Powered By Blogger

Monday, September 26, 2011

Dress For Success

I'd like to share something that might rescue you from a disappointing interview experience.  Many years ago I was a professional singer (mostly waitress).  After several restaurant jobs, a singing gig in South America (Disco Diva) and aspiring recording artist, I decided it was time to join the rest of the world and get a "real job" (?).  As strange as that seemed to me, I forged ahead with enthusiasm and naivety. 
 
I was thrilled to get an interview with a major travel agency thinking it would be a great fit as I eased my way into unfamiliar territory.  Let me backtrack for a moment.  For years I was told by my father that I dressed very drably.  Not exactly a compliment (that's another discussion).  Fast forward to travel agency interview preparation.  Remembering my father's comment, I decided I wasn't going to be drab for my very first interview.  So off I went on my merry way wearing a very garish, flowery, billowy, hot red blouse with black pants (also billowy), open toed sandals and accessorized with large hoop earrings (at least they were 14k).  I had a great interview (so I thought) and was contacted the next day by a woman in HR explaining that my interviewer was concerned about how inappropriately dressed I was (gee, what a surprise).  In essence, my judgement was in question.  Needless to say, the interview process came to a disturbing halt. 
 
Tip For The Day:  Dressing appropriately professional is not the same as drab.  When in doubt, be on the safe side and dress "up" not "down".  Appropriateness is crucial in the interview process.  Don't make a painful mistake as I did. 
 
Come to think of it, I would have been a lousy travel agent....
 
"Good Night, And Good Luck"
 
Laura Rivchun
 
 

No comments:

Post a Comment