How Being Overdressed for an Interview Can Negatively Affect Your Chances of Landing the Job
Make a great first impression.
Photo: Create & Cultivate
Once you schedule an interview, these are just a few of the questions that might be swimming in your head: What if I show up and I’m overdressed? What if I’m underdressed? Will it even make that much of a difference? How bad is it really to be overdressed for an interview?
According to data released in the Job Interview Anxiety Survey, 92% of employed Americans get stressed out about job interviews, but it’s not just the actual interview that stresses people out. Figuring out what to wear for an interview can often become just as stress-inducing as wondering what questions they will ask you.
With the rise of startups and tech companies with laid-back company cultures, figuring out what to wear for your next interview has become more confusing than ever, but these tips will help you navigate the process with ease.
How bad is it to be overdressed for an interview?
Really bad.
If you’re interviewing at a company known for its laid-back dress code and company culture, showing up to your interview in a suit will show that you haven’t done your research on the company and the environment.
Even worse, showing up in a suit could mean that you did research the company and didn’t care about the dress code and rules.
What can you do to ensure that you’re properly dressed?
Research the company to figure out what the company culture is like. Company culture often dictates the dress code and how formal or casual people will dress. Use websites like Glassdoor to your advantage. These platforms allow users to rate and comment on companies, giving you inside knowledge about the company culture, and what it’s really like to work there. Often people will discuss dress code and the general vibe of the office.
Another option is to search for employees on LinkedIn. Observe what employees are wearing in their LinkedIn profile photos to get a better sense of the daily dress code.
Finally, if all else fails, pick up the phone and ask someone about the company’s dress code. This is something so simple, yet almost no one does this. If you want to make sure that you won’t be overdressed for an interview, simply pick up the phone and call the front desk or a recruiter that you’re working with.
If the dress code is really casual, stick with the guidelines, but ensure that you look put together and ready for work.
This is the most important thing to remember when you’re figuring out what to wear for an interview. I always suggest being a step above the dress code, but if you do decide that it would be in your best interest to come completely casual, just make sure that you look put together. Regardless of whether or not the dress code is super casual, you do not want to look like you just rolled out of bed. You’re still interviewing for a job.
If you do decide to go with jeans, make sure they are dark wash jeans without any rips or tears. Similarly, if you opt for a T-shirt, make sure that it is clean, plain without graphics or logos, and wrinkle-free. If you don’t like to iron, (I hate ironing!) invest in a mini steamer. It will change your life and make it super simple to get the wrinkles out of any of your clothes.
How bad is it to be overdressed for an interview? Depending on the company it could be detrimental and could be the reason why you don’t get the job. Showing up completely overdressed suggests that you didn’t research the company and have not paid any attention to the company culture.
Employers want to ensure that they hire employees who will fit in with the general office vibe, and showing up to an interview overdressed can be a major red flag. When you’re determining what to wear for your next interview, do some research on the company dress code and company culture, and dress accordingly. With the rise of business casual and completely casual dress codes, figuring out what to wear for your next interview can be tricky, however, if you follow these simple steps, you’ll be good to go.
Good luck!
About the author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and the founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish an individual’s application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.
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This story was originally published on September 21, 2018, and has since been updated.
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Psst... This Could Be Why You Didn’t Get the Job
Reason #1: You didn’t sell yourself.
Photo: Create & Cultivate
Behold, the dreaded email that just rudely cannonballed into your inbox:
“We’ve reviewed your background and experience and have decided to proceed with another candidate who meets our needs more closely at this time.”
The disappointment can crash over you like a wave upon reading these words. Professional rejection is one of the worst feelings a person can experience while job hunting, and yet we have all been there at one point or another. And likely, the first rejection won’t be the last.
Once the initial blow has settled, you will probably start to wonder what it is that these “other candidates” have that you don’t. At the risk of sounding annoyingly optimistic in this unfortunate, but unavoidable, situation, taking time to consider the reasons behind your rejection offers an opportunity to better prepare yourself for the next position you apply for. It is also entirely possible that this is an “it’s not you, it’s me” situation, and you really did nail the job interview, but outside factors got in the way of sealing the deal.
Let’s explore some of the reasons why a company might decide not to move forward with you.
Reason #1: You didn’t sell yourself.
In professional situations, being confident is the key to success. Nerves are to be expected when interviewing for a job, but if you allow them to take over and mask the great experience and professional accomplishments you’ve made, your potential employer will take note.
