You must have heard the saying that a first impression can make or break a business opportunity or relationship. That includes anything from meeting customers, pitching your business to new clients, to dating for a romantic partner, and of course very much to job interviewing.
If you are old enough, you may recall the shampoo commercial, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression".
How true that old commercial is by the way. It takes less than a second for your brain to decide if you like – or not – that other person you are meeting. It's your appearance that is usually the first reference for people. Needless to say, in a job interview situation you must be aware of how important it is to quickly make a brilliant first impression.
Just for the record, the dress code for a job interview may also be what you are expected to follow once you get the job; but there are many companies where you are allowed to be more relaxed and casual.
Single most important dress code advice
Probably the single most important advice I can give you; dress in a way that says you mean business, dress smartly for the interview and rather be overdressed than seen as disrespectful, cheap and untidy.
You must dress the same way whether meeting a recruiter or the hiring manager. Remember that a third party- or corporate recruiter (HR, Talent Acquisition) is a filter and will make his or her own judgment if your style matches the client's culture.
What exactly is our first judgment based on?
The first judgement the interviewer makes is based on how you look, your appearance from hair to shoes, what you are wearing, body language, your smile, and even your hand shake and greetings.
Dressing appropriately for the job interview is an important aspect of introducing yourself; as essential as presenting your work experience and answering the interview questions.
Certain jobs have, over time, developed their own dress code culture. Take creative professions such as advertising where you see a more casual and relaxed dress code. Staff in the creative departments have no rules and can turn up in Lady Gaga outfits (read: silly and outrageous), but there are still other expectations for a more conservative style when working in marketing or accounting. So as an accountant interviewing for a job in advertising, but dressed like a creative, will not do you any favours.
How should men dress?
You want to wear professional or business attire. Even the company you are interviewing with is known for casual dress code and no one wears a tie or a jacket, your first meeting with the HR or hiring manager is getting the wow, great first impression, building an instant rapport.
The minimum is a neutral coloured shirt with a matching tie, dark trousers and really good shoes. Jacket or not really depends on the type of business; if businesses like banking, finance, and consulting where jacket or a suit is the norm, you must dress that way.
I would always advise that you buy an expensive pair of business shoes even before buying your second jacket or suit.
But again, dress in a way that says you mean business, dress smartly for the interview and rather be overdressed than seen as disrespectful, cheap and untidy.
The Cavemen look, the David Beckham look, the scruffy look, the three-day beard look; whatever you call it, it's a turn-off for many and not exactly attractive. Being clean-shaven and sharp will elevate your look and add positively to the all-important first impression.
How should women dress for a job in the city?
If you are interviewing for a job in the city, not at a factory, dress conservatively like a pencil skirt and a blazer (jacket), closed-toe shoes (shoes that completely cover the toes), light make-up, discrete earrings and jewellery accessories, no nail polish or polish that matches your skin.
Pencil skirt you male readers may ask? A pencil skirt is a slim-fitting skirt with a straight, narrow cut. Generally the hem falls to the knees, or just below, and is tailored for a close fit. It is named for its shape: long and slim like a pencil.
Do shoes really make a woman? Absolutely. And absolutely. An industry that has figured this out the best is the hospitality industry. Go to any hotel lobby and observe. The female staff are all wearing closed-toe shoes, black, brown or neutral colour. It you are comfortable wearing heels, then by all means go for it. If not, then opt for a good pair of flats. Stay classy with whatever choice, because a great pair of shoes is the finishing touch that seals the deal.
Dress code if working in a factory?
But what if you are working in a factory and wear a uniform every day? If you are taking time off during a working day to attend a job interview, but must return to work right after the interview, do two things:
- Tell the recruiter or HR that you will be coming from work wearing the company uniform, and must return to work, and ask that they inform the hiring manager if that is who you interview with.
- When you arrive for the interview, you may wish to say sorry that you wear a uniform because you come from work and will return to work after the meeting.
If you don't use a uniform, or perhaps have taken a day off to attend a job interview, then men should wear a tie but with no jacket. Yes, a tie, even though that will be the first and last time because of local safety precautions. But it does enhance the first impression and is a sign of respect to the manager you are meeting. A white or single coloured shirt will do well.
In a factory environment, slacks (pants, trousers) for women combined with just a shirt will be acceptable.
What not to wear at a job interview!
- Ladies, coming for a job interview dressed as you were heading for the night-club on Saturday night, will simply not do it. You are wasting your time turing up in a very short skirt and plunging neckline, extreme facial piercing, big hoop earrings, excessive jewellery, and heavy make-up.
- Gentlemen, you may be proud of your nose, ear or lips piercing, your cool tattoos, your light make-up and eye mascara, your extremely long fingernails, but believe me, you are not making it easier for yourself if your dream is to work for a multi-national company.
As you know, I have made a living from interviewing candidates the past 15 years here in Thailand. I have first-hand experience in "first impressions" and how some candidates start off on the wrong foot by not respecting the dress code.
Style isn't expensive, fashion is!
When you feel good in what you are wearing, you will feel confident and positive. Do not go overboard in acquiring fashion and designer brands. You need to dress appropriately and through the right choice, you show respect to the interviewer.
You also need to know the definitions of formal, business attire, informal, and the often-used "smart casual". The Macquarie Dictionary defines smart casual as "well-dressed in a casual style". Oxford defines it as "neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style, especially as worn to conform to a particular dress code".
Here is a short anecdote about how different nationalities understood the casual dress code:
The story goes that the Prime Minister of a neighbouring country had invited guests to a reception, with a dress code announced as "casual". The Japanese turned up wearing suits, Americans came in long sleeved shirts with ties but no jackets, and the Australians arrived in thongs, shorts and T-shirts. What do you think were the reactions of the welcoming official hosts?
Author: Tom Sorensen is a Partner at Boyden Thailand, a global Top 10 executive search firm. Contact tsorensen@boyden.com and learn more on www.boyden.co.th
Series Editor: Christopher F. Bruton is Executive Director of Dataconsult Ltd, chris@dataconsult.co.th. Dataconsult's Thailand Regional Forum provides seminars and extensive documentation to update business on future trends in Thailand and in the Mekong Region.