Lesson 1: Look the Part

Present the best version of yourself to a prospective client or employer.

Studies have shown that most people form an impression of you within 5 seconds of meeting you.

How you present yourself physically and vocally play an important part in how you come across professionally.

In this course we’ll be sharing tips on how to communicate effectively and dress appropriately, so that you can present the best version of yourself to a prospective client.

Skills You Will Learn:

• How to choose an appropriate “look” for work related meetings and interviews

• How to express yourself confidently with words

• A basic style guide that’ll keep you looking fresh, cool, and work-ready!

Visualise it!

Always be mindful of the position you are applying for. If it’s to be a teller in a bank, there’s a look for that.

Same thing applies for a retail assistant in a clothing store.

We’ve found it’s helpful to dress as if you’ve already got the job.

This gives you a step ahead in interviews, because it will help the interviewer imagine you already in their workplace.

Make An Effort

Whatever “look” it is you go for, make absolutely sure that it is clean, well put-together and shows that you have made an effort. Arriving at an interview with messy hair, a stain on your t-shirt and flip-flops will give the impression that you don’t care whether you get the job or not, and that is NOT A GOOD THING.

Invest in the Look

An interview outfit is like a uniform – you can use it again and again, if you keep it in good condition. It is worth spending a bit of money on the following if you don’t have them already. Spending money on this outfit is not frivolous – it is an investment in yourself. If you keep the look timeless, simple and classic, you’ll be able to use this outfit for years.

Style Guide – Men

The most generally accepted interview look is quite standard.
A dress-shirt, pair of formal trousers and a smart pair of shoes is all you need.
Remember, again, the position: If this is an office job, you’re going to want to keep your shirt colour to white, blue or grey. If you want to funk it up, you can go for a shirt in a simple print, or a solid colour.

As for pants, we recommend a pair of simple chinos. Alternatively, a pair of simple black formal pants can be worn with practically anything, so that’s always a good bet. 
Shirts should be tucked in, and a belt is advisable.

You can add a tie if you like, provided it’s not too loud. 
On the whole, you want to look smart, prepared, work-ready, and like you take your life seriously.
All of the above items can be bought strategically. Don’t buy the first thing you see. Visit a number of shops so you can compare prices.

Out of the question are the following items:
Earrings, chains, caps, sneakers. Save those for the weekend!

Style Guide – Women

Women need to remember that there is a line between looking nice and looking sexy.

A safe look composed of a chic blouse together with a formal skirt is always a safe bet, and can be paired with a semi-formal jacket for that work-ready finesse. Pants are also a great option, as a growing number of women wear pants to work, because they’re more practical.

When it comes to hair, be sure that it’s tidy, clean, and controlled. You can let that dope weave down on the weekend, but for interview purposes it’s all about neat, professional and polished.

EASY ON THE MAKE-UP! We all know makeup is an awesome way to highlight your gorgeousness, but you need to consider the objective. The goal here is to look like a serious-minded go-getter. Blue lipstick may be #1 on Insta right now, but there’s a good chance the interviewee won’t “get” it. Keep things simple, clean and classic.