If things didn’t go as well as you’d hoped during your interview, remember that even the most seasoned professionals can get flustered in these situations. You may have made a common error that made the difference between the hiring manager moving forward with you. Did you dress appropriately? Were you on time and polite to everyone you met? Did you do your research on the company beforehand? Proper preparation, body language, and confidence are key to nailing the interview. And above all, don’t forget to send a follow-up email or letter shortly after the interview.
The art of talking yourself up without coming off as cocky or above-it-all is one worth working on for future interviews—if there was ever a time to show off your skills and accomplishments, this is it! You can bet that the candidate who does end up landing the position will present themselves confidently and graciously.
Reason #2: You’re not qualified.
You could be an excellent culture fit with a positive attitude and a dynamite work ethic, but at the end of the day, if you do not meet the job’s qualifications, you are probably not going to be hired for the position. If this is the case, there’s no need to beat yourself up—it’s nothing personal, there are simply other candidates that could better perform the job. If you’ve lost out on your dream job, take this as an opportunity to work on building up your skills and experience so that next time there is an opening, you meet the qualifications.
Reason #3: You didn’t tailor your résumé and cover letter to the specific role.
You don’t have to redo your entire résumé and cover letter every time you apply for a job, but it is vital to make sure you are targeting your application materials to the specific skills and job description provided for the position you’re applying for. To be seriously considered or (hopefully) hired in a new position, you need to showcase all of the concrete reasons you would be the right fit for the role.
Keeping your skills and experience too general, won’t be enough to “wow” a hiring manager, so it’s well worth it to take some time to adjust your language and ensure you are highlighting your most relevant skills and experience. For more advice on this, check out our useful guide on resume dos and don’ts.
Reason #4: Your salary requirements are too high.
It can be tricky to navigate how to answer when a job application or hiring manager asks what your salary requirements are for a role. List a number too low, and you may undersell yourself and set yourself up for compensation frustration. Go too high, and your application may be quickly tossed into the “no” pile—listing a salary outside the range of what the company is hoping to provide may have been the factor that took you out of the running.
The best way to approach a salary requirement question is to make sure you have done your research on your market value and the salaries of similar roles ahead of time. This way, you can go in with a justifiable number or range already in mind. Don’t let fear convince you to put a number lower than what you feel you are worth. It’s a good idea to write something like “flexible” next to the number so that even if it is higher than what the company is willing to spend, they know there is room for negotiation.
Reason #5: The company decided to hold off on hiring.
This one really takes you off the hook, because there’s probably nothing you could have done to avoid it. Sometimes, due to budget or internal organizational shifts, companies will decide not to move forward with hiring for a role. While unfortunate, it happens. Try not to get discouraged.
It’s important to give yourself some time to feel the disappointment of not getting a job you wanted—after all, this is a difficult experience that can be a blow to your self-esteem, but, don’t let this situation be for nothing. Consider all aspects of the job application process to figure out where you could improve for next time, from pressing send on your initial application to nailing your interview and post-interview follow-up.
This story was submitted by Career Group Companies.
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This story was originally published on December 14, 2019, and has since been updated.
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How This One Trick Can Help You Land That New Job
Consider this an immediate confidence booster.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
Need a confidence boost? Try this to see how many jobs you're actually qualified for.
Figuring out your transferable skills is key to transition into a new role or a new area of your career. Most people get extremely intimidated by exploring career opportunities outside of their comfort zone, however, what people often don’t realize is that there are a lot of skills that are transferable between careers. If you’re feeling a little down on yourself or just need a confidence boost, do a quick search to see what transferable skills you hold and how many jobs you’re actually qualified for. The results will likely surprise you (in a good way)!
Why is it important to figure out your transferable skills?
If you want to explore new career options, it’s key to figure out your transferable skills and highlight these on your résumé. You might think that the first step to furthering your career is having a great résumé, but in order to create a résumé that will best serve you, you need to decide what you want to gain from it. Why? Because a truly great résumé is catered to the jobs that you’re applying for and highlights the transferable skills that you hold. If you don’t know what kind of jobs you’re going to be applying for, you can’t highlight the right transferable skills and utilize the correct wording and phrasing to ensure that you align with the requirements of the job.
Here’s how to figure out your transferable skills and land that next job.
Don’t focus on the job title
People tend to box themselves in with specific job titles. When you’re trying to figure out your transferable skills, it’s very easy to get stuck on the job title, so instead of searching based on job titles, search based on your skills. This will open you up to new opportunities and give you a better perspective about what job is right for you and what kind of jobs you’re qualified for. You never know what job opportunities are out there until you do a broader search based on the skills you have instead of searching for a specific job title.
