In today’s competitive employment world most people are
interested in “standing out” from the crowd. But, think
again when it comes to the image you present to your
prospective employer. What are they looking for? What
does their culture support? Will the image you present
blend in – or standout, and which is best?
The answer is really “both”. Yet, how can you possibly
standout and blend at the same time? And what does that
mean when it comes to your “image” anyway? Simple…
research! From the employers point of view the fact that
you have taken time to research your fit and taken steps to
be sure you blend with the culture is what will help you
standout. So, how do you make this trick happen?
Research is the single most important thing you can do
before gracing the doorway of your prospective employer.Â
Check their website – what’s the look? Formal, casual or
somewhere in-between? Be sure to view the online photos of
the top executives- what’s their look? Are they all in
suits and ties – or polo shirts and khakis? And if casual,
what area? Is it the Engineering, IT, Finance? What area
will you be interviewing in? Many employer websites these
days have a specific area with information to help
candidates get to know the environment before they arrive.
But, don’t end your research there. Check the newswire and
read articles, view photos. Network and find out what
others know about the culture. If local, take a drive to
the company and park near the door. See what the people
who are coming and going are wearing. If you’ve got a
recruiter by all means “ask”. But, also ask if the
recruiter has ever met personally with the individuals
you’ll be meeting with. Keep in mind that often recruiters
have never set foot on the premises, let alone met with the
client personally. They may have done all their work via
phone conversations.
Also, if you’re in communication with the Human Resources
Professional check on what they believe is appropriate
attire and if there are any expectations you should be
aware of in advance. What’s the impression this will leave
with them? You prepare in advance and pay attention to
details. And please, the question is not “What should I
wear”? This will sound insecure and nervous nelly.
Instead, simply say, “Are there any specifics that you’d
like me to plan for in advance? Any particular attire you
would suggest or will there be any presentations expected?
This will allow for a free-flow of conversation.
The idea behind all this research is – you want give the
employer the “feel” that you already work there. If it is
a casual organization and people are in jeans and polo’s,
you are going to be uncomfortable in a three-piece suit,
shiny shoes and tie included. Impressive yes; but remember
you want them talking about how well you will fit in and
not “He was fine, but the suits got to go”. In other
words, don’t leave them talking more about what you wore to
the interview than about what a great fit you’ll be. Don’t
balk at this – I bet you can probably bring back a memory
right now about someone you remember who walked into an
interview clearly out of sync with the company. Right?
Women should remember what would take away a good “blend”
too. Low cut shirts, high thin heels, anything extreme or
loud (patterns, colors, jewelry). And here is a piece of
advice that stands for both men and women; don’t wear any
fragrance the day of your interview. You never know
whether the person interviewing you has allergies or may
just be repelled by the scent. This can end your interview
before it even gets started.
So, with all that said – whether you’re interviewing in
high tech, or vogue fashion – research, research, research
and remember, blend so that who you are will standout.
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About the Author
Robin Ogden is a founder of FiredUP Careers, a career
coaching company focusing on career products and services
for professionals who wish to stay aligned with their
careers, achieve success and truly dig what they do. For
more information about FiredUP Careers and to receive our
FREE ‘career death traps’ report, visit
http://www.firedupcareers.com
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