|
Dressing for SuccessThe rule here is to be neat, clean and comfortable. Your choice of dress will have an impact on the employers overall impression of you. Your dress should reflect your personality without being a statement all on its own.
Choosing The ClothesFind out what the dress code is for the current employees. Dress one step up from the every day attire you will be expected to wear as an employee. For example if you are applying to be a loan officer at a bank, the dress code may be business casual. You might want to dress business professional.Don’t stress about the terms. Use your common sense and judgment. If people are wearing dress slacks and sweaters, pick out something a little more dressy. A more casual suit or a professional dress might be appropriate. Try to pick solid neutral colors. Tan, browns, creams, navy blue and black are always good choices. You want the focus on you, not your clothes. Avoid loud patterns or vibrant colors.
Make UpKeep make up, jewelry and hair accessories to a minimum. Make up should serve to enhance your appearance, not be a mask. Again neutral tones are good. If you are not comfortable with putting on make up, go without or get some help in figuring it out. Here's some helpful info onapplying make up. Major department stores have cosmetic counters where the employees will be able to help you choose complementary colors. They can also help with tips on applying the make up. They will most likely have no clue about blindness. So you will have to take their advice and add your own mix of alternative techniques to get the best effect. Department stores can also be very expensive. Another idea is to ask other blind women how to apply the make up. This is how I learned. A home consultant from Avon, Mary Kay or similar company can give the right mix of professional advice with helpful alternative techniques from blind friends who also attend the party. If you have a trusted friend or family member that you are comfortable asking for advice, go for it! Your mother or older sister may be very flattered and excited to pass on techniques. If you’re not into cosmetics, don’t feel obligated. Today’s woman has the freedom to choose. If you have never worn make up because you never learned how, this might be the time to experiment.
JewelryWhen in doubt, go without. Generally a watch, one ring on each hand and simple ear rings are okay.Think carefully about the message your jewelry is sending. Is it going to be offensive to a potential employer? Wearing a religious symbol that announces your beliefs to the world may be a part of you. However it might not have the same reception with your potential employer. HairSimple, neat and clean is the advice of the day!A good hair cut can help make you feel good about how you look. You can also ask the advice of your barber or hair dresser on what specifically your hair needs to make it look its best. You can also get the latest scoop on the most trendy hair styles from your stylist and the other customers. Hair dressers can also help with advice on how to wear your hair. They will be able to take into account your face shape, hair color and skin tone and suggest a color and style that compliment your overall look. Women should avoid busy hair accessories, like large bows or sparkly jeweled clips. Go for simple gold or silver tone barrettes or clips.
AccessoriesThe obvious things here include the stuff you probably always carry, purse, backpack, cell phone etc. Make sure whatever you bring is in good condition, clean and matches with your overall look. If you are interviewing in a suit and tie for a job in advertising a nylon backpack is going to clash horribly. A leather briefcase would be a better choice.Other things you might want to bring along to the interview or informal meetings with a potential employer might include slate and stylus, notetaker, cassette recorder, briefcase, copies of certifications, diplomas, letters of reference etc. Take the minimum amount of stuff that you need without compromising preparedness. Make sure that your cane or guide dog is clean, neat and in good condition. In the case of a guide dog this includes the harness, leash and collar. You may want to carry extra equipment for a quick touch up just before you go in to meet with your potential employer. Baby wipes are a pretty good, portable solution for both you and the guide dog. They are disposable, leave a clean fresh scent and are relatively inexpensive.
The Most Important ThingYour smile!Although your physical appearance will affect the impression you make, it is more important to be calm, confident and approachable.
|
