Strategies for Career Success Newsletter - July 2006

Editor's Note

Welcome to Strategies for Career Success, a monthly newsletter published by Pathways Career Success Strategies.

This month's newsletter includes the fifth installment in a series of articles on business etiquette. Now it's the men's turn. This month's feature article includes tips for men on dressing for interview success.

If you haven't already, check out our newly re-designed website.

Enjoy!

Joan Runnheim

Interview Dress Etiquette: Top 10 Tips for Men

This month Eric K. Boone, owner of Boontique, a St. Paul-based wardrobe consulting service, shares style tips for men who want to be taken seriously for the interview. Below are his top 10 tips:

1. Invest in a tailored 2 piece suit, that is the correct fit and size for you.  Black, navy, or charcoal, is best.  Pinstripes not chalk stripes suits are appropriate.  If pant leg is narrow, no cuff. If pant leg is wider, a cuff will polish off the look.

2. Be sure your shoes are polished and not scuffed.  Wear an updated classic lace-up, Chelsea, or monk strap with your suit. No slide heals or loafer style shoes with a suit.

3. Always wear a proper fitted long sleeve dress shirt. No short sleeves shirts. To add elegance, choose a French cuff, or barrel cuffed shirt. White is best but if you choose a patterned style shirt, make sure it is not extreme or harsh on the eyes.  A check, tatter Sal, or stripe can add pizzazz without being gaudy.

4. Invest in a high quality necktie, and stay away from wild colors or extreme bold patterns. The rep tie is big for spring/summer 06. 

5. If you wear eyeglasses, make sure the style is updated. 

6. Stay away from the 1970's hair styles that a lot of young men are wearing, and definitely no mullets. For African American men, cornrows and braids are not professional looking. Keep hairstyles professional and dignified.

7. Beards are not accepted in many companies.  It's best to be clean shaven.

8. If you have gray or graying hair, consider a good color treatment.

9. Don't carry a backpack. A briefcase can add a sence of professionalism, but consider just carrying a nice leather portfolio style folder.

10. Please avoid wearing earrings, nose, tongue or eyebrow jewelry.

Eric K. Boone can be reached at boontique@yahoo.com or by calling (651) 552-0875.

Click here for additional articles on etiquette and other topics.

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Joan Runnheim

Pathways Career Success Strategies

joan@pathwayscareer.com

Hudson, WI 54016

(715) 549-6432