One of my first job interviews out of college was with a new Internet company. Mind you, this was the dawn of the Internet back in 1995-ish. I remember walking into the interview in my best suit and portfolio ready to go, just as I had done on many other interviews with “traditional” businesses. I walk in, and the first thing my future boss says to me is “What’s with the suit?”.
Flash forward almost 15-years and I can tell you that I still make an attempt to look my best when I go on a sales call or to a speaking gig (I work for myself, I don’t interview anymore). It doesn’t matter where I’m speaking. I always try to look the best in the room. Why? Because it means something.
Results from a recent survey of more than 500 HR professionals – commissioned by Gillette(R) [PG] and conducted by Harris Interactive(R) – indicate that 84% of HR professionals agree that well-groomed employees climb the corporate ladder faster than those who are not well-groomed. Furthermore, when it comes to first impressions, ninety percent of HR professionals place more importance on being well-groomed than even a firm handshake.
I didn’t make this stuff up. I can tell you from experience that it is true. I remember this guy who wanted to work for me who showed up looking like he just rolled out of bed. I guess he thought since he was applying to work for an “Internet” company that we’d be all cool with that. The truth is we were running a real business with customers who weren’t going to accept a guy with “bed-head” walking into their office… Internet or not.
So check this out. Gillette has launched the Gillette Career Advantage on Gillette.com. On that site, job seekers and professionals looking to get ahead can review expert advice from Mark Jeffries and GQ style correspondent, Brett Fahlgren. Or take the Gillette Career Quiz and view the Hire Guide to see what HR professionals really think.
Also check out the Gillette Resource Center for the tools, information and advice needed to rise above the competition in today’s market.
Don’t be fooled. Appearance matters. You’re not “too cool” to dress up and look put together. Your career may depend on it.
I found your blog today, I found something I do not know, I wait for the next article to be more stable ….
Hi Jim,
Looking your best for success is a good advice when going to an interview.
It is also good to look your best when giving a speech, going to a symphony or a formal dance.
If you mean those things then I'd have to agree. But sometimes it is possible to overdress for the occasion.
Quite often I see people wearing a suit and a tie when wearing a sports jacket or even a good looking casual shirt would be more appropriate.
Being too formally dressed at a picnic is no fun and makes you look out of place.
So I'd say dress your best for the occasion.
Vance
Jim–
My husband always says he dresses for the job he wants, not the one he has. For us entrepreneurs, we have to have our best foot forward, as clients judge us by how we look. (Being at home in PJs is another story!).
Keep up the good posts.
very cool. thanks for the information
Hi Jim,
Dressing for success is a good idea and it still works.
The important thing is to dress well for the occasion.
Going to an interview not looking your best shows the interviewer you don't really care that much about them or what you're there for.
Vance