How to Dress for a Promotion - Dressing for a Job Interview

Are You Next in Line for a Promotion?

How to Dress for Your Next Great Opportunity!

By, Tiffany Nielsen, Premier Etiquette

March 16, 2011

How to Dress for Your Next Great Opportunity

Your big interview starts long before it is scheduled. From the day you take a new job, you want to be preparing for your next promotion. Follow these ideas to ensure you are sending the right image messages.

Position Yourself to be the Best Fit for the Promotion
You know you are the ideal match, but how does your boss feel? Make sure when you are going for a higher level position that you have considered all factors that your boss will take into account before offering you that big promotion.

It Is Never Too Late for a Good First Impression
You are going for a promotion, so dress the part. Take dress cues from your boss as well as other employees that are one level above you. When you arrive for your interview, be confident and enthusiastic that you are the best fit for the position.

Find a Mentor
Identify with someone higher up in the company than you and designate them to be your mentor. This will help you find out what it takes to get the promotion you are working towards, as well as other factors you may not have considered.

Do What it Takes
Keep track of your attendance – take time off only when truly needed. Pitch in where needed – if you are caught up on your projects, offer to help out and put in a few hours to assist others with their work. Attend workshops, seminars, and classes offered by your company. These are often free and your employer is likely to take notice of your work ethic and desire to learn. Keep track of your job performance – include the number of hours you worked overtime (whether paid or unpaid), new skills you have acquired, continuing education credits, etc. All of the above will help position you as the best candidate for the promotion.

How To Win in Your Big Interview
You have prepared for that next promotion, and you want to make sure to send the right message as you sit across the desk from your interviewer. Consider the following how-to guide to help you dress for success and land that promotion with ease.

Embrace the Neutral
When sitting across from your boss, you want to appear confident and competent. Think olive green, taupe, navy, chocolate brown or black for your suit. Use color sparingly for the interview – that pop of color is great on a day-to-day basis, but for a promotion interview use that tool in moderation. Consider a basic beige, blue, green or sand-colored blouse, or opt for a simple buttoned-down collared shirt.

Trendy is as Trendy Does
Unless you work in the fashion industry, leave the trends behind for your big interview. You do not want anything you wear to distract from what you are saying.

Do Not Go Gaudy on Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Keep your accessories simple. If you like to wear pearls, this would be a good day to wear them. Small pearl earrings and a matching pearl necklace are stunning. A simple watch is great, but do not overdo it – no gaudy or big-faced watches. Of course, forget those anklets and wear one ring per hand to keep your look simple and stylish.

Hygiene is Important
Do not overdo your fragrance, or better yet, skip it. Consider getting a manicure – clean, neat nails are attractive and will leave a good impression. Getting a haircut before the big interview should give you a visual and emotional lift and you may want to add that to your schedule. Pop a breath mint a few minutes before you walk in the door. As you pass through the threshold remember you have what it takes, and always remember to smile.

Maximize Your Chances for Success! You now have all of the tools necessary to get your next promotion. Get prepared, dress the part, and set yourself apart from others by making a fabulous impression with your boss, so that the only option is to give you that new position.

Tiffany Nielsen, President of Premier Etiquette, is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. She is co author of the books Incredible Business and Power of Civility (May 2011). She is an etiquette and civility enthusiasts with an exceptional ability to motivate and inspire professionals, collegians and the youth to tap into etiquette and civility as tools for elevating personal success! Visit her website at www.tiffanynielsen.com to get her special report and to join her blog.

Interested in supporting local businesses and talent? Please stop by Tricia Kirksey Real Estate or Nielsen & Associates Insurance to purchase your personal copy of Tiffany’s co authored business guide, Incredible Business!