Casual or Causalty?

Interview Styles
IT is probably one of the most overused phrases in job-hunting, but also one of the most under-utilised by job-seekers: dress for success. In job-hunting, first impressions are critical, and this is no exception for college students and graduates.  University and college students share some common concerns, they are all busy trying to juggle classes and study groups with party schedules, they always complain about campus food and they are almost always low on cash.

This week’s Stylemakers’ candidate Karim Kassam is a 20-year-old economics student who needs to make the right impression when he applies for an internship, which can ultimately turn into his first paying job! As a full-time student Karim has been comfortable in his football shirts, faded jeans and T-shirt collection and all his shoes look like they have seen better days. He has confessed his fear of colour and has no idea how to create a credible professional image.  Keep in mind that employers do appreciate workers who take care of themselves.  With Jamar Waldron as stylist, we acquaint Karim with tips on dressing for success.

Dress For Interview Success: While the college campus may be the perfect forum in which to exhibit your flair for the latest in fashion style, the interview is not the place to do so.  Most do not like a necktie (noose?) any better than the next person, but it is still a fact of life in interviewing. Even though many companies have relaxed the internal company dress code, interviews still follow the conservative standard. Do not buck the trend.
Unfortunately, most college grads are woefully under-prepared with proper interview dress. They feel they can “get by” with what is already in their wardrobe. Usually not. Dress for the world outside college is quite different from the campus scene. Remember that stylish is not conservative. You should be doing the talking, not your clothes.              

This is not to say that you need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Go for quality over quantity. One or two well-chosen business suits will serve you all the way to the first day on the job and beyond. Then, when you are making some money (and have a chance to see what the standard “uniform” is for the company), you can begin to round out your wardrobe. For now, no one will fault you for wearing the same sharp outfit each time you interview. If you desire some variety within a limited budget, you might consider varying your shirt/blouse/ tie/accessories as a simple way to change your look without breaking your wallet.                                                                                                        

How to get the look
Tailored:  Sends the style message of authoritative, confident and stable.  The key elements are a more formal, dark coloured, structured, matched suit and tie with a contrasting light shirt. 
•Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
•Dark socks (black is best)
•Light briefcase or portfolio case
Grooming: Well-groomed hairstyles are key. Use budget-friendly hair products and keep your hair clean and in good condition.
If you have unruly body hair, clean it up for a more polished appearance.
Take good care of your skin, women can get away with hiding imperfections with a little make-up but men should indulge in facials to keep their skin healthy and blemish free, at least buy some skin products to use at home.  
•Clean, trimmed fingernails
•No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc)
For a look at the Stylemakers full fashion make-over do not miss tonight’s episode airing on Gayelle at 7.30 pm with a repeat on Tuesday at 9.30 pm.
If you, or anyone you know, need a fashion make-over write into Stylemakers. PO Box 4617, St James Post Office,  St James.