Personal style rocks. I love me some creative expression. I challenge those of you out there to take on the task of seeing if you can express your creative side in words in an interview setting as opposed to in clothing. Making yourself into a “things I like” collage and waltzing into your interview might be a little too obvious. Don’t be that guy (or girl). I know we all want to “take down the man” but let’s not wear a printed tee expressing that view just yet. Wait until you have the job and then you can spend ample time convincing your associates to join your ranks. It seems like a simple task and some of you out there are probably thinking, “Please, I know what I am supposed to wear to a job interview.” And to that I say, “Oh Really?”

Men…did you tame the wild mane you’ve been cultivating? This is a part of your appearance and says something about yourself so I would take one last took in the mirror. I had a candidate meet with one of our clients and the report back was that he was a nice guy but that his disheveled hair gave the impression that he was just released from a prison line up. I may be wrong but I’m hoping most of you out there are not trying to tailor your look to the stylings of those featured on “America’s Most Wanted”. I’ll give it to you some of them probably have charisma, but not the kind you want to be associated with. Unless you’ve got candy and a white van, then I’ll listen to whatever you say.

Women…how’s the neck line on that nice blouse you just bought? I know Cosmo magazine comes out with a feature every year about “appropriate cleavage for every occasion” but ladies, it can’t be trusted. The last one I saw advocated no more than nipple covers for meeting the parents. And I’m pretty sure that equates to the best way to secure the wrath of a mother. No thank you. So ladies, just say no to breasts and bosses. If a v-cut shirt is the only shirt that accurately expresses who you are then I can safely say, before our client has to, “You’re probably not the right fit for this position.” Overall, I want this blog to make known that even little things can cause red flags with future employers. Of course, wear a bright color or a jazzy pair of pumps but no light up broaches or your favorite pair of “authentic carpenter pants”. And yes, someone did ask me if he could wear said pants.

Technorati Tags: creative side, interview, candidate, charisma, future employers