Browse through current openings
The easiest way to do this is by going to job sites and searching for one of your strongest (or favorite) skills. For instance, if you’re extremely skilled and enjoy working with Adobe Photoshop, search “Photoshop” and see what kind of positions come up. This will help guide you in the right direction. Similarly, if you excel at project management, customer service, or using specific software, you can search those terms as well to get a better idea of what kind of jobs focus on those skills.
Additionally, if you’re really feeling stuck, you can simply browse through current job openings without keyword searching them. If you’re taking this route, browse through job openings, go through the job descriptions, and highlight the skills you have. This will help you gather information about what transferable skills you can highlight based on different areas of work. It will also give you a better idea of what kind of jobs you can apply to going forward.
Take note of important skills that are repeated in multiple job descriptions
Research suggests that CEOs now rank adaptability and collaboration on a par with traditional skills such as problem-solving and risk management. Due to the rise of startups and small businesses, employees are often required to wear many hats, work with cross-functional teams, and adapt to the role as situations arise.
As a job seeker, these are crucial skills that you want to highlight. Instead of writing “adaptable” on your résumé, show employers how you have adapted to various situations. For example, you could say something along the lines of “hired as an administrative assistant and served as an editorial assistant managing social media postings, website content, and liaising with contributors to organize submissions.” This highlights your ability to go above and beyond your role and shows that you adapted based on company needs.
For an easy way to put together your thoughts and gather information about what you’ve accomplished, create SOAR stories (Situation, Obstacle, Action, and Result) for yourself.
Figure out what words and phrases to include
Do some research on what businesses are actually looking for in a candidate and pay attention to trends of required skills or experience in your industry. Is there software that you continually see as a job requirement? When you browse potential job opportunities, are there any specific skills required? How about certifications? Is there any specialized training that could benefit you when it comes to your job search?
The more research you can do, the better. You want to get a better understanding of what potential employers and recruiters are looking for in candidates within your field so you can highlight these transferable skills and requirements on your résumé.
Exploring new career opportunities can be intimidating, but if you figure out what transferable skills you hold, you might be surprised at how many jobs you’re actually qualified for. Instead of focusing on specific jobs titles that you think will be the right fit, focus on figuring out your transferable skills and go from there!
About the author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal styles. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.
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This story was originally published on April 18, 2028, and has since been updated.
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C&C Classifieds Nº23: Well + Good, The Spare Room, Inked & more!
Say yes to 2017 by stepping into a new career.
Happy New Year!
As we step into 2017, there are many resolutions that we may have set our minds to. New workout habits, network more frequently, call your parents more often. While these resolutions are on your list, perhaps finding a new career in the new year remains at the top of your list.
Let us help you make the next step in your career for the new year with this week's C&C Classifieds! Cheers to new opportunities in 2017!
VIEW THE FULL LISTINGS BELOW:
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C&C Classifieds Nº20: Be Social, Fringe Studio, Trendera, & more!
The hustle don't stop, even if you're in holiday mode.
HOLIDAY BREAK IS SO CLOSE. SOOOOO CLOSE.
If you're counting down the days till you can kick your feet up and relax, hang in there. Just because you're already in holiday mode, it doesn't mean the hustle has to stop, especially if you're looking to kick off 2017 with a new gig.
Sign up below to get full access to our C&C Classifieds this week featuring Be Social, Trendera, Fringe Studio, Squarespace, and more!
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C&C Classifieds Nº14: New Opportunities For November
Say hello to your new gig.
November is here, and as a new month is here, you might be feeling the winds of change in your career as well.
Kick off the month with a fresh batch of job listings for you to apply from our good friends at Mr. Kate, HomeAway, Target, Saatchi & Saatchi, JustFab, Brit + Co, Digital Brand Architects, Daniel Wellington, Crate & Barrel, and many more!
To get full access to our classified listings, just enter your name and email below. Good luck!
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5 Very Important Job Hunt Questions
And we've got answers.
photo credit: Sara Forrest
Emily Levine is VP of Career Group Companies, a staffing firm specializing in full-time and temporary placement of administrative staff for today's leading companies. Her sister, Natalie Boren, is Managing Director. Both have an inside track on the wild world of hiring.
Here they break down five common misconceptions about the job hunt, all designed to help you land the position you're eyeing.
IS SUMMER THE SEASON FOR HIRING?
When people come in to see us, they typically have no idea of whether it’s a good time to look for a job, or a bad time. We constantly hear, “What’s the market like out there?”
