To land a job in finance, you'll first need to dazzle everyone at the interview, and that means you must dress appropriately. The old rule is, don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want. However, if you're not sure what attire is appropriate for the job you want, then you'll have to do a little research.
One way to find out what clothing is appropriate is to ask. Don't ask the interviewer or the person who schedules the interview. Instead, give the company's receptionist a call and ask him or her about the dress code of the firm.
Another idea is to find a copy of the business's annual report if one is available. Many companies make theirs available online in their investors' section. By browsing through the photographs included in the report, you should get a good idea of the professional image, including staff attire, valued by the organization.
If those two methods don't work, go on a stakeout. Most businesses set their lunch hours around noon, so park outside the company or as close as possible around that time and watch the people leaving. You should be able to pick up some inspiration for your finance job interview attire.
Choosing the Right Colors
Whether you're going for an interview or the first day of work, you should adhere to some basic rules about appropriate dress in the office. While these apply to almost any office setting, they can be even more critical at a bank job, where you will need to create the aura of professionalism in order to be trusted by your clients and the rest of the staff.
First, avoid light-colored suits. Generally, you'll have a better chance of success if you opt for darker pants, jackets, ties, and skirts. This piece of wisdom was recently proved correct by a survey of 351 CEOs by the Wall Street Journal; more than half preferred dark blue attire, while another 40% or so chose dark gray.
The reason for this preference is undoubtedly that dark colors are perceived as serious, conservative, and formal, three characteristics you would expect to find in finance job employees.
However, you don't want your clothes to be so dark that you look like you're going to a funeral. Combine dark-colored clothing with a lighter-colored blouse or dress shirt. The combination is very attention-grabbing, and the contrast is definitely flattering. You'll look like the well-dressed professional you want everyone to think you are. For the best success potential, go with either white or light blue tops.
Pay Attention to Your Shoes
While most of us take our shoes for granted, they are an important part of our wardrobe. To the well-trained eye of a bank hiring manager, your shoes might reveal hidden secrets about your fastidious nature or about your attention to detail that could make or break your chances for the job.
Women should avoid wearing open-toed shoes or shoes that are overly colorful. Again, dark colors are better. Pumps are also a better choice than very high heels. For men, having a pair of high quality shoes is crucial, and they should always be polished and well-kept. Choosing lace-up shoes over slip-on shoes may cost you a few more minutes in the morning but will contribute greatly to the professional look of your attire.
''Avoid Looking Feminine'' and Other Misconceptions
One of the misconceptions some women have about dressing for the workplace is that they can't look attractive and feminine while also looking professional and conservative. That's not the case. However, you do want to avoid emphasizing your femininity too much.
Make-up is also important. You want to look your best, but that shouldn't mean piling on the cosmetics. Some foundation, a little blush, maybe a touch of mascara, and a small amount of natural lip color are all you really need.
Also, skip the perfume. Many people in offices are sensitive to strong smells, and that could include your interviewer.
We can't talk about women's professional appearance in the workplace without covering the issue of cleavage. Some women are divided on the issue, but it's always better to remember that less is more. You can look beautiful without displaying your assets in the workplace. Plus, feeling sexy has less to do with the amount of skin you show and more to do with having a confident attitude. The latter is something that you always want to wear in a banking job environment.
Final Guidelines for Men
Men who are going into a finance job may also face some obstacles in the attire department. Many men, for example, love wearing unusual ties with their suits. While this can get attention, that attention is likely to be negative. Solid-color ties work best. If you want a pattern on your tie, make sure it is subtle.
Also, never underestimate the power of a high-quality, expensive watch on your wrist.
Conclusion
If you're serious about getting ahead in your finance job, you must dress as if you are. Always think about the first impression you are making when you choose your clothes for an interview or a day at the office.
