Tag Archive for: dressing for an interview

Dressing for a Job Interview in Minnesota Winter

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For Minnesota employers, first impressions are critical for landing the job. While your clothes shouldn’t be the most important thing, we always advise job seekers to look their best. Whether you’re heading to an interview or attending one of our hiring events, you want to dress to impress.

Minnesota winters can make it hard to feel like your most professional self. Between your giant coat, your Vikings stocking cap, and your salt-covered boots, it can be hard to dress practically and professionally in below-freezing temps. Here are our tundra-tested tips for looking professional while staying warm.

Choose a sharp coat

While we all want to be judged by our resumes, it’s a reality that the first thing your employer will notice is what you wore to the interview. You’re likely familiar with the awkward dance of removing your coat and getting settled before sitting with your interviewer, so your coat will be a focal point. If you can, invest in a professional and classic jacket like a wool peacoat. If a puffer jacket is more your style, choose a neutral color. Even though you know you’ll remove it immediately, always wear a coat in good condition with no holes, stains or tears.

Invest in professional winter shoes, or bring back-ups

We advise interviewees to either wear professional boots or arrive a bit early and change into dress shoes. If you frequently attend professional events or have occasion to dress up, investing in a classic, sturdy winter boot will keep you safe and looking smart. Another option is to bring your dress shoes in a bag – a briefcase or bookbag, not your gym bag – and change before you enter the office. Don’t carry your stinky boots into your interview!

Wear layers to keep cool

We know all too well that interviews can be sweat-inducing events. It may be freezing outside, but the heat in your interview room is blasting and your nerves are cranking up your body temperature. If this sounds familiar, wear a blazer or cardigan that you can remove if you get warm. Have an interview-appropriate shirt or blouse underneath so you aren’t comfortable. If you’re worried about overheating, don’t wear your thickest wool sweater and socks. You’ll give your best interview if you’re comfortable.

Arrive fashionably early

It’s always important to arrive early for an interview, but if you’re worried about the weather wreaking havoc on your professional outfit, add 10 more minutes. Head to a coffee shop or the building’s bathroom so you can warm up, remove the snow from your hair or reapply makeup if needed. Taking a minute to check your appearance in the mirror can give you the confidence boost you need to crush your interview, instead of worrying whether you look like the Abominable Snowman.

Winters aren’t the best part about living in the Twin Cities, but we know how to survive them. Don’t let a little snow ruin your next big opportunity.

Speaking of job interviews, have you checked out our job opportunities lately? We have plenty of openings where you can apply these tips for winter job interviews.

The Minnesota Way to Dress For a Job Interview

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If you dress well for an interview, no matter what type of job it is, you are more likely to be hired. Here are some of our tips on how to dress for an interview.

Dress For Success-

When you go in for an interview, you want to make the best first impression possible.  In other words, what you wear matters!  Choose professional clothing that doesn’t show too much skin. Men can’t go wrong with some nice slacks and a button-down shirt. Women can’t go wrong with a cute business skirt or slacks and blouse combination. Before you go into your interview, iron your clothes or have them dry-cleaned to make sure they’re not wrinkled

Be Mindful of Tattoos and Piercings-

If you have a lot of visible tattoos and piercings, it’s a good idea to remove them before the interview. Regardless of whether or not it is fair, some companies will make judgments and associate tattoos and piercings with being irresponsible or reckless. Even if this is not the case, you want to make sure you remove them so the interviewer can get to know the real you and not fixate on your tattoos and piercings. Furthermore, in light industrial jobs, excessive piercings can sometimes create a safety hazard.

Keep Hygiene in Mind-

When you’re trying to make a good first impression, you always want to keep hygiene in mind. Part of good hygiene includes brushing your hair, showering, washing your face, and brushing your teeth. You wouldn’t want your interviewer to have a wrong impression of you based merely on how you look or smell. Spend a few minutes before you have to leave for your interview focusing on hygiene, and your interviewer will be able to focus on what you’re saying.

Add Tasteful Accessories-

Wearing tasteful accessories to an interview can accentuate your overall appearance and presentation. An example of an elegant accessory for a man would be a nice watch. An example of an elegant accessory for a woman would be a necklace or some earrings. Adding an exquisite accessory, without overdoing, tells your interviewer that you care enough to take that additional step and are responsible enough to find a balance. If you have an interview, you are seriously being considered for a job. You can increase your chances of being hired if you dress well and present yourself positively for your first interview.

If you need help finding job interviews, contact Award Staffing.  We will be able to help you find a job that is the perfect fit for you and your unique skill sets. Our team of hiring professional located in Bloomington, Chaska, Crystal, Delano, Maplewood, and Ramsey Minnesota are here to help you find you your next new job opportunity!