Have you ever seen the movie, “Step Brothers”?
The 2008 comedy with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly?
It’s the hilarious story of two ne’er-do-well 40-year olds whose overachieving parents get married, making them instant stepbrothers and instant enemies.
If you haven’t seen it, you should. It’s really funny.
But don’t watch it just for the laughs. You see, there’s actually some very good job interview tips in that movie. Specifically, how to dress for a job interview…
Or, even more specifically, how not to dress for a job interview.
Here’s what we mean. After their parents have had enough of the duo’s shenanigans, they force their unemployed step kids to look for jobs.
After a while, they get an interview with a sporting goods retailer.
But, when Brennen and Dale (Ferrell and Reilly) sit down for that job interview, they’re wearing tuxedos.
Not polo shirts and khakis, but tuxedos.
Clearly, the scene was created for laughs, but it also exposes something you should be thinking about when you go in for your next job interview.
And that’s dressing for the position.
Now, if you’ve recently been called in for a job interview, congratulations! You’re one step closer to a new paycheck.
And an extra congratulations to you if you’ve landed that job interview by using the free services we provide here at FindYourJobNow.com.
We’re glad to have helped!
Now all you have to do now is beat out the other candidates being interviewed, and the position is yours!
But simply showing up prepared and on time won’t necessarily give you the edge you need, even if you’re the best candidate.
That’s where “dressing the part” comes in.
Yes, dressing the part really matters to hiring managers.
Now, before we get more specific on how to dress for a job interview, and what not to wear for a job interview, you’ll first need to assure you have found the job you’re looking for.
The best way to find that job is with FindYourJobNow.com. To find a job fast, simply go to our homepage and use our advanced job search toolbar. It’s pretty simple and self-explanatory. Just put in the kind of job you’re looking for and where you want to work…
Then click “view jobs.” It’s that simple.
Now, here’s how to dress for a job interview, and what not to wear to a job interview.
Let’s say you have an interview at a sporting goods store, like Brennen and Dale did. You wouldn’t wear a tuxedo for the interview, right? Of course not.
But you should dress in nice slacks and a good, clean polo shirt, at the very least. Not a t-shirt and shorts… and not a three piece suit. Clean slacks and an ironed polo.
Dress like you already fit in… but just a bit nicer.
Now, while this may be obvious, dressing for interviews for other types of jobs may not be so clear.
So, here’s how to know what to wear to a job interview: do a little bit of research.
Get yourself acquainted with how employees in the industry normally dress during regular work hours.
Visit the company website to see if they have a “company culture” page. If they do, you may see pictures of the current team, and how they dress. You can get a lot of “inside” information from company websites. Use it.
Now, since it’s a job interview, you’ll want to dress a little bit better than what you see the team wearing, but you don’t want to be overly “dressed up,” like Brennen and Dale from “Step Brothers.”
You want to look well kept, neat, professional, and comfortable in your clean, well ironed clothes, with nice clean shoes to match. Be sure your physical appearance is also clean, neat and well kept.
Never underdress for the interview or show up disheveled. Never. It shows the hiring manager, right off the bat, that you’re not really serious about landing the job.
Simply put, dress and look nice and professional. Tailoring your “look” for the job, and to the people who already work there (just a bit nicer, though).
Now, here’s what not to wear for a job interview.
Never wear any revealing or suggestive clothing. Avoid low cut tops, miniskirts or anything that shows too much skin.
Remember, you’re trying to look like a professional. You don’t want to look like you’re going out for a night on the town after the interview.
Look and act like you want to be there.
Don’t wear anything loud or distracting like colorful print shirts or pants, neon-colored shirts, or teamwear… even if its an interview at a sporting goods retailer.
You’re not going to a game. This is a job interview. Dress like it.
Oh, and leave the sunglasses in the car…
And please, please do NOT chew gum during your interview.
You see, while standing out is the key to landing a job, you don’t want to stand out in the wrong way…. By dressing and acting inappropriately for the job.
Do your homework. Dress just a bit nicer than the people who already work there, and you can up your chances of being chosen for the job!