HOW TO MAKE A

POSITIVE

1ST IMPRESSION

lady dress 4 success

HTGYE FKE 2011/2012

Learning Outcomes

By the end this lecture/presentation the

students should be able to

1. dress appropriately for an interview

2. demonstrate appropriate body language

3. use the appropriate voice tone for an interview

4. make a good impression

Content

1. Why the need for dressing correctly?

2. Three Main 1st Impression Factors

3. Appearance & Dress For Success

1. Clothes

2. Shoes & Bag

3. Accessories

4. Make up

5. Image & hygiene

6. Quiz & Final Check

4. Do’s & Don’ts of Body Gesture

Why the need for

dressing

correctly?

Did you know?

The first 15-to-30 seconds can MAKE or

BREAK the interview and in order to have a chance

at the position you have to have a GOOD FIRST

IMPRESSION.

Regardless of how hard

you work or how smart

you are, appearing

stressed, rumpled, or

haggard downgrades

your professional image

Perception others have on us

• Posture - have a seat

with our back straight and chest

out

• Position

• Gesture - include

movement of the hand, face or

other parts of the body

• Facial expression

Body Language

“We automatically

assign to good-

looking

individuals such

favorable traits as

talent, kindness,

honesty and

intelligence”

Robert Cialdini in “Influence:

The Psychology of Persuasion”

Three Main 1st Impression

Factors

Three Main 1st Impression Factors (1/3)

1. Appearance Are your clothes professional?

Are they clean? Do they fit

well?

Are your nails clean and tidy?

Or bitten and scruffy?

Posture: are you sitting /

standing confidently or

slouching? This might make

them think you're either too

nervous or too laid back.

Three Main 1st Impression Factors (2/3)

2. Handshake Your handshake is one of the

most important parts of a first

impression. A firm (but not

vice-like) handshake, good eye

contact and a relaxed smile

give you a confident start.

If you're not sure about your

handshake, ask for feedback

from a friend.

Muslim/muslimah

Three Main 1st Impression Factors (3/3)

3. Smile

There are two elements to a smile:

• Good, relaxed eye contact.

• A relaxed, confident smile. It doesn't matter

whether or not you show your teeth.

If the interviewer feels like your penetrating

stare is too much or your manic grin is

uncomfortable, you won't make a great first

impression.

If you're unsure, practice in front of a mirror.

Appearance & Dress

For Success Clothes

Shoes & Bag Accessories

Make up Image & Hygiene

Quiz & Final Check

Dress for Success The clothes…

• Do your RESEARCH… – Research the prospective employer - companies and even industries have

definable corporate cultures.

– Think about the activities you may be undertaking, during the interview or assessment centre.

– Choose an outfit that is slightly conservative, because you never know whether your interviewer is going to be a fashion icon or someone who thinks mini-skirts or cartoon ties should be banned.

Clothes

Most companies will give you information about their

dress code, if you phone their reception. Even if they say

they have a casual dress policy, it's still a good idea to

dress in slightly smarter attire; to show you've made the

effort.

If in doubt, dress slightly smarter than you usually would

for work.

When you select your job interview

clothes, remember to think about how

wrinkled they might look after 2 hours

in a car or bus!!!

• FIT WELL, COMFORTABLE & IN GOOD CONDITION

– Select an outfit you have worn before and are comfortable wearing.

– Try on the outfit a few days before - enough time to have drying-cleaning and repairs completed.

– Check the ensemble for missing buttons, frayed cuffs and other needed repairs.

– Everything must be clean, neat and ironed. – No bulging pockets or sagging coat lining. – Polished shoes

Clothes

• DRESS UP, NOT DOWN – Wear blouses buttoned high (at

least above the line where cleavage begins), no slit skirts or mini skirts

– Take off your jacket or sweater before you enter the room if it is hot. There’s something suggestive of a stripper when you take off clothes in public.

– Wear plain stockings that match your skin tone (optional) & close-toe shoes

Clothes

Remember an interview is a formal situation, so it's important to be aware of the details of your appearance. It's best to keep the color of your

clothing muted and understated. The focus should be on YOU -- not on your clothes.

Clothes

Get used to your clothes if not you would look it at

ease on the day of the interview.

Dressing On A Tight Budget

Buy 2nd

Hand

Clothing?

