Page 6 January 2018
Kankakee Valley Publishing
Interview Tips: Dress for the position BY JAMES D. WOLF JR.
news@thehj.com
If you’re going for that first interview or getting dressed for a job you’ve had for a while, clothes make a statement about you. “Whether you like it or not, you’re showing your personality in your appearance,” said Becky Lehe, Owner of B Boutique in Brookston. “I can’t stress enough how important a first impression is,” Lehe said. “You need to show me you care about how you look.” She added, “You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do that.” Trends change and the proper attire may change from job to job; however, the basics remain the same for both men and women, according to clothes shop owners in White County. Crystal Bonnell, Co-Owner of Lovely Ladies Fashion Boutique in Monticello, said, “I always make sure the clothes are clean, ironed, fresh.” If in doubt be more formal than more casual, Bonnell added. Black and simple dress pants or skirts that cover the knees are good, and women should stay with a conservative heel B Boutique Owner Becky Lehe suggests people dress for the job they’re interviewing for, showing the and maybe a sweater, she said. Interviewees shouldn’t wear tops cut too low or skirts cut side of their personality that’s suited for the job. (PHOTO BY JAMES D. WOLF JR.) too short or clothes fitting too tight. “Make sure you’re covered very well,” she said. Makeup should be a more natural look with hair kept out of the face, she added. Jeff Alexander, Co-Owner of Alex’s Apparel in Monticello, said that for a big corporation or an upper level management job, men should definitely wear a suit and “a nice, crisp white shirt.” White is still the standard, and ties should be subdued, compared to the 1980s when the trend was paisley power ties in reds and yellows. John Alexander, Co-Owner of Alex’s, said that grey suits are the new black and have doubled in sales over the last two or three years. For a less corporate job, a Friday business casual look is fine, Jeff Alexander said. That would be a dress slacks and a dress shirt, possibly with sweater or sports coat. The men Jeff Alexander sees buying most new suits are young men applying for Indiana State Police jobs, he said. Lehe said that for more corporate interviews for women, the colors are still black, grey and navy. “Today, you can add a little more jewelry or a scarf,” Brothers John Alexander (l) and Jeff Alexander (r), Co-Owners of Alex’s in Monticello, advise dark suits
See Dress to impress page 11 and white shirts for men going to job interviews. (PHOTO BY JAMES D. WOLF JR.)