Choosing Your Style for the Civilian Job

When you start interviewing, research the company’s dress code. Is it business, business casual or casual dress? It may be all three, but when you interview, opt for over-dressed rather than under-dressed.

Make Sure your Clothes Fit!

The first thing to consider is how clothing “off the rack” fits you. If you have found that you can walk into most clothing stores and find things that fit your proportions and style, then you do not necessarily need to purchase custom clothing.

Shopping at Outlet Stores

When outlet stores first appeared, they were situated near their manufacturing plant. That is how the name came to be. It was an outlet for the manufacturer to sell its goods.

Looking the Part for the Interview

You have done your research and know what the organization expects of you. You have found out what the dress code is for the interview. This is important so that you fit into this new organization. You don’t want to appear like an outsider.

Protect Your Clothing

If you are building a wardrobe for a post-military career or if you are investing a substantial amount of money to update your current outfits, it is essential to know how to take care of your business attire.

Dressing in Summer Heat

Summer will soon be upon us. Depending on what part of the country you live in, it may be hot and humid or very pleasant. Those who enjoy pleasant summers do not have much to worry about as far as selecting clothing for the workplace.

Don’t Sabotage Your Image

At the time of your interview, you do not want to leave anything to chance. You must make sure you have covered all the bases in presenting yourself. You may lose the opportunity to make a good impression if you look inept.

Informational Interviews

During the course of a job search, you may have the opportunity to participate in an information interview. Information interviews provide the opportunity to get inside information about a particular company or career field without the stress of rejection at the conclusion.

Grooming Habits

As the old cliché goes, “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” With that in mind, personal grooming is critical in nailing down that civilian job interview, and ultimately, upward mobility in the workplace. Let’s take a look at some of the grooming habits you need to handle to make a favorable firtst impression on your new employer.

Be Prepared for Interview Emergencies

First of all you need to plan on spending extra time getting to the interview. You will not make a good impression by arriving late. There are absolutely no excuses for being late.

Suit Alterations

Unless you are purchasing tailor-made suits – highly unlikely on a military income – it’s very likely that your wardrobe purchases are going to need some type of alterations. Here are some things to consider when tailoring your wardrobe for career success.

Types of Shirts

It may be hard to visualize that there are so many different components to a shirt, but it is important to know how these all work together. It is like wearing a uniform. Everything has regulations and specifications.