottest temperatures. Add in a professionally cleaned and pressed white shirt (no stains, frayed areas or missing buttons) that fits well - no pulling of buttons or too tight collar, a classic Rep tie or other conservative tie - think classic, understated and traditional - no cartoon characters or political statements.

Women - A black or navy blue pant suit that is in current style with a coordinating shell or blouse - not low cut,  not see through or too tight. A skirted suit is also appropriate if the skirt is of business length and well fitting. People interviewing in Advertising, Media, Fashion and other leading edge image industries will be better received if they dress in a more trendy style.

Keep your jewelry simple - wedding/engagement ring or one ring per ring finger, simple earrings and a good watch. This isn't the time to flash a lot of jewelry. Understated and professional; you and your talents should shine more than your jewels.

If you're transitioning from college to work you have to dress like a business person and not a student. Remove any visible body piercing if you're interviewing with a traditional business. If possible, cover tattoos, eliminate chunky wild coloring in your hair, cover your midriff, remove the baseball caps, remove earrings from male ears and basically wear the "uniform" that is expected in the workplace. It may not feel right to you or it may feel oppressive, but that's the price you have to pay in order to be considered seriously for a career position. 

If you're interviewing with a young company who has an open policy on dress be yourself, wear what you'd normally wear for work.

When you decide to start a job search you need to schedule an appointment with a good hair stylist. Ask their honest opinion of your current appearance. If you have had the same hairstyle for a while it may be time to update to a current style especially if you are making a midlife career change. You may have years of experience but you need to have an energetic, current look and attitude without taking it too far.

If you are a man and find yourself tempted to do a "comb over", don't!  Talk to your stylist and shorten up the "flap", a good looking, confident bald man is a lot more appealing and accepted than a guy trying to hide his scalp with pasted down strands of hair.

Similar advice for women; listen to your stylist; no ultra "statement" hair for interviews. This isn't the time for punk stripes or wash and run hair. If you've been wearing your hair the same way for "years" it's time to change to a more current look.

Buy new shoes if your dress shoes show any signs of wear, run down heels, scuffed toes or dirt is a sign of someone who doesn't pay attention to their appearance or details.

If you wear glasses and have not updated to new frames in the past three or four years you probably need new frames. Glasses can make you look great and in style or they can date you and make you look like you're stuck in a different era. Frames are fashion accessories on some levels; outdated style or lenses and cracked or chewed frames will be noticed and you'll lose points.

Perfume and Aftershave: Less is better. You shouldn't leave a mark with your "scent"; let them remember how impressive your interview was, not the overwhelming power of your fragrance. If it can be smelled before someone wraps their arms around you, you have too much on for an interview.

Personal hygiene: Freshly showered, hair washed - dandruff control if necessary and styled/cut, deodorant, teeth brushed and flossed - schedule a professional cleaning at your Dentist's office if you haven't been there in six months or more, nails clean and neatly manicured - women should go with a clear or pale nail polish and not wear long extensions, if you bite your nails go have artificial nails applied before the interview, nose and ear hair trimmed - women's "shadows" waxed. We don't want to insult anyone but we've found out the hard way that not everyone has the same standards of personal hygiene. An Interview day is not a good time to let habits slide, you should appear fresh, clean and professional.

After the first interview it is appropriate to dress according to the interviewing company's style. If the employees wear professional casual clothing; clean pressed chinos and button down collar shirt without a tie, it's generally okay for the candidate to dress in a similar manner. It doesn't hurt to wear a tie and blazer with the chinos; you can always remove the tie. Women should wear flattering slacks and a good looking, professional top or blazer and shirt. Business casual is the best bet as long as you wear closed toe shoes, never sandals, slides or flip flops.

People hire people they relate to and feel comfortable with; a clean, nicely dressed person who has taken the time and made the effort to present themselves in a professional manner will have a better chance of selling their talents and abilities than one who has made no effort in their personal presentation.