Chapter 4: Master Your Interview Skills
Professional Image and Attire
Your professional image and visual presentation weighs heavily on an employer’s impression of you. It is important to note that different employers and environments will have differing expectations of formality when it comes to dress codes, for example, a construction company may be much more casual than a law office. As a general rule, focus on dressing one step above what they would wear to work. This may involve researching the company beforehand or asking the person who has called to schedule the interview what the dress code is. Use the images below to help you to prepare.
- Avoid any clothing that is too tight, revealing, or uncomfortable.
- Have polished, clean shoes and avoid shoes that may be difficult to walk in.
- Choose solid colours and subtle patterns, avoid distracting patterns or bright colours.
- Avoid noisy or distracting jewellery, watches, and heavy makeup.
- Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and not wrinkly.
- Ensure you are well-groomed by having clean and neat hair.
- Be aware of scent-free policies.
FEMININE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
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- TOP: Light coloured, collared blouse, tucked in
- SUIT: Typically two pieces in black, charcoal or navy
- BOTTOMS: Skirts are not shorter than two fingers above the knee with minimal slits, pants are wrinkle-free and fitted
- ACCESSORIES: Minimal and conservative jewellery can be worn, avoid anything that’s dangling or distracting.
- SHOES: Matching, closed toe, polished shoes with a low to moderate heel
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- HOSIERY Wear black or neutral hosiery with a skirt
- NAILS: Neutral polished nails or none at all, avoid bold colours and remove if chipping
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FEMININE BUSINESS CASUAL
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- TOP: Tailored shirts, blouses or sweaters with a conservative neckline
- BOTTOMS: Skirts are not shorter than two fingers above the knee with minimal slits, pants are wrinkle free and fitted. Khaki or other colours are appropriate
- ACCESSORIES: Several pieces of jewellery can be worn, avoid being flashy. Belt should match shoes
- SHOES: Matching, closed or opened toe, polished shoes with a low to moderate heel
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- HOSIERY Wear black or neutral hosiery with a skirt
- NAILS: Neutral polished nails or none at all, avoid bold colours and remove if chipping
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MASCULINE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
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- TOP: A solid coloured, button up dress shirt, tucked in
- TIE: Conservative pattern or solid colour, hang to belt line
- SUIT: Typically two to three piece suit in black, charcoal or navy
- BOTTOMS: Wrinkle free and fitted pants that break just above your shoe
- SOCKS: Dark colours that match attire
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the colour of your shoes
- NAILS: : Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed toe shoes
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MASCULINE BUSINESS CASUAL
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- TOP: Subtly coloured or patterned button up shirt, tucked in
- TIE: Optional, conservative pattern or solid colour, hang to belt line
- BOTTOMS: Dress pants, khaki or other coloured fitted pants
- SOCKS: Colours that match attire
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the colour of your shoes
- NAILS: : Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed toe shoes
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GENDER NEUTRAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
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- TOPS: Sweater, subtly coloured or patterned collared shirt, tucked in
- SUIT: Typically two to three piece suit in black, charcoal or navy
- BOTTOMS: Wrinkle free and fitted pants that break just above your shoe
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the colour of your shoes
- SOCKS: Colours that match attire
- NAILS: : Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed toe shoes
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GENDER NEUTRAL BUSINESS CASUAL
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- TOPS: Sweater, sweater vest, subtly coloured or patterned button up shirt,
tucked in
- BOTTOMS: Dress pants, khaki or other coloured fitted pants
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the colour of your shoes
- SOCKS: Colours that match attire
- NAILS: : Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed toe shoes
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