| Ever wondered why you didn't land your dream job? | | | | may be a far cry from your usual clothing, but |
| You rehearsed for your interview, researched the | | | | remember, you are trying to present your best |
| company, and appeared to be a qualified applicant at | | | | professional image, not your personal tastes. |
| the interview. Perhaps, it was your career apparel | | | | If you wear contacts, put your glasses on. Your hair |
| choice that made that man behind the desk turn up his | | | | should be tied back in a bun or tightly-secured pony tail. |
| nose. | | | | Make-up should be minimal, wearing no bright eye |
| Even if it is just a restaurant or thrift store in which you | | | | shadow or lipstick. Career apparel is all about looking |
| are applying for, showing up in casual street clothes is | | | | smart and sophisticated, and being able to pull it off. |
| always a no-no. Selecting the appropriate and classy | | | | For men, depending on the company's reputation, a |
| career apparel could make or break your chances of | | | | nice knit sweater with a collared shirt underneath might |
| getting the job. | | | | suffice for career apparel for the interview. If not, stick |
| The first thing you should do is analyze the | | | | to the traditional pin-striped button-down shirt with a |
| atmosphere of the company that you're applying to. Is | | | | solid tie and khaki or black dress pants. No tennis |
| it a laid-back atmosphere? Are there a lot of cleaning | | | | shoes! Try loafers or polished dress shoes. |
| duties or stocking tasks involved? Or, is it a high-class | | | | If you are interviewing for a more relaxed |
| establishment where employees are consistently | | | | establishment (like a pet store, newspaper delivery or |
| dressed in Sunday best career apparel? Do some | | | | fast-food restaurant) or for a physical labor job, |
| investigating by popping in one day to observe what | | | | dressing in black tie career apparel may be a bit over |
| other employees are wearing. Talk to former | | | | the top. Instead opt for comfortable career apparel- |
| employees about the expectations of the business's | | | | within reason. Wearing blue jeans is an interview taboo. |
| supervisor. | | | | Go for casual tan corduroy or cotton pants and a |
| If you are applying for a position with a big-league | | | | long-sleeved knit top. Keep it simple, but make sure |
| business (such as a bank, high-class retail store, | | | | you appear clean-cut, well put together and polished. |
| investment company, etc.), wear nothing short than | | | | For women, add a pair of small gold earrings. For men, |
| high-class polished career apparel. Even if you are in | | | | flourish with a nice wrist watch. |
| your 20s, dressing as if you are 10 years older will give | | | | While career apparel is important in impressing your |
| you a mature and professional air. | | | | prospective boss, be sure to adlib extras that will |
| For women's career apparel, you might choose to | | | | make your face memorable: smile a lot, speak clearly |
| wear a white button-down blouse, a long black skirt or | | | | and concisely, be knowledgeable about the expected |
| dress pants, panty hose and black flat shoes. This | | | | work duties, and above all, be courteous and polite. |