Dress to Impress

Job search can be very tiring, time consuming and fruitless for quite a long time…preparing CV and covering letters, sending them and then getting ready for the interview. Personally, I don’t quite enjoy the whole preparation process, but what I do enjoy is actually getting ready for the interview and picking the look to make the most professional and positive impression. This includes everything: hairstyle, accessories, jewellery, shoes, make up, nail polish, perfume, clothes, hand bag and portfolio case or folder. Usually it takes me a few hours to get the look that I want; however, there were a few times when I had to pick an outfit in just 3 hours before the interview. Very nerve racking, but I have been to quite a few interviews, so I know generally what to expect in terms of dress code. The key to remember is Dress to Impress.

I have noticed that showing some creativity in the dressing attire can show the potential employers that you possess ingenuity, confidence and ability to stand out from the crowd. Plus, even if you don’t happen to get the job, at least you look fantastic ;)

Here are some of the photos of the looks I have picked that would be ideal to impress any interviewer. So even if he/she cannot remember what you talked about, at least they will remember how you presented yourself, which is a big statement in itself.

Below, I am dressed in a simple black dress. Its greatest feature is its cut, which unfortunately  is not visible in the photo. I accessorized it with a black thin belt and torquise jewellery. I have also applied simple almost natural make-up; however, kept the eye shadow blue which is the same hue as the jewellery. I like choosing accessories and make-up in contrast to the main colour of my dress, as it adds a nice touch to the whole look and keeps it interesting, as oppose to just having black and white colour tones. I prefer wearing heels to the interview as they give me the confidence and a walk that I need. I kept the bag simple black to match the white/black shoes. The hairstyle is  minimal and simple to give a nice clean finish but not boring. There are braids going from each side of my head into a low pony tail  that finishes at my left side . I try to stay away from the overly used buns and chignon hair styles. The key with this dress is to let it speak for itself. It is a statement dress so I kept the whole look simple, effortless and elegant.

In the next photo, I am wearing a dress that I accidentally stumbled upon in the thrift store. I love its fabric. The top has an almost woven lace effect, while the yellow band and the skirt which has yellow weaves in it too are also made as if it is has been woven. Additionally, the neckline, the neck ruff and the cut are simple but yet intriguing. The waistline is done in just the right place, so it does not cut my body in two, but keeps it in a nice single graceful line. I accessorized it with a single blue wooden bangle and blue heels that match the blue of the dress. I am wearing here the same black bag as in the previous photo. The outfit already has three main colours, so keeping the bag a neutral black keeps the whole look together. Due to the hot weather, I am wearing a pony tail here however the golden sparkly hair band adds a nice sparkle to the look and keeps within the colour palette of the entire look. The make-up is kept to  a minimal and the eye shadow is dark indigo blue. The earrings, which are not visible, are small and are white with blue flowers drawn on them. I have finished the look with a yellow folder, where I kept my CV. It is visible in the second photo, behind my right hand. It perfectly matched the yellow band of the dress. This entire looks states that  you don't have to wear black and white to the interview. Bright colours and coordinating the colour palette can add a lovely distinguishing and bold touch to the entire look.

In another interview I have worn this dress that I got in Nepal. I was really attracted by the lovely silk fabric, the bog green colour, the interesting print and the cut of the dress. Since it was cold, I have worn it with a simple black jacket and a light blush pink pashmina scarf that is in line with pink colours in the dress and my hot pink Ben de Lisi bag. In order to keep the whole look together I have worn simple bog green shoes, this way, I am not distracting the eye from the actual dress but keeping everything in tone with it, so the dress stands out more. 

My hair is just let loose and eye make up is smoky green shade. This creates a simple statement, as oppose to just having neutral make up. The jewellery is a set of earrings and necklace that consist of medium size beads connected together with black string. The reason why I picked this unusual and not classy jewellery as the dress is already of elegant cut. Its print suggests vigour, energy and brightness. So having a slightly edgy and raw jewellery creates a nice balance between elegance and wilderness.

As you can see, later when London weather changed to warmer temperatures, I have worn the exact same dress but slightly differently. Here I am wearing the golden sparkly hairband to give the pony tail a more sophisticated look and add a sparkle into my hair. The jewellery is same as in the previous look; but this time since I am not wearing the jacket, I had the opportunity to wear a green bracelet on my right hand. Shoes are also green but this time a higher heel and more edgy. They have a simple bow at the side. Here, I am going for an elegant but yet edgy look. Having a simple black bag adds a nice sophisticated and classy touch to the entire look.

 

In this photo, I went for classical black and white colours. I like this dress again for its simplicity and elegance. I have accessorized it with a thin black belt and torquise jewellery. Just as previously mentioned, the blue adds a nice contrast to the monochrome colour palette, which is why I have also worn the blue heels. Make-up here is simple; however, the eye shadow is torquise. I really like this look as it screams confidence and elegance, which are the two key ingredients in making a strikingly good first impression. 

Apart from the impressive dress attire, there are a few other things to keep in mind when applying for a job.

Firstly, ensuring your CV and covering letters are well written and express your views and passion with regards to the job being applied for. So key to remember is not only to KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid but, as I prefer, to continue KISSIN’ ;), which is Keeping It Simple Stupid and Interesting.

Also. general advice is to write the truth; however, a little lie cannot hurt anyone. My rule, if “a lie” is based on true facts, is reasonable and can make your CV stand out from the crowd, then put it in. At least it will get you to the interview stage. This is where the real action begins. In the interview, even though it may seem like the interviewer is in charge, he actually is not. It is the interviewee who is in control. I always see interviews as almost defending your case. The employers want to see what you have to offer, so it is similar to defending yourself and proving to them you are appropriate for the job.  So, rule number two, is to show what you know, not what you don’t know. My University lecturer used to say this in the exam context, but I believe it can be applied to any real life example.

Finally, CHEEESEEEE. Smiling helps. It shows you have an enthusiastic and friendly attitude. :)

So, now there should not be a reason why anyone cannot nail the job they want or least the one they don’t mind doing for a while until they find the job of their dreams. At least that is what I am doing at present. I am still searching for my dream job, but I am staying optimistic and confident and believe that just around the corner, there is a job position perfect for me which is becoming vacant right this moment and soon I will be dressing and getting ready for an interview for it.