Professional Dress Code
27 March 2012
Read by 1811 persons
From job interviews to daily work: a professional career starts with your outfit. It should be adapted to the sector and position. Here's advice from specialists.
"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." Remember this advice, but add: ...no better than your superior. "Unless your boss is really stylish," says Nicole Veser, style consultant and head of the "Stilgerecht" consultancy in Wolfhalden.
Staying Authentic
Success in a job interview and professional success certainly don't depend solely on clothing. But an inappropriate outfit can hinder your progress. For example, if after the interview the recruiter remembers your flashy jewelry more than what you said and offered.
Too much jewelry, bright colors are distractions that prevent the recruiter from focusing on your skills and what you have to say. It's better to dress discreetly while highlighting one accessory, such as a scarf. An important point: you must feel comfortable in your outfit, and it should highlight your personality. Stay authentic - it's fundamental. Developing your own style and standing out - in moderation - from countless boring pantsuits can potentially reinforce your position in the company.
The Right Outfit for the Job Interview
Nicole Veser gives practical advice: "Before going to the interview, check the company website or, if possible, its internal magazine to get an idea of the dress code from the photos."
If photos frequently show employees in sweaters, you might be "overdressed" in a suit. Nicole Veser points out that the professional dress code is more relaxed in Switzerland than in Germany, although it varies by sector.
Avoid Flashy Patterns
"Whether you wear a suit or a cotton pants and shirt combination, or a skirt and blouse - all clothes must fit well," emphasizes Veser. The shirt cuffs should be perfectly ironed and extend 1.5 to 2 cm from the jacket - no more. And the suit must be the right size: a jacket that's too big will make you look smaller, it looks ridiculous, and gives a sloppy impression.
Don't wear too colorful clothes, with too flashy patterns - especially for important professional events. The tie knot should be perfect, the tip of the tie should barely touch the belt buckle.
Shoes and Boots: Beware of Style Breaks
Be careful when choosing your shoes - you can easily make a style mistake. In bad weather, bring a second pair. And even if you like to dress fashionably, ladies, be careful: boots are acceptable in offices today, but the latest "thigh-high" boots are a bit too reminiscent of the movie "Pretty Woman."
Also, very high heels are not recommended, unless you feel completely comfortable wearing them and can walk easily in them. But never exceed four to six centimeters! A lower heel has the advantage of making you stand taller.
Skirts - Pay Attention to the Right Length
Everyone knows that the first impression counts. And you only have one chance during a job interview. "Totally sexy" is inappropriate at work, including job interviews. Therefore, besides too-high heels, too-short skirts, tight dresses, transparent blouses, or a black bra showing under a white blouse are not suitable.
The skirt length should be appropriate for the person's height and observe the following rule: the hem of the skirt should never be more than four fingers above the knee. "However, I recommend shorter skirts for petite women; it lengthens them a bit," explains Nicole Veser. Before going to the interview, do a test at home and sit in front of a large mirror to check that you can sit "decently." Also, beware of low-cut blouses! Always ask yourself if the chosen outfit would also be suitable for a client visit or if it matches your job description.
Tattoos and Piercings at Work
Beware of piercings! An eyebrow piercing is completely inappropriate; a small "diamond" in the nose is acceptable in some sectors and depending on the company's style. For tattoos, the rule is simple: they must never be visible. So you'll have to cover your shoulders, even if it's hot.
Remove piercings for the job interview. For men, in Switzerland, earrings may be accepted, depending on the region and sector (but not in banks!). In Germany, says Nicole Veser, it's better not to wear them.
Monster.ch
Posted March 27, 2012.
"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." Remember this advice, but add: ...no better than your superior. "Unless your boss is really stylish," says Nicole Veser, style consultant and head of the "Stilgerecht" consultancy in Wolfhalden.
Staying Authentic
Success in a job interview and professional success certainly don't depend solely on clothing. But an inappropriate outfit can hinder your progress. For example, if after the interview the recruiter remembers your flashy jewelry more than what you said and offered.
Too much jewelry, bright colors are distractions that prevent the recruiter from focusing on your skills and what you have to say. It's better to dress discreetly while highlighting one accessory, such as a scarf. An important point: you must feel comfortable in your outfit, and it should highlight your personality. Stay authentic - it's fundamental. Developing your own style and standing out - in moderation - from countless boring pantsuits can potentially reinforce your position in the company.
The Right Outfit for the Job Interview
Nicole Veser gives practical advice: "Before going to the interview, check the company website or, if possible, its internal magazine to get an idea of the dress code from the photos."
If photos frequently show employees in sweaters, you might be "overdressed" in a suit. Nicole Veser points out that the professional dress code is more relaxed in Switzerland than in Germany, although it varies by sector.
Avoid Flashy Patterns
"Whether you wear a suit or a cotton pants and shirt combination, or a skirt and blouse - all clothes must fit well," emphasizes Veser. The shirt cuffs should be perfectly ironed and extend 1.5 to 2 cm from the jacket - no more. And the suit must be the right size: a jacket that's too big will make you look smaller, it looks ridiculous, and gives a sloppy impression.
Don't wear too colorful clothes, with too flashy patterns - especially for important professional events. The tie knot should be perfect, the tip of the tie should barely touch the belt buckle.
Shoes and Boots: Beware of Style Breaks
Be careful when choosing your shoes - you can easily make a style mistake. In bad weather, bring a second pair. And even if you like to dress fashionably, ladies, be careful: boots are acceptable in offices today, but the latest "thigh-high" boots are a bit too reminiscent of the movie "Pretty Woman."
Also, very high heels are not recommended, unless you feel completely comfortable wearing them and can walk easily in them. But never exceed four to six centimeters! A lower heel has the advantage of making you stand taller.
Skirts - Pay Attention to the Right Length
Everyone knows that the first impression counts. And you only have one chance during a job interview. "Totally sexy" is inappropriate at work, including job interviews. Therefore, besides too-high heels, too-short skirts, tight dresses, transparent blouses, or a black bra showing under a white blouse are not suitable.
The skirt length should be appropriate for the person's height and observe the following rule: the hem of the skirt should never be more than four fingers above the knee. "However, I recommend shorter skirts for petite women; it lengthens them a bit," explains Nicole Veser. Before going to the interview, do a test at home and sit in front of a large mirror to check that you can sit "decently." Also, beware of low-cut blouses! Always ask yourself if the chosen outfit would also be suitable for a client visit or if it matches your job description.
Tattoos and Piercings at Work
Beware of piercings! An eyebrow piercing is completely inappropriate; a small "diamond" in the nose is acceptable in some sectors and depending on the company's style. For tattoos, the rule is simple: they must never be visible. So you'll have to cover your shoulders, even if it's hot.
Remove piercings for the job interview. For men, in Switzerland, earrings may be accepted, depending on the region and sector (but not in banks!). In Germany, says Nicole Veser, it's better not to wear them.
Monster.ch
Posted March 27, 2012.