Often times people think that summer is a good time to go and interview because their boss’ are on vacation and their work load has slowed down. Summer is actually a very slow hiring season for our clients. That mens it’s a good time to meet with agencies/recruiters, but keep in mind that companies who are hiring aren’t usually as fast in the process over the summer. Lots of companies utilize summer interns, so after intern season is over, hiring tends to pick up! Think: a week or two after Labor Day. December can also be a slow time because of the holidays, but it’s an excellent time to find temp work.
IS IT GOOD TO TALK ABOUT GROWTH DURING AN INTERVIEW?
There is a fine line that a candidate interviewing for a role needs to straddle.
Being eager, motivated and focused on growth definitely shows that you have goals and want to succeed. However, if too much emphasis is placed on growth, a hiring manager usually feels like the person won’t be happy for long in the role that they are interviewing for. So it’s important to really emphasize that you are motivated, but also know that in joining a new company you have to earn your stripes and build trust, showcase what you can do, and then grow.
SHOULD WE GET INTO THE NITTY GRITTY?
I’ve heard it’s okay to talk about salary, hours, and benefits on the first interview. Is this true?
We usually say to let the salary, hours and benefits topic arise naturally, and we think it’s best for the HR manager or hiring manager to bring this topic up on the first round. You don't want them to think you are too pushy, forward or only focused on the money/benefits/hours.
THE HOT BUTTON QUESTION OF THE YEAR
Is it ok to talk about a work/life balance?
Be very careful how you phrase this. There is a difference between being a clock-watcher and wanting a work/life balance. It’s key to emphasize that you are NOT a clock-watcher. Hours in the office range depending on both position and industry. If you are someone who either prefers not to or simply cannot work overtime due to personal obligations (i.e.: picking your child from daycare), it’s always a good idea to highlight your commitment to your work even though you cannot work much overtime in the office itself. Today exempt employees are fortunate to have the ability to work from their mobile phones or log on their personal computers to work in the evening, as more and more companies are granted exempt employees after hours access. Just remember - always highlight your work ethic as being strong and always be a team player. Prospective employers want to know you are committed to getting the job done before you go home.
HOW DO YOU BEST UTILIZE A RECRUITER?
Is it best practice to reach out to a hiring manager directly when you are represented by an agency?
It’s extremely important to always go directly to your recruiter with any questions or concerns regarding your job search. Your recruiter has a relationship with the client and is more aware of anything going on in the background regarding your status with that particular client. Furthermore, in order for your recruiter to represent you with the most positive outcome in landing you your dream job, they need to be aware of everything going on.
To be considered by Career Group send your resume to their website directly! You can apply to jobs on: www.careergroupinc.com, www.fourthfloorfashion.com, orwww.syndicatebleu.com, and your resume will be routed directly to a recruiter.
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Should You Take a Job Outside Your Industry?
You need money, but you need to think big picture.
Is it better to take a job outside your industry, or wait until something better comes along? It’s a precarious situation. If you wait for something to come up, you might be waiting (and struggling financially) for a while, however if you do take a job that’s outside of your desired field or specialty, you may be settling when something else is right on the horizon.
When you’re deciding whether or not to accept a position, it’s important to ask yourself 3 main questions:
Is this the direction you want to take your career?
Is there room for growth?
Do you have the luxury of being picky about what kind of job you take or do you need to find something now (due to finances, employment gaps, etc.)?
Ultimately, if it’s not the direction you want to take your career, it’s not worth it. If you have the opportunity to take a new job, but it’s not the direction you want to take your career, it’s not worth the risk. If you’re exploring an opportunity because it has better pay or better benefits, that is a personal decision where you have to weigh the pros and cons. But think on this: if you drive 20 miles south when you want to go north, you’re going to have to drive an extra 20 miles back in the direction you want to go. Essentially, once you take your career in an opposite direction, it is that much harder to get back on track.
What will happen if you take a long term job that isn’t what you want? On the surface, it may not seem terrible. Everyone understands that you need to make a living and subsequently do what needs to be done to make that happen. However if you do take a long term job that isn’t in the direction you want to go, you might be creating more hurtles for yourself.
Think of it this way: If you have been working in business development but want to transition into marketing, the more positions you take in business development, the more likely you are to appear as a business development professional, and less likely to appear as a marketing professional. If you want to transition into marketing, a better way to go about this would be to take classes and volunteer to collaborate on projects with the marketing department at your current company. Then it makes sense when you apply for a marketing role. Even if you have to start at the bottom, taking a role in the right industry or field is an important step. The more you can put on your resume that’s marketing related, the more your marketing skills will be highlighted.
