You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) I have always thought that dressing properly for an interview is the least of my worries. After all, my credentials and skills are what the interviewers will be looking at. But did you know that being the right “fit” for the company can be more important? A large part of determining fit is the visual perception that you make during the interview. By looking at you, can your prospective employer imagine you being part of the team? Your goal is to project a professional image that coincides with the prospective company’s culture. Wearing the appropriate outfit is part of this. It also shows respect for the company and its employees. Besides all these, looking good and feeling comfortable in your clothes can make you feel confident. Here are a few tips: To know what constitutes “appropriate clothing” for your prospective company, research before the interview. Check out the company’s website or news items with photos to get an idea about how the employees are dressed. If they have a dress code mentioned on the site, even better. After knowing what they wear, dress a notch above the typical outfit. This will ensure that you will conform and at the same time be a cut above the rest (just don’t go overboard). For jobs where dressing down is the norm (for example artists/graphic designers, copywriters, or video game creators), stay on the conservative side. Don’t wear t-shirt and shorts, instead go for a dress shirt and slacks for guys; dress or a skirt/slacks and blouse ensemble for ladies. If you are still confused about what to wear, there is no harm in asking. Contact the HR person and ask about their dress code. To see sample outfits, as well as for other tips, watch this video from Monster UK & Ireland: It would be wise to treat a Skype interview as if it is a face-to-face interview. Take note and follow all of the tips above. Wear a complete professional attire, meaning tops and bottoms, even if you expect to be sitting down the whole time (you might have to stand up, you never know). Avoid clothes with bold patterns and colors because they are distracting on screen (especially houndstooth). If you have time, do a test run. Put on the clothes you intend to wear on the interview day and see how you look like using Skype’s video preview (go to tools>options>video settings). For more tips on Skype interviews read How to have a successful phone or Skype interview. Ask for help from the following places: You can also choose from high quality, gently used clothing from thrift stores such as the Salvation Army, The Goodwill Stores, and Value Village. If you need help for your interview dry-run, get pointers from the experts at English Online (employment workshops), Manitoba Start, or your regional settlement service provider. Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
The basics: Do some research
What you should go for: Looking clean and neat
Some specific concerns
What’s appropriate for a Skype interview?
A few final reminders:
Community Resources
Quiz
How to dress for a job interview
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