Make the Right Impression: Dress for the Task at Hand
Being in a position where I am working with several people and providing them with instructions on how to interview and how to make a great first impression has reminded me of one of the simplest, yet often overlooked, ways to put your best foot forward for an interview. The saying "dress for the job you want, not the job you have" has been around for some time now and holds true to this day. But I also think we should “dress for the task at hand!”
It is both fortunate and unfortunate that initial impressions can be very lasting. On the one hand, see it for the opportunity that it is. By putting on your Sunday best for your interview, you are already increasing your chances of standing out to the hiring manager. The most common mistake a new employee can make is under dressing. If you find yourself in your closet, towel chic, wondering whether you should wear the top that “pookie” gave you for your birthday to your interview… you most likely shouldn’t! Business professional attire should not take hesitation, my friend.
To make the right impression at work, remember these simple steps:
Appearance matters, don’t wear an outfit that would make Joan Rivers turn in her tomb. Choose the traditional route, it always works!
Casual Friday does not mean Miley Cyrus at the AMA’s. Common sense standards of casual wear should always be in place.
Dress as you want to be seen. If you’re going to work, think suit and tie (men), if you’re on your way to Cat Science class, uh… well you get the point.
On your first day at a new job, it’s better to over-dress rather than under-dress. If you dress too formally, a colleague will nudge you in the ribs and say, “Nice outfit sunshine, you know we are in a contact center right?” That beats the boss thinking that that you don’t take your opportunity seriously. Uh-oh!
Like everything else at work, especially when starting a new job, you’re under a microscopic view. Details matter. Coworkers are looking. Managers are judging. Some people, especially young employees, overlook this basic point and flub the obvious. How you dress will tell the boss what you’re aiming for and it demonstrates respect towards your title.
So to keep this article short and sweet, if you’re interviewing, button up. If you’re doing labor work, button down. If you’re going swimming, lose the buttons! Many companies nowadays are casual Friday attire every day of the week, but if you really want to put your best foot forward and show them not only who you are now but potentially who you aspire to be, "dress for the job you want, not the job you have" and “dress for the task at hand!”