Imagine this: you walk into a brightly-lit lobby area for an interview. After checking in with the Receptionist, you sit down and look around for a few seconds. It’s an elegant lobby at the company you’ve been wanting to interview with for a long time. Suddenly, you’re keenly aware of all the other candidates also waiting.
Some wear expensive-looking slacks with matching fitted blazers, a couple are wearing athletic wear with collared zip-up jackets, but most are wearing normal dress pants with collared shirts. You’ve been through interviews before and are eager to know what jobs the other candidates are there for. After a brief conversation with a few of the other people waiting, you realize one thing: You are all interviewing for the same job! You need to find a way to stand out from them all.
Like Andy in “The Devil Wears Prada”, there is something that happens when we put on a nice outfit. We can feel like a new person! As someone interviewing for a job, applying for a scholarship, or preparing for your first day at a new job, you’ll want to dress your best. How you dress affects how you think about yourself, how you feel, and your level of confidence. Your attire can help you stand out from the crowd in ways that are beyond your appearance.
“It's simple psychology, really. Your clothing affects how you act and feel. Sneakers put you in the mood to exercise. Heels enhance posture and along with it, a feeling of glamorous confidence. So too, a suit and tie will put you in the mode to work, performing at your best. You'll think smarter, make decisions quicker, and assume a more professional demeanor.” says Ari Zoldan, CEO of Quantum Media Group.
Just make sure to follow the "plus or minus one rule" for your work attire cautions Dennis Green in his article in the Insider. “For example, if most people in the office wear button-up shirts, you might want to put on a blazer. If most people wear blazers, you might want to wear a suit. And so on.”
Get clothing to look your best, even if you can’t afford it
Dress for Success is an organization that helps people get professional attire for their job search or a new job — at no cost. Their clients get high-quality clothing that is new or gently used and dry cleaned. Their stylists measure clients and include everything a person will need —shoes, purses, accessories, and undergarments.
“It’s an amazing experience,” said JAG Coordinator Emily Amparan. “You don’t need to worry about money or styling yourself, they do it all for you. I’m looking forward to having them at our East Valley HUB.”
For many people, being able to wear a high-quality suit is everything. “When I was in California, I had a student get a brand new suit. After putting it on, he perked up and stood taller! The ladies [at Dress for Success] are volunteers. They care about people and have great fashion sense,” says Emily.
Dress for Success is making an impact on the community by empowering people to dress their best and feel confident. If you’re in need of a new outfit for an upcoming interview or a new professional wardrobe for a job, the designers at Dress for Success would be happy to help you look your best. Visit their website to learn more: Dress for Success Phoenix.
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Sources
Dress for Success: How Clothes Influence Our Performance
Dressing For Success And The Achievement Of Your Dreams
It turns out that dressing well can actually make you more successful
The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing
Why 'Dress for Success' Still Matters (Perhaps More Than Ever)