Choose

season-less

fabric

Mix or

match Spice up

the look by

adding

accessories

Begin by

investing in “a

good-fitting, well-

made” suit in

your best neutral

color

Don’t buy

last minute

The Complete Interview Outfit - Women's

Sample Muslimah skirted suit dress attire

Sample skirted suit dress attire

How to choose a suit based on your body shape (1/4)

• Description

– Shoulder and thigh same distance

– No body shape. Waist is the same size as hip.

• Tips

– Add a waist belt at the back of the jacket

– Length of jacket/blouse is 15 cm exact downwards from the hip bone

• Fashion For Women

– Straight cut square jacket and not too tight fitting

Square Shape Type Body

How to choose a suit based on your body shape (2/4)

• Description

– Broad shoulder compared to waist, hip and thigh.

– Waist look small compared to hip

• Tips

– Choose V-neck blouse/jacket

– Use a smaller waist blouse/jacket

• Fashion

– Straight cut one colour jacket till half of the thigh length, V-neck blouse and long straight cut skirt

Triangle Shape Type Body for women

How to choose a suit based on your body shape (3/4)

• Description

– Small chest and big hip

• Tips

– Choose a jacket that cover only half of your hip

– Choose ‘monkey jacket’ type where the jacket opening is until below chest level

– Choose straight-cut long skirt

• Fashion

– Straight cut jacket till half of the hip

– Choose a pant or skirt that is situated at your hips (between your waist and hip bone)

Pear Shape Type Body for women

How to choose a suit based on your body shape (4/4)

• Description

– Chest and hip same distance, waist is around 23’’ to 26’’

• Tips

– Choose a jacket that cover only half of your hip or until your thigh

– If you have long legs, use a skirt with A-line cutting or a straight cut dark colour pant with bright colour blouse.

– Can also wear three piece suit (shirt, vest and jacket)

• Fashion

– ‘Turtle neck’ blouse with short jacket.

Perfect Shape Type Body for women

What about baju kurung?

Another possibility is baju kurung. You can’t go wrong with a baju kurung especially if you are

applying for government sector work.

Don’t wear too colorful/sparkling. Don’t wear coat/blazer shorter than your ‘baju kurung’.

Get a longer and nice one.

Tudung?

For those wearing tudung, learn to put them on. Get advice from your lecturers, relatives, or

anybody who can show you how to put them on fashionably.

Main Tips to for tudung users:

-Wear a head scarf inside

-Don’t wear a tudung made from almost transparent fabric

-Wear a tudung that covers your chest

-Use appropriate brooches at appropriate location

-The tudung must not be too colouful or abstract

-Wear the tudung neatly and correctly

How to wear tudung?

EXCELLENT

Don’t

Making a good impression on job interview

Appropriate dressing • Your success or failure in the interview can depend on your

appearance and the interview’s first impression of you. Look neat, well-groomed. Select proper clothing for the type of organization (government, private sector etc.) interviewing you. If in doubt be conservative;

• Get used to your clothes if not you would look it at ease on the day of the interview.

Dress for Success Shoes and Bag

Shoes

• Shoe Color and Style: – Interviewees should wear dark, polished, closed-toe leather

pumps that match the interview suit or are one shade darker than it.

– The heel should be one to two inches high, according to your height.

– Try not to wear a brand new pair of shoes since walking may be awkward or uncomfortable at first. If necessary, break new shoes in at home before your interview.

Shoes

X X

Bag

• Briefcase:

• A leather notebook or portfolio (padfolio) big enough to hold your résumé and notepad.

• Handbag:

• should be structured, small and plain

• matching your shoes and belt.

• avoid using your everyday handbag, especially if it is filled with belongings.

• If you are carrying a cell phone in the bag, turn it off before you begin your interview!

OR

Bag

Dress for Success The accessories…

• MINIMAL JEWELRY – No dangling earring – No heavy, expensive-looking, glittery or ostentatious

jewelry – If you wear earrings, plain studs are the most cautious. – A single necklace is acceptable, as is a watch and a ring

or two. – You may wish to add a pin to your suit jacket to add

color and pizzazz, but be sure to shy away from any controversial insignias.

Accessories

Accessories

No glittery Tudung and only one brooch

Okey

Not okey

Dress for Success The make-up…

“Cantik itu indah tetapi yang indah akan mudah menjadi kabur jika diri sendiri

tidak tahu hendak menilai atau memeliharanya.”

Aristotle

“Sesungguhnya Allah itu cantik (indah) dan bersih. Dia amat mencintai kepada perkara yang cantik (indah) dan bersih.”