When you’re looking to transition jobs or roles, it is important to think about the big picture. This is where the “room for growth” question comes in. Are you exploring other opportunities only to find that you have to start at the ground? If you want to take your career in a specific direction, look for roles that point you in the direction of your goals. Focus on positions where there is room for growth, so that even if you have to step down a level in authority, you can take solace in the fact that the end justifies the means.
"When you’re looking to transition jobs or roles, it is important to think about the big picture."
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Everyone starts from the bottom at some point, so as long as there is room for you to grow and learn, there is nothing wrong with starting from scratch.
What Should You Do If You Haven’t Found the Right Opportunity, But Need Money Now?
If you are struggling financially and find yourself eager to work, even if it’s not the best position, consider taking a temporary role where you can explore your options and establish new connections. There is nothing wrong with taking a temporary or contract position to fill the transition space, however taking a permanent job is just that-- more permanent.
In this case, I always suggest that people look into temporary or contract positions. The partnership of "temporary" and "job" has a somewhat negative connotation, but I personally know many people (myself included) where temp positions have opened completely unexpected doors.
Temporary positions serve three main benefits:
They give you income while you’re in transition or in between jobs;
They give you the freedom to look and apply for other jobs while you’re still working without the guilt;
They establish networking connections and opportunities for you.
If you excel at your temporary position, chances are that you will meet people who can a) point you in the right direction, b) know of a job that may interest you, or c) will work with you to keep you at the company but progress to an area that better suits your qualifications.
There is no down side to taking a temporary position in between jobs, because if you don’t like it, you can simply end the position. Similarly, if you do find a better position, there is no need to feel bad about leaving a job or a company. A temporary position is made to be flexible, so companies are generally pretty understanding if you find a full time position that is better suited for you long term.
It can be frustrating when deciding if it’s better to take a job outside your industry or wait until something better comes along, but ultimately, you have to keep your eye on the prize. Focus on finding positions that will propel you in the right direction, even if you have to work your way up, and work hard to highlight your unique skills and abilities.
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A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.
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How to Gracefully Job Hunt While Still Employed
Not everyone needs to release a YouTube video.
Hunting for a job is not fun under the best of circumstances. And we don’t know which version of events is more tedious. Not having a job and the panic that grows every day while you remain unemployed OR having a job and sneaking out of work early for interviews.
While both scenarios make your yearly well-woman checkup seem like a party in comparison, being able to look for a job while still being employed is a blessing. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t an extremely awkward and difficult situation to manage. Even if you already have one foot out the door, you have to remain the polished, professional employee that you've always been. We know that’s easier said than done when you are ready to make a career move, but when you do land that new job you will be happy you handled your job hunt as gracefully as possible.
BE ON TOP OF YOUR GAME
At some point in their career every employee hits a breaking point that there is no bouncing back from. A day will come when you realize there is nowhere for you to progress within your current company, you are tired of the office politics, or it is simply time for a change of pace. When you realize you are ready to make your next career move, it is going to be difficult to remain invested in your work.
Mentally checking out from your current job is one of the biggest mistakes you can make while job hunting. It can alert to your manager that you are unhappy and looking for a new job, which you may not want.
"Mentally checking out from your current job is one of the biggest mistakes you can make while job hunting."
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You also run the risk of the quality of your work decreasing and harming your reputation. Even if you are ready to walk out and never look back, you never know which connections you may need down the line.
DISCRETION IS KEY
You may be ready to yell from the rooftop of your office high rise that you want to quit, but try to refrain until you give your notice. Be careful about dropping hints to coworkers and your network about quitting, because once you do that news will spread like wildfire. If your boss is reasonable they won’t be offended that you are looking for a new job, but they might be if they find out everyone knew about your plans but them.
BONUS POINTS FOR POSITIVITY
When it comes time to interview, you will inevitably be asked why you are leaving your current company. You might have dozens of blood boiling reasons to share, but that doesn’t mean you should start complaining about your current employer. Or any past employers for that matter. Try to find a diplomatic way of explaining why you are looking for a new opportunity. Your prospective employer will trust you more if they know that you can be discreet. Positivity goes a long way, it is best to focus on the positive aspects of the role you are interviewing for instead of all the reasons you hate the job you are planning on leaving.
A recent graduate of the University of California Irvine’s Literary Journalism program, Jacqueline is passionate about writing, design and visiting as many zoos as possible.
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