I'm a relatively young man close to finishing my education and expecting to apply for jobs in the near future. When my father was giving me advice for interviews he mentioned that how I should dress was an important factor.

Hearing this, and having been living with some roommates for some time now I began to realize that people around me pay attention to their appearance and do things to improve it like wax their heir, get rid of nose hair, make up etc. Yes this is a late realization and I'm slow and/or socially awkward. Beyond standard hygiene practices I don't do anything to present myself better, and I've always looked like kind of a slob.

I then started thinking about my own appearance and how I could make it look less like some guy who doesn't care at all. Then I got uncomfortable because I started feeling like I was bein self centered and vain. So what I want to know is when does someone cross the line between taking care of themselves + looking good and vanity + self absorbance?

[thesteve]

I think the difference is when it goes from "I am cleaned up and I look good" and transitions into "I am cleaned up; DAMN I LOOK GOOD."

When I go in for a job interview, I wear dress pants, shirt and tie and dress shoes. These aren't things I normally wear. I wear these things because I care about getting a job and want to meet the expectations of the appearance of someone who wants a job.

[1/2-Fast Player]

Well, in my case, it's considered virtually impossible. I suppose, then, that any attempts could be said to be in vain.

How you dress is a form of communication, just like speech, gestures, facial expressions, etc. Would you consider it vain to speak correctly? To write with appropriate language for the task? Clothes and grooming are useful tools, so learn to use them.

[beanbag]

Originally Posted by Unregi89213

I'm a relatively young man close to finishing my education and expecting to apply for jobs in the near future. When my father was giving me advice for interviews he mentioned that how I should dress was an important factor.

Hearing this, and having been living with some roommates for some time now I began to realize that people around me pay attention to their appearance and do things to improve it like wax their heir, get rid of nose hair, make up etc. Yes this is a late realization and I'm slow and/or socially awkward. Beyond standard hygiene practices I don't do anything to present myself better, and I've always looked like kind of a slob.

I then started thinking about my own appearance and how I could make it look less like some guy who doesn't care at all. Then I got uncomfortable because I started feeling like I was bein self centered and vain. So what I want to know is when does someone cross the line between taking care of themselves + looking good and vanity + self absorbance?

i think this really says it all. you're not absorbed in your appearance or standing in front of the mirror for hours analyzing your pores. you're trying to look like you care more than you actually do for the purposes of securing