We dedicate today’s article as to how ladies should groom themselves when attending a job interview. Lets begin…
The choice of Suit
A simple two piece suit is always a winner. It is also best to opt for a skirt suit rather than a trouser suit. This is because you don’t want to offend the sense of your interviewer who may be religious and may not take kindly to a woman wearing trouser. After securing the job you can still wear your trouser suit if it is allowed. Your suit should fit you and not tighten your body or your buttocks. It should look comfortable and provide you with room to breathe.
Shirt or Blouse
You are better off in a white or any pastel color. A blue shirt is another option as long as the color is light and not strong. Please avoid shirt or blouses with inscriptions. They look unprofessional and can be distracting to the interviewer. If you are attending an interview without a Jacket on make sure you either wear a long or short sleeve shirt.
Hair care
Your hair should be washed, clean and must be pulled back and away from your face. This gives you a professional look and allows focus on face and person and not on your hair. There should be no strand dangling in front of you.
Jewelry
Simple jewelry will be your best bet. Studs are especially appropriate during interview. Avoid wearing loud and bogus bangles. Not to be worn are long dangling earrings, a simple thin necklace if you must wear one. Remember no foot chain as well.
Shoes
Ladies should wear dark colored shoes. This is not the time to don your platform shoes. A pair of simple two or three inch high shoes will do. Remember no open toes or peep toe shoes. Polish your shoes before you put them on. Neutral colours are always a winner too.
Bag
A medium sized bag to hold your personal effects along with a small folder or briefcase is in order. Please do not carry a gigantic bag large enough to hold a baby or a large traveling bag. It’s an interview not a vacation!
Make up
Your make up should be kept simple and light. It’s an interview you are attending not a party! So ensure that you wear only day make up which should complement your look. Neutral colours, our safest choice.
Personal hygiene
Ladies should carry neat and not an overly long nails. Learn to avoid brightly colored fingernails Keep your nail polish either neutral or transparent. Just as with the men use a deodorant or an antiperspirant if you sweat a lot. You really don’t want the interview panel opening windows and doors as soon as you walk in..
Personal Image
Use your perfume sparingly. Strong perfume can be a turn off for some people. Do not pour on. A few dab here there or a little spray is all you need. Do not display any tattoos you may have acquired. Cover them up. It does not give out a professional impression.
That said the vital point to remember is that employers have a tendency of associating shabby dressing with shabby work out put. The notion is that if a prospective employee does not care enough to groom themselves properly, such tardy approach to grooming will equally be applied to duties assigned them. So they end up not recruiting you! All the best in your job hunt. Don’t forget to remember me in paradise (smile) when you land the job. Send some cedis along! Have a fantastic weekend!
EMMA ADDO-OWUSU (Mrs.)
She is an image consultant with key focus on providing personalized training to individuals and staff of business institutions with the aim of enhancing their professional, business and social image. She has over 8 years’ experience in the personal and corporate image management industry. She has provided numerous professional training to individuals, companies and organizations. She has also worked as: Former Columnist, Mirror Newspaper- “Fashion and Style Segment” Consultant “GTV Breakfast Show” Guest Facilitator – JOY BUSINESS MASTERCLASS SERIES ON – Personal Branding and Business Etiquette……….Founder – KOBADEM Image Training Institute
