Well-dressed man – Photo Courtesy: Carsten Linke
When you are searching for a job, or even a potential career, the way you dress and present yourself is very important. It is always best to wear professional clothing; this shows that you are serious about the job opportunity and you are, more than likely, experienced in that job field.
You should always wear office attire when you’re on the hunt for a new job. Here a few of the important things to keep in mind while you are trying to get a job.
Clothing
For Women
For women, a pant suit is a great option. You should always wear a nice blouse that isn’t low cut or too tight, or small for you because it is crucial not to offend anyone by what you are wearing. If you plan to wear heels when meeting potential employers, the heel of the shoe should stay at or below 2.5 to 3 inches. It is also more professional to wear closed toe shoes, rather than open ones.
For Men
Men should also wear either a suit or trousers with a long sleeved buttoned down collared shirt. A nice tie will bring the outfit together; however you should wear a plain tie rather than one with a crazy pattern or design. A pair of dark colored men’s dress shoes will complete the professional appearance needed to get the potential employer’s attention.
Everyone who meets potential employers should look clean and confident. You should be shaved, clean cut, have tattoos covered, and have your hair and makeup done appropriately.
Materials
There are certain materials that are essential to a successful job search. For example, you must always carry two pens with you. You need a pen for filling out applications, writing down your contact information, and so on. The second pen is just a backup, in case the first one dries out. This may sound silly to some of us; however, having a pen with you shows that you are prepared and organized.
You should always bring your Identification Card or Driver’s License along with your resume. These days, many employers ask to take a copy of your I.D. or Driver’s License, which is why you should always carry it with you. After filling out an application, it is best to hand in your resume with it. This allows the potential employer to see your extra skills and credentials that the application didn’t ask for.
Bringing your resume is also important because with the current technology existing in the world now, many applications are accepted online only. Therefore, if you stop at a business that only allows you to complete it online, you can ask them to keep your resume on file to be attached to the application. This shows that you are very much prepared and serious about working with that company.
Information & Follow Up
Before leaving each company’s office, it is extremely crucial to get the manager’s or personnel manager’s information. Whether that means taking a business card or asking them for it, you need to get their information. It is best to get the company name, the manager’s name, phone number and email address, if possible. You will need this information so that you can follow up with the companies that you apply at.
Follow up is very important when you are searching for a job because it shows that you are serious, persistent, and want the job badly. It is best to follow up by phone 5 to 7 days after first applying. You don’t want to follow up too early; you have to remember that they are busy managing a company. Once you have called and asked about the status of your application, you can then follow up in-person after another week or so. Following up shows that you are committed but you don’t want to bother the potential employer to the point of being a nuisance.
If you are on a job search, these tips will help you to have the perfect appearance and the best chances of getting an interview, or even getting the job.
Alex Stanton is an intern comparing different online mba degree programs to find the right one for him.
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