When it's time to go on a job interview, most men know that it isn't a good idea to show up wearing blue jeans and a concert t-shirt, even though many offices claim to have a business casual attire. In these cases, they pull out their good suit – the one they keep in the back of their closets just in case someone dies, they have to go to court or for a job interview. Often, the suit is ill-fitting and out of date. Since it's better than any of their other clothing, they put their best foot forward and clip on their only tie and hope for the best.
Dressing professionally is important, and not just during the interview process. Having clothes that fit well, accentuate your shape and look good on you can make a huge difference both to the overall impression you make and to your self-esteem and confidence.
Z.Z Top said that “everybody's crazy about a sharp-dressed man,” and throughout time, this has always been the case. According to The Art of Manliness, there are several benefits to dressing well:
It can transform you: When you are dressed professionally, you feel more professional, and as it follows, you'll behave more professionally. As any woman can tell you, when you feel sick, depressed or just not yourself, spending extra time on your appearance can actually make you feel better. Looking like your best self will give you a boost of confidence and will allow you to better market yourself.
It improves self-discipline: Whether it's the Roman Legion or the Marine Corps, having a sharp looking uniform improves overall discipline. That's why the military has such exacting rules regarding dress. They know that a well polished group will perform better than one that is allowed to dress however they'd like. Taking time to perfect your appearance shows that you possess an extraordinary attention to detail and that you hold yourself to a high standard.
It increases respect: It takes a lot of work and commitment to dress well. Shining your shoes and pressing your dress shirt might take time, but others, especially other men, recognize the effort and will give you additional respect. This is especially true when your clothing fits well and you don't look uncomfortable in it.
If you have been trying to perfect your professional look, there are many resources that can give you advice and guidance on the matter. One of my favorite sites, Put This On, is targeted to professional men who want to learn how to dress like a grownup. They frequently give very helpful advice, like their recent post about how professional men shouldn't carry their work around in backpacks. Instead, they suggest using a briefcase.
While it's true that you can't judge a book by its cover, in our fast-paced society, sometimes the cover is all that you ever have the chance to see. We do it all the time and if you don't look the part, you will have to work extra hard to prove yourself. Don't worry, you won't become an automaton just by wearing a nice suit. With a little research and some savvy shopping you can still express your personal style in a way that is both professional and classy.
What fashion choices do you think professional men shouldn't make? How do you like to dress for an interview? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Image Source: MorgueFile
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