Traditional Couture vs Biz Casual

HELP LOUIE!

How Do I Dress for an Interview in a Business-Casual World?
Just a few years ago, everyone knew the answer to this question. The standard interview uniform was suit and tie for men, and a suit with a skirt for women. Anyone arriving at work in a new suit was presumed to be interviewing elsewhere that day. But now that workplace dress codes have relaxed, both men and women have more choices when it comes to interview attire.

Does That Mean the Uniform Is Out?
Not necessarily. It's still important to make a good impression. You just face more decisions about how to do that.

How Will I Decide What to Wear to the Interview?
Remember, each company has an individual culture and environment. Although most of my clients are in a Business Casual to Casual environment such as my traditional Mortgage Brokers and even my direct Lenders it's important to find out what the standard is for the company before the interview. When you schedule the interview, ask just what would be appropriate. Or call the human resources department and ask what the company's dress code is. Sometimes an interviewer will tell you what to wear: "We don't dress up here, so a suit is not necessary." Some people actually go to the place where they will be interviewing and stand outside at lunchtime or after work to check out employees' clothes.
If you are interviewing at an actual bank institution or Internet company, it's always best to keep your outfit on the conservative side.

If Not a Suit, Then What Should I Wear?
Now I am not your mother or your hired stylist, but a good rule of thumb that I suggest is to wear something somewhat dressier than what the employees wear to work. Never wear jeans and a T-shirt, especially slogan T-shirts. If you do that…its basically interview suicide.
I don't care if it's FRIDAY CASUAL DAY. While under my payroll and watchful eye, it's Business Casual always unless specifically told by myself or your immediate on-site supervisor. A jacket is always a safe bet for men and women, with slacks or a skirt. Somehow a jacket seems to pull the outfit together and can cover a multitude of figure problems as well. But the suit is still a staple in some professions. Salespeople like Loan Officers and Account Executives for example, polo shirts and some khaki's. That's fine ONCE YOU ARE HIRED. I suggest and prefer the suited look, as with other professionals such as lawyers and traditional bankers. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it fits properly and is of the best quality you can afford. What seems like a big investment now will pale in comparison when you get the job.

What Do You Think About Women Wearing Pants or a Pantsuit to the Interview?
I say if you can pull it off…GO FOR IT. However, this question is still somewhat controversial. Some hiring managers say women should always wear a skirt. But a recent issue of Biography magazine offers proof the rules are changing. A feature about first ladies shows several presidents' wives, dating back to the 1900s. All the women pictured are wearing skirts and dresses, until Hillary Clinton. Clinton is wearing her now-trademark pantsuit.

What you wear on the outside is the interviewer's picture of you on the inside. Remember that the Reflection you make has a direct Reflection on Yourself, BancForce and most important…ME!

You’ve Got The Look…

What type of look that is depends on YOU! The only thing I have to say is as a financial professional…you should know what the dress standard is for any interview. So when I send you to my most trusted client…the question is not "What to wear" but "What NOT to wear". Let's face reality, in every job interview, you're going to be judged -- at least partially -- by how you look. This varies depending on the industry and the job you're interviewing for. Here's some general attire expectations for eight career areas:

FINANCE (Banks/Credit Unions):
"Nothing is more precise and exact than managing money," says Pamela Holland, chief operating officer for Brody Communications in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and coauthor of Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move? "You cannot afford to have a hair out of place. Full business professional attire is required and expected."

"For women, the finance uniform includes a pantsuit or skirt suit in black or navy and a pastel or white dress shirt," says Dona DeZube, Monster Finance Careers Expert. "For men, the choices are a navy blue suit or a navy blue suit."

Technology
"If you're applying for a technical position, you won't need a suit," says Carole Martin, a former Monster contributor and author of Boost Your Interview IQ. "A collared shirt and khakis or slacks would work. Same goes for women -- sweater or blouse and slacks or a skirt."

But upgrade your attire if you're interviewing for a higher-level job. "You dress in the best clothes you have," says David Perry, managing director for Ottawa, Canada-based high tech recruiting firm Perry-Martel International and author of Career Guide for the High-Tech Professional. "No exceptions."

Government
A conservatively colored suit is best for the government job interview, says Holland. "Don't be flashy," she says. "This is a time to show you're responsible, trustworthy and honest."

But a bit of color is OK, whether you're a man or a woman, says Kathryn Troutman, Monster Federal Career Coach and author of Ten Steps to a Federal Job.

"Be conservative with jewelry, makeup and hairstyles," says Troutman. "Be conservative overall." But "the days of all white shirts for men in government need to end," she adds.

Human Resources
A suit is the best choice for an HR interview too, but for a slightly different reason, according to Martin.
"You must look professional and authoritative," she says. "You'll need the look that you could handle any crisis and be dependable."

Sales
Typically, a suit is the uniform for a sales interview. After all, stresses Martin, "who would want to buy from a guy in a T-shirt and jeans?"

But you might be able to go with bolder designs and colors, says Holland. "The product or service you're representing will determine how classic versus trendy/fashionable you should be," she explains.

Automotive
"Here's an exception where a potential employer will understand if you have a little dirt or grease under your nails," says Holland. "You still want to look as neat as possible, but a suit is probably not necessary."

That is, unless you're interviewing at a high-end dealership, says Heidi Nelson, a personnel counselor for Car People Oregon, a Portland, Oregon, automotive staffing service for new-car dealerships. In that case, Nelson says, "I would dress up a bit more."

Hospitality
Image is particularly critical in the hospitality industry, says Martin. A suit is appropriate for some positions but not always a must. However, you always need to make a great initial impression.

"You're representing the company, and you may be the first person seen," she says.

Trades
John Coffey worked as a factory production manager for years before becoming a career coach. His take on appropriate attire for an interview in the trades: Business casual.

"For men, this might be a nice pair of Dockers and a buttoned shirt, along with well-kept and polished shoes," says Coffey, career success officer for Winning Careers in Woodbury, Minnesota. "The same goes for women -- nice slacks and a professional business top. I think a suit or sports jacket for this type of work is overkill."

Of course, one industry's excess is another industry's underdressed. Investing some time and money in creating a suitable interview wardrobe, will invite others to easily invest right back into you."