Dress For Success – Yes It Matters

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

This morning I happened to catch a news program with a segment about "new taste" test research created for Consumer Reports. The host of the show tested two samples of Jell-O. One was yellow and the other was red. The researcher asked him which he liked best. He said that the red one had by far better taste and flavor. Surprise, surprise it turns out; both the yellow and red Jell-O samples were the same flavor, just with different food coloring. The researcher said that the way something looks actually affects how we taste something. That surprised me too.

This reminded me of a study some researchers did to see if how you look affects interviewers. They asked a student to grow a scruffy beard, wear scruffy clothes for one interview. They set up another interview with the same student, however this time he would be clean-shaven and wearing conservative, clean, pressed clothes. They told the student to act the same in both interviews. His qualifications were identical in both interviews. The outcome was similar to the Jell-O experiment. The interviewer thought the young man who was well-shaven and well-groomed was by far more intelligent and by far the better candidate. He said he would never hire the other scruffy unprofessional young man. He was surprised to find out both interviewees were the same young man. Turns out it did matter how the young man looked. I wish we lived in a world where no one judged us on how we look. I wish our talents and inner qualities were all people judged us by; however, the truth is how you present yourself matters. You don’t have to be a movie star, but you do give yourself a better opportunity if you are well-groomed.

It is true that dress codes have relaxed; however, it remains true that when you are looking for a job, being well-groomed is a very good idea.

You don’t have to spend a fortune. Just iron your clothes, shave your beard, and polish your shoes. For women, be easy on the makeup, dress conservatively and go light on perfume. I am sure you know what I mean. You can check out company policy as far as dress codes go later when you get the job. Give yourself every opportunity. Be prepared, be ready, be conservative, and be well groomed. You can always change the way you dress later if it fits with the company culture.

Without a doubt, your resume must be well prepared. No matter what, a well-crafted, properly worded resume is a must. This is not the time to give yourself less than your best shot. Consider hiring a professional resume writer to write your resume, cover letter and other job search documents. Hope is in the air. Give yourself your best shot. Land the job of your dreams.

Bob and I wish you the best in your career search.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Master’s in Education-Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com