OFW guide: What not to wear for a job interview

Whether we like it or not, most people will judge us by the way we dress. According to a report of the news site Forbes, "your wardrobe says a lot about you." "What you wear can inform passersby of your type of employment, as well as your ambitions, emotions and spending habits," said the report published in April this year. A new type of psychology has emerged: “psychology of dress.” In the book “You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You,” clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner explained how psychology determines people's clothing choices and how these choices affect one's everyday life and work. The information site Good Job Interview Tips said it was important for a jobseeker to dress "Dressing for a job interview can be confusing – as there are many types of workplaces and many types of attire that can be used throughout the interview process," the site said. "It is important to make the best first impression when dressing for a job interview. The first impression is the most important when it comes to meeting with a potential employer, or supervisor at the potential company that is going to employ you," it added. The  information site Career Builder listed some clothing items jobseekers must avoid during a job interview: (1) Dirty clothing   If your interview schedule is after your working hours, your current outfit might have already been stained or crumpled.   It’s best to go into a job interview with neat and clean clothes. Always bring an extra pair whenever you need to go job hunting.   Tip: if you could avoid it, don’t wear your interview outfit while you are on your way to the meeting place. Instead, change in the restroom of your meeting place.   (2) Clothes that don’t fit well   Some people were born with a body structure that just don’t fit into clothes. It is thus important to make sure that your clothes fit by having them altered by a tailor or dressmaker, especially if you feel that your clothes feel too tight or loose.   Tip: Whenever you buy clothes, consult a friend or the saleslady on how the clothes fit you. (3) ‘Loud’ clothing   To look professional, it is better for one to stick to clothing that are either black, navy, or gray in color.   Unless you intend to work in a creative field, avoid wearing bright-colored clothing.   Tip: During job interviews, to be on the safe side, wear neutral colors.      (4) Short-sleeved shirts   Short sleeves are always a no-no for a job interview. There’s just an unwritten rule of not wearing short sleeves during job searching.   Tip: If you still would like to wear short sleeves to a job interview, at least don’t wear a tie with it.   (5) Odd-colored socks   Don’t wear socks that ‘scream’ loud colors. This will be seen by the interviewer when you cross your legs.   Most of the time black is your best bet so stick to it.   Tip: If you don't want part of your leg skin showing, make sure that your socks are long enough. (6) Wrong tie   Wearing a tie speaks for itself; it makes a long-sleeved shirt look more formal. However, a tie should be made from silk and measures three and a quarter inches wide.   Choose solid colors and if you decide to wear a tie with a pattern make sure that it is conservative.   Tip: Make sure that your tie matches your outfit.   (7) Skirts that are too short   Skirts are actually a good choice during job interviews. However, a sure-fail choice is a skirt that is too short.   In the office, people are strict and worried about sexual harassment cases. Short skirts are thus not advisable.   Tip: Make sure your skirt covers your thighs completely while you are sitting. (8) Fancy hosiery   When wearing a skirt, don’t ruin your formal attire by wearing fishnets or patterned hosiery.   Tip: Always stick with neutral colors that would look good with your top when mixed and matched. - VVP, GMA News