Dressing for Success- Tips from a Novice

I guess it happens to everybody, you wake up in the morning and find out you have an interview that afternoon. Random observations from a recent interview.

Novice tip number one. Go on that interview anyways as the worst thing that could happen is that you get a job that you really like.  I am going to make an assumption that your resume is not padded with things you are not all that qualified  to perform.

Ironic Novice tip number two. Learn how to use an iron. If you did not see an interview coming there is a chance that you probably did not take enough shirts to the dry cleaner. I am not a professional interviewer and I can hear the lukewarm argument that you should have plenty of shirts dry cleaned in preparation for moments such as this. Iron your favorite most comfortable shirt in the most ironic way. Concentrate on the sleeves and the collars as that is what people always see,  That fancy starch in an aerosol can is going to kill the environment. Don’t expect your partner to do this for you, as they mastered this ritual years ago. That is why they are at work during this moment of crisis.

Sardonic Novice tip number Three- At this point it could be too late however by all means make sure your car is clean. If you are taking mass transit or an Uber to the interview skip this step. I am an owner of a Black Lab and a Jack Russell Terrier. They ride in the car once in awhile not knowing I have to get a job so I can buy them dog food and assorted treats. Dogs love you being home so they try to sabotage that effort by leaving dog hair all over the car. Vacuum your car before heading to an interview or convince the pups to get a job

Sardonic Novice tip number Four -How to Put on Suit

This may seem elemental however it is worth repeating. There is a systematic way to put on a suit. I highly recommend taking a shower before hand.

1. Put on that nicely ironed shirt. You will look ridiculous for awhile. Take that humility into the interview.
2. Tie your tie.  At this point make sure your tie has not gathered any war wounds. You are not a professional interviewer and ties may be neglected for various reasons. (Please see note below)
3. Put on your socks. By all means wear your lucky socks. Nobody is going to see them.
4. Put on your pants. You may have lost weight or gained weight. If the pants don’t fit the jacket does not matter.
5. Put on your jacket to make sure it is in working order.
6. Now take off your jacket until you get to the interview.  It will look worse for the wear if you wear it while driving.

Note Below Use Good Light While Dressing  – Recently I went on a job interview and arrived on site and much to my dismay my tie looked like it was used as a rag to wipe up an oil spill. I didn’t notice in the dim light back home.

Overplanning Novice tip number Five – Plan to arrive very early. You have never been to where you are going and you are going to get lost. Your head is filled with enigmatic answers to forthcoming perplexing questions. The last thing on your mind is the correct exit to take off the parkway.

The Radio -And by all means no sports radio and no political radio. I highly recommend classical music. 89.1 in Portland is mostly perfect however it is absolutely spot on  forcyour drive to the Interview.

You are Hungry Novice tip number Six – If you have a last minute interview the assumption is that you are hungry to get the job. However, something tells me you forgot to eat lunch.  Grab something simple to eat. Munch on something simple and non messy like carrots or or a power bar. Let your voice speak not your stomach.

Quizzical Novice tip number Seven – I have no tips on interviewing. Interviewing is not your job. Just walk in there like this is the last interview you will ever have in your life. By all means enjoy yourself.

Namaste