Look the part when looking for new job

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

In a perfect world, potential employers wouldn't care how you dress or what color your hair is or whether you have a pierced nose and lip.

Illustration by Martha Hernandez • The Honolulu Advertiser

"Don't they realize that the people they see at these fairs are actually in a position to hire — or not hire — them?" asked Beth Busch, vice president/western region for Success Advertising, one of the event's sponsors.

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, more than 50,000 people in Hawai'i have filed for unemployment. It's a highly competitive job market.

What should a job seeker wear to an interview? We asked human resources professionals what they recommend.

The first response was unanimous: Whatever you wear, make sure it's clean and neat.

In the Islands, it's not necessary to buy an Armani suit. For most jobs, a pair of classic khakis and an aloha shirt or a simple, conservative dress will do. Note the operative word among the experts: conservative.

Wendy Cook, an executive search consultant with Inkinen & Associates, advises job seekers to research the corporate culture of the company before an interview. Make discreet inquiries or do a walk-through and take note of what people are wearing at work. If it's impossible to get access to the workplace, sit outside and watch as people come and go.

If the corporate culture is casual, should you dress casually for an interview? No, Cook said, it's better to crank it up a notch: "Presentation is incredibly important. It's the first thing they see, and you can't redo it."

She recommends conservative styles. Why? Because "You don't want how you dress to be an issue at your interview."

Avoid distractions

"You don't want anything to distract," said Pearl Lara, human resources manager for Frito-Lay. "You want the interviewer to focus only on you."

Distractions may include gum chewing, cigarette smoking, cell phones ringing, strong odors such as cologne, piercings, tattoos and facial hair.

"Since you probably don't know the person who will interview you, you have no idea if there may be allergies to scents. Some people are offended by certain smells, or they bring back memories," Lara said. Avoid the issue by wearing minimal fragrance.

If you smoke, our sources advise, do it as long as possible before the interview and change clothes to avoid smoke odors.

Although tattoos and piercings are finding increasing acceptance, they can create biases or stereotypes, so it might make sense to cover them temporarily. Fortunately, a concealing makeup cream called Dermablend, available in 15 different shades, can be found at select JC Penney stores; it can cover most tattoos.

At Hilo Hattie, Lena Young, vice president for human resources, said tattoos generally are not a problem at her stores because "in some cultures it's in keeping with their religion." However, she warned, "slippers are a big turn-off," as are "inappropriate words or pictures on a T-shirt."

Since lack of distractions is key, it's best to turn off the cell phone. If it absolutely must be left on in case of emergency, explain why you have to leave it on.

Shop in their store

If applying to a company that sells or manufactures clothing, it would not be out of line to wear something they sell or make — if you can afford it.

Macy's human resources director Joyce Hedani said, "If they show that they shop in our stores, all the better." She also suggests walking through the store to see what items people are wearing before choosing what to wear to a job interview.

In the fashion and retail industries, when in doubt, wear black. It's still the standard.

If applying for a job in an artistic industry such as advertising, film or music, Cook said, you can take more liberties and express your creativity in your dress, but you still don't want to push it.

Suits usually unnecessary

Cook recommends calling the human resources representative in advance to ask what to wear. They will appreciate your concern, she said. Generally appropriate: a pair of neat, pressed slacks (khakis are OK for lower-level jobs, but summer-weight wool would be preferable for management positions) and an aloha shirt of silk or cotton. (Rayon doesn't have the same crisp, professional look.) The classic reverse print provides a simple standard to follow. Make sure belt and shoes match and socks coordinate well.

It would be highly unusual to wear a suit to a job interview in Hawai'i. Even lawyers generally limit suit-wearing to court appearances. However, a hotel management position may call for a suit.

Skip the short skirts

Women need to watch out for clothes that are too short, too revealing or too tight.

Even if the company's clothes culture calls for jeans, don't wear them to an interview. However, for a casual workplace, you might choose a dress instead of a suit.

For a management or executive position, a suit or silk blouse with pants or a skirt would be a safe choice.

The professionals also recommended conservatism in grooming: either no nail polish or a natural-looking polish, minimal makeup and small, simple jewelry.

Cook advised that if the job interview is in tourism and a uniform is required, aloha attire would be appropriate for the interview. The employer can picture how you would look in the uniform more easily.

When the interview is over, Cook said, one of the most memorable gestures has nothing to do with appearance: Write a thank-you note to the interviewer. That, she said, will make a lasting impression.