Riwayat Al-Bazzar

Make-up Tips

• The goal is to look natural and professional • Select a foundation that matches your skin tone at

the neckline. Make-up begins at the neck to eliminate any possibility of a line.

• Be careful to not select make-up that is too pink for you.

• The blush should match the natural red tones in your cheeks. Apply blush lightly applied no closer to the nose than the iris of the eye and no lower that the bottom of the nose. But personally I feel blush is too much for an interview.

Correct way to apply a blush

To correctly locate your cheekbones simply smile; find the center of the apple of the cheeks with your index finger. Then take your thumb to where your ear connects to your head. Slide your thumb toward your index finger, the bone that you feel is your cheekbone. Then apply your blush to your cheekbone.

Make-up Tips • Both blush and lip color should not overpower the face

and clothing. Steer clear of frosted or bright lipstick, eye shadow, or nail polish.

• Because of the stressful nature of an interview, you might perspire a bit more than usual. It's a perfectly natural response. So be prepared with blotting tissues to use before the interview that might help you to clean off your face by not removing your make up.

• Reach for interview a few minutes early to touch up in the restroom or a nearby cafe, to check for perspiration, lipstick on the teeth, crumbs around the mouth, and anything around your nose.

How To Apply Make-Up For An Interview???

And if you don’t wear makeup,

ensure your face is CLEAN and

NOT OILY.

Step 1

• Start with a clean, well moisturized face.

• Then apply a thin layer of your favorite foundation using a brush or sponge throughout your face.

• Final touch it with loose powder.

Step 2

• Apply light silver eye shadow.

• Add another dark brown eye shadow and blend it.

It is to be borne in mind that you

have to always maintain good eye contact during an interview. So don't go overboard with eye

makeup. The goal here is to translate a serious sense of

capability and competency. Stick with muted tones of brown, taupe

or gray.

Step 3

• Apply black eye-mascara to create a nice look on your eyes.

• Get water-proof mascara

Step 4

• Brush your eye brow neatly using an eye brush

Step 5

• Choose a natural color lipstick. • Press your lips on a tissue after the

first application. • Apply your lipstick one more time

to make the lipstick last longer.

Don't wear lip-gloss to an

interview. Keep the lips

semi-matte and muted; a

neutral pink or berry tone

is pretty and appropriate.

Simple & Natural Look Makeup

Advice for Women How to Apply Makeup When Pimples Are Prominent

* Use makeup brand that does not clog pores and is designed specifically for teenagers who have acne problems. These makeup products often contain a topical ingredient that kills bacteria and helps to clean out pores. Look for non-allergic makeup that can help reduced the redness and reactions of skin irritations.

Gently wash the face with cold water and soap. Then dab the face dry, carefully

Apply an astringent

Use a concealer or stick cover-up to hide blemishes and acne

Carefully use your fingers to apply foundation to the blemished area.

Continue with the rest of the face, applying foundation with the fingers

Continue with standard application of the makeup, and follow up with an application of face powder

Dress for Success Image and Hygiene…

• CLEAN, TIDY & PRESENTABLE – Hair and nails must be clean and groomed. Women with longer

hair should wear it back so it doesn't become a distraction. Dressy hair clips should replace more bulky, everyday clips.

– Scent should be low-key or absent as people can be allergic to certain perfume scents, plus you'll probably be seated in a confined space.

– Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath

– No body odor

No matter how beautiful your job interview

clothes, your personal hygiene could let you

down

Image and Hygiene

Avoid smelly food like Petai, Jering and

Kenuak/Kerdas, Durian, Bawang!

Image and Hygiene

Plaque

Image and Hygiene

Let’s Have A Test!

What is your 1st impression on this 5 interview candidates?

Girl 1 Girl 4 Girl 3 Girl 5 Girl 2

Girl 1

• Positives: – Traditional and fresh – Neat and Professional

• Negatives: – Not suitable for manufacturing

and private sector • General Comments:

– Suitable for government sectors

• Positives: – Suitable if looking for a temping job – Neat and clean

• Negatives: – Not professional, too casual

Girl 2

• Positives: – Well-dressed

• Negatives: – Trousers can be cropped

slightly

• General Comments: – Smart dressing – Confident look

Girl 3

• Positives:

– Complete formal Muslimah suit

• Negatives:

– Shade of shoes a little dark, brown or beige may be more matching.

• General Comments:

– Neat and tidy.

Girl 4

• Positives: – Professional look – Jacket and shirt well tailored

• Negatives: – Skirt a bit tight, may have

problem when sitting • General Comments:

– Might try pulling up the hair.

Girl 5

Source: http://www.angelo.edu/services/career/dress_for_success/

Do’s and Don'ts

of Body Language

Body Language

• Posture

• Position

• Gesture

• Facial expression

Movement (Walking)

DO DON’T

• Move purposefully • Drag your feet

• Maintain a deliberate

stride

• Clomp or shuffle

• Bend from the

knees when picking

up an object

Seated Posture

DO

• Sit up straight

• Cross legs at ankles

• Lean forward slightly

DON’T

• Slouch, fidget or shift in

your seat

• Sit with knees spread or

crossed

• Tap your feet

Don’t be afraid to take up some space – Taking up space by for

example sitting or standing with your legs apart a bit signals self-

confidence and that you are comfortable in your own skin.

Relax your shoulders – When you feel tense it’s easily winds up as

tension in your shoulders. They might move up and forward a bit. Try

to relax. Try to loosen up by shaking the shoulders a bit and move

them back slightly.

Standing Posture

DO DON’T

- Stand straight - Slouch

- Keep feet still - Shift feet

- Keep shoulders relaxed - Sway

- Keep arms at sides - Cross arms

- Keep head and chin up - Hang head

Don’t cross your arms or legs – You have probably already heard you

shouldn’t cross your arms as it might make you seem defensive or

guarded. This goes for your legs too. Keep your arms and legs open.

Gestures

DO

• Gesture with open

palms with fingers

together

• Use gestures to

reinforce your message

• Vary your gestures

DON’T

• Put hands on hips

• Over-gesture

• Play with things in

your pocket

• Cross arms

• Point a finger

Mirror - To make the connection better you can try a bit of

proactive mirroring. If he leans forward, you might lean forward. If

she holds her hands on her thighs, you might do the same. But

don’t react instantly and don’t mirror every change in body

language. Then weirdness will ensue.

Facial Expressions

DO DON’T

• Smile • Frown

• Have direct eye

contact • Stare

• Be animated • Have shifty eyes • Nod positively

(without yo-yo-ing

like a tree lizard or “pok ko”)

• Yawn without

closing mouth

Smile and laugh – lighten up, don’t take yourself too seriously. Relax a bit, smile

and laugh when someone says something funny. People will be a lot more inclined

to listen to you if you seem to be a positive person. But don’t be the first to laugh

at your own jokes, it makes you seem nervous and needy. Smile when you are

introduced to someone but don’t keep a smile plastered on your face, you’ll seem

insincere.

Distracting Mannerisms

• Scratching or picking at yourself (your

hair or your nose etc.)

• Combing hair in public

• Drumming fingers

• Yawning

• Clicking pens

• Tapping feet

Meetings and Greetings

Six Ss

1. Standing – for senior personnel and when

greeting or meeting others shows

shows respect and deference

2. A Smile – by one person usually encourages one

from another friendly

3. Seeing – into a person’s eyes means we are

friendly

4. Shake – should be firm (not crushing) and dry

5. Speaking – our name slowly and distinctly is

important

6. Say – choice of words, avoid “um” ,”ugh”,

“lah”. Avoid slang, if possible

Attending skills

• Forward lean – lean slightly forward to emphasize

your attention. Remain alert but comfortable.

• Tone – tone of voice communicate interest. If you

mumble, shout or whisper , you are making

communication more complicated.

• Eye contact- is one of the best way to say “I am

listening” without opening your mouth. Staring is

rude (make sure you know the distinction)

• Nod – occasionally and positively to indicate

accept or interest, but do not overdo it.

Reference

• http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewattire/a/interviewdress.htm

• http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_success.html

• http://www.teksystems.com/Careers/Interview-Tips/Dressing-For-Interview-Woman.aspx

• http://www.job-interview.net/howtodress.htm

• http://www.symsdress.com/womensfirst.htm

• http://smma59.wordpress.com/2006/09/20/walk-in-interviews-tips-2/

• http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_women.html

• http://living.oneindia.in/do-it-yourself/beauty-n-fashion/interview-make-up.html

• http://www.interviewstuff.com

• Arch Lustberg (2005). “How to sell yourself”. Advantage quest publications, Malaysia.

• Nur Magazine

• Ron Fry (1996). “Your first interview”. Third edition. Career Press, N. J., United States.