Until now, Suitable had yet to explore the dos and don'ts of dressing for a job interview. The oversight of such an obvious topic can be attributed to the fact that Suitable almost always assumes readers have jobs.
Well, it doesn't take alarming employment statistics - 70,600 job losses in Canada and more than half a million in the United States - to overturn this assumption. Everyone knows someone who has been affected and the outlook isn't getting any better.
The intention of today's column is not to bring a cloud of freezing rain upon a typically festive season, but to offer suggestions for those who may be hopping between human resources departments, recruiting firms and unfamiliar office environments in an attempt to land a new job.
First, consider that all signs point to increased competition over a fewer number of positions. This means it's more important than ever to think about wardrobe and professional image.
No, employers aren't becoming increasingly superficial; rather, as experts point out, it's one of the easiest ways to stand out from other applicants.
"The fact that you have been invited to the interview proves that you have the skills," says Leslie Davies, vice-president of development and training for a staffing and recruiting firm in Calgary and owner of image consultancy Impact Image Essentials Group. "The interview is to determine whether you look like one of them and can fit into the group."
Doing research on a company's culture is critical in understanding what to wear, Ms. Davies says.
In other words, don't just pull out the designated "job interview outfit" (you know you have one).
"The navy suit is not the must-have interview outfit," she says, noting that this may be too conservative - and boring - for some prospective employers who want to see individuality.
"You should uphold the current silhouette without being too fashion forward," says Toronto wardrobe consultant April Poppe. "In this climate, you want to look like yourself but you also want to look like someone who can hold down a job."
Those who have been out of the interviewing loop may want to start by assessing the clothes in their closet. Look for the pieces that fit best and register as the most up-to-date. Details make a big difference: Give shoes an extra shine, remove lint from sweaters, pay attention to grooming and beauty without going overboard (keep fragrance light or absent and colourful eye shadow to a minimum).
A new pair of eyeglasses or a new hairstyle can create more impact than a new suit. Of course, anyone in job limbo will be loathe to divert money away from essential expenses.
But here's a thought: Stores are desperate to move merchandise right now. If ever there were a time to go shopping, this is it. Sales are massive across all levels of retail, from mass to luxury, with discounts ranging between 40 and 70 per cent. Just bear in mind that any purchases should be made with the long term in mind. Buy for quality, that way your "cost per wear" makes fiscal and fashion sense. A new addition to an ensemble can also be a confidence booster.
Stores can also be a handy resource for ideas when you've put a moratorium on spending money. Ms. Poppe recommends eyeing the mannequins at retailers such as Banana Republic, which is often considered the benchmark for safe yet stylish office attire.
"It's the do-it-for-dummies approach, literally," she says. "Most people don't know how to assemble an outfit; in a store, a whole team of experts has put the look together."
Job interviews and brand names do not always mix. Ms. Poppe says toting the latest Louis Vuitton bag or sporting an Hermès H belt is a risk that may not be worth taking.
"You may be [meeting] with someone who is very frugally minded or you may meet someone who has the same Chanel bag, so subconsciously you connect. If you do it, do it discreetly."
One other word of caution: Avoid what Ms. Davies calls the "bait and switch of the human resources world," where someone appears at an interview looking a certain way only to never look that way again.
"There's an expectation that anyone going for an interview will put more effort in and look more dressed up," she says. "But don't just show up looking your best and then quickly change your habits when you're hired because that leads to questions about your commitment, your integrity and your honesty."
While these perceptions can't ultimately save you from the pink slip, they represent the gold standard in personal style.
