You only get one chance to make a first impression, and it often is a lasting one.
Kelly Sigg’s message to Allen Community College students Monday — how to dress for success — carried several nuggets of wisdom she’s learned, first as owner of Audacious Boutique and now as director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce.
Sigg spoke at what became a raucous fashion show hosted by the ACC Student Senate, where she detailed what she looked for each time she interviewed a job applicant.
The way we present ourselves can shape first impressions, Sigg said, and can help you build confidence, and even open doors of opportunity.
Sigg offered some tough love to the students.
“I know these may seem like no-brainer things, but when you’re going into an interview, you want to dress for the job.”
Elements, like khaki pants, wrinkle-free shirts, perhaps a tie, are staples, Sigg said.
For those uncertain how nice to dress at a job interview, “It’s always better to go just a little more than not enough,” she said.
It’s also important to realize looking nice doesn’t have to break the bank, Sigg continued.
Employers don’t care about brands. “They probably don’t have a clue,” Sigg said.
But what they do notice is if you care enough to tuck in your shirt, or that you’re not wearing wrinkled clothing that you just pulled out of the bottom drawer.
She also urged the students to avoid wearing T-shirts with graphic messages.
Jewelry and accessories are nice, but not to the point they distract from the image you’re trying to project. The same goes for artificial hair coloring.
Sigg noted her son got a tattoo on his chest several years ago, “and it’s his number one regret today. He says, ‘What do I have to wear to cover this up?’”
Cell phones also should be turned off when going into an interview. Even on silent, a vibrating phone can be a distraction, Sigg said.
Personal hygiene — brushing your teeth, carrying mints, combing your hair — are essential for a good impression.
