The first impression that an interviewer gets is from the dressing of the job applicant. It is also true that first impression lasts. However, using corporate dressing to create an effective and successful impression is a very under-rated virtue both in the job interview and in the workplace. Here are some tips:

General Dressing Tips For A Job Interview:
The applicant's dressing must convey the importance that is placed of the job interview. The applicant must research the work culture and environment before making a decision of dressing. The applicant's dressing must reflect the willingness to be part of the team and able to perform to the department's expectations.

Specific Tips For Male Job Applicants:
1) Having short and neat (non-tinted) hair is a definite plus as it conveys respect to the prospective organization

2) Do not wear tinted glasses unless medically prescribed

3) Do not wear earrings

4) Remember to have a clean shave or well-trimmed moustache

5) Ensure that your oral hygiene is immaculate

6) The cologne of your choice should not be over-powering as it may distract the interviewer from what you are going to say during the interview

7) Do not put too many items in your shirt pocket

8) Ensure that your tie-knot is neat and appropriate

9) Do not wear a shirt with stripes or patterns. White, cream or light blue is the preferred colour. Your shirt should be well-pressed and opaque

10) Your tie should be silk and not have too distracting colours or patterns

11) Do not wear more than a wedding ring (if relevant)

12) Your nails must be cleaned

13) Ensure that your belt buckle is not too ostentatious

14) Black is the favourite colour of most pants it matches with most colours.

15) You should wear dark-coloured socks

16) Your shoes should be polished and spotless

Specific Tips For Female Job Applicants:
1) Wear a suitable jacket (preferably dark-coloured)

2) Wear only one set of earrings

3) There are no strict rules about a female applicant's hair-style but it should not be distracting during the interview

4) Bring soft leather document bag to include your relevant documents
5) Do not use an over-powering perfume

1) In the area of jewellery, the golden rule is less is always better. The reason, as explained earlier, is that appropriate dressing will help get the job and should not be a form of distraction

2) Nails should be well manicured

3) High heel shoes are not recommended

Tips For Corporate Dressing (Non-Uniform)

1) If you are in the Sales Industry, it is obvious that your dressing should reflect your professionalism and expertise in "closing a deal". It should also convey the message that you know what you are selling. With this in mind, you are in a better position to make more sales.

2) Over-dressing is not always a virtue. It may actually show your shortcomings in not having the maturity to understand your work environment. Some potential clients may think that you are not confident in your own capabilities and you are hiding your inadequacies behind your dressing.

3) It is true that your dressing speaks about your own individuality. But in your workplace, you need to work with other people and good teamwork should be the eventual aim. Remember to be a team player.

4) Always keep a fresh set of clothes in your car or office. This may be useful in the event of bad weather condition.

5) If you need to make a strong dress statement, you need not overhaul your entire wardrobe. For example, if you want to convey that you are into Technological Gizmos, you can get an advanced PDA or Laptop. However, neatness and good grooming is never out-dated or inappropriate.

6) Regular exercise will also help you portray a healthy and energetic impression.

This article has been contributed by Colin Ong TS, Managing Director of MR=MC Consulting Pte Ltd (http://www.mrmc.com.sg) which provides Customized Training for Organizations and Educational Institutions in the area of Knowledge Management, Workplace Issues & New Technology Empowerment.