Getting ready to present yourself to a potential employer.

You’ve written out and practiced your answers to all of the questions you can think of. You’ve printed out clean copies of your resume and you’ve reviewed the published job posting so the published requirements are fresh in your mind. What’s left to do?

Bringing Technology to the Interview

You should be prepared to demonstrate the technology that you use for work or will need to bring to the interview. Create a checklist that lists all of the devices (high- and low-tech) you would use on the job. Next to each device listed, indicate whether you will bring the actual device or what you will bring to explain or provide as an example. It’s ideal to bring the devices with you but if you can’t bring pictures of the device, video, web site links or a description of each one. You could even create a short video or list of links to videos or sites that demonstrate your devices. The ultimate purpose is to demonstrate your methods of accessing information and completing work tasks.

We always have to keep in mind that most employers do not know how persons with visual impairments perform jobs. It’s best to be able to show these methods or technologies quickly and efficiently. It’s less likely that an interviewer will review these materials at a later point in time.

Presentation

Dress & Impress is a video aimed at demonstrating the importance of appropriate dress and preparation in the interview process. This video addresses a serious issue with a comical spin. The video is aimed at teenagers, but applies to everyone seeking a job. Check out the full collection of Aaron’s Adventures in Employment on AFB CareerConnect!

Dressing appropriately can make the difference between getting a job or being eliminated as a candidate. Wear clothing that is clean (no stains), neat (no holes or tears), pressed (not wrinkled), and appropriately sized. Use a person you trust to view your clothing to see if it fits well. You should go to stores and try on clothing to find out what looks good and is comfortable. Trying on clothes is a necessity because clothing from different brands will fit differently even in the same sizes.

Different employers will have different dress codes. If you can ask someone what the dress code is before your interview, do so. If you can’t, always err on the more formal/professional side.

Below are some general guidelines and tips for dressing appropriately for an interview. All organizations and jobs are different, but it’s safest to dress conservatively, especially for a job interview. The best bet is to dress in a formal/professional manner when attending an interview. Review, try on, launder, iron, and hang your clothing a week before your interview so you have time to make adjustments or get things dry cleaned if you need to.

Dress Tips

Formal/Professional

Men

1. Conservative suit (black, navy blue, or gray)
2. Sports coat, dress shirt, slacks, dress socks, dress shoes, tie, and belt (or suspenders)
3. Colors should match
4. Shirts should be a conservative solid color with a tie that matches
5. Shirt patterns should be subtle and minimal
6. Belt should be the same color as your shoes. If wearing a black or navy blue suit, wear a black belt, black shoes, and black or navy blue socks
7. A watch and/or one ring can be appropriate if formal
8. If you have a talking watch, the alarm should be silenced; talking watches can be a distraction and should be used cautiously
9. Dress shoes should be polished and in good condition
10. Formal clothing does not have to be expensive or a top brand: look for sales or shop at a local thrift store
11. Know your sizes and try things on both before purchasing and prior to an interview— clothing that fits properly is important to presenting a professional appearance
12. A tuxedo is not appropriate for an interview
13. Men should always wear a white undershirt beneath their dress shirt to present a conservative appearance and prevent sweating through the shirt
14. Undergarments should not be visible
15. Clothing should not be transparent, nor form fitting

Women

1. Dress suit/pant suit
2. Jacket with slacks and an appropriate blouse
3. Jacket with a knee-length or longer skirt
4. Jewelry should be minimal and subtle: small earrings (if any), one necklace.
5. Clothing should be conservative and fit properly.
6. Formal clothing does not have to be expensive or a top brand: look for sales or shop at a local thrift store
7. Neckline should be conservative and not low. (Very little skin should be showing)
8. Shoes should be a dark color (black, brown, navy), closed-toe, with a low or flat heel
9. Pantyhose/stockings should be worn and should be a neutral shade or one that matches your skin tone
10. Undergarments should should not be visible
11. Clothing should not be transparent, nor form fitting
12. Handbags should be well-kept, moderate in size, neat in appearance, and devoid of ornamentation

Business Casual (varies from business to business)

Men

1. Dress shirt (button down shirt that is striped or a solid color) and slacks (Docker/khaki type pants), socks, belt, and dress shoes
2. Some businesses will require a tie
3. Certain businesses may allow a polo shirt as part of business casual instead of a dress shirt
4. If unsure, stay conservative

Women

1. Conservative blouse or shirt, knee-length or longer skirt, dress of an appropriate length and neckline
2. Slacks can be substituted for a skirt/blouse or dress
3. Pantyhose/stockings might be required or recommended, depending on the company culture or location
4. Minimal jewelry

Casual

For Men and Women

For most interviews you should never dress any more casually than the business casual guidelines above. You may adjust your wardrobe as appropriate after you’ve been hired. If dressing to do a more labor-intensive job, ask what is suggested to be worn to the interview. You should stay away from any inappropriate or very casual clothing even if you are interviewing for a more labor intensive job.

Regional/Cultural/Organizational Differences

Some regions of the country and world have different professional dress conventions. It’s important to respect the values of the organization and culture that you are applying to work within. Some regions are more casual about their dress because of the climate. For example, pantyhose would less likely be worn in Miami, Florida or Honolulu, Hawaii. Businesses in a region of the country that is known to have a traditional culture may be more conservative about dress codes. All of this is important to research and understand prior to an interview. Many businesses have written dress codes for employees (and interviewees) to follow.