Dress For Success

By GERARD BROWNE Development officer, IRD Duhallow

You’re over the first hurdle and you’ve made it to the interview phase, now what? I’ve seen many excellent candidates sell themselves short at the final hurdle just because they didn’t put the extra effort into their interview outfit. Here’s a few simple to tips to help you get over the line.

The week before your interview pick out what you are going to wear. Check that it still fits. Make sure there are no stains. Dry clean or wash the items and make sure that they are pressed or ironed. Polish shoes.

Men get a bad rap when it comes to fashion but the average gentleman’s sartorial knowledge has improved a lot over the years, but some cardinal sins still exist. Buying expensive suits is not a remedy for something that fits poorly. If something is too big ask yourself if you can go a size smaller or look at getting it tailored. Equally, if you are of a stockier build explore looser fitting options instead of slim fitting shirts and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results. If the sleeves are overlong take them to a tailor.

The night before your interview lay out your suit. If you’ve bought a new shirt remove it from the packet and take out all of the pins (it will save you three minutes in the morning when you are rushing). Iron it. Layout shirts & ties and match them. A favourite solution I’ve come across for clients who are colour blind is to have a number system

written on the garment labels. An example of this would be number 1 shirt (Which could be white) will match with a number 3 tie (which could be lilac). A search for complementary colours and bit of preparation time on a slow afternoon can transform your wardrobe options.

When not to suit up

Suits or formal wear aren’t always required for every job. Whether it’s for a job in the gym or some other more relaxed environment being neat and tidy and having clothes clean goes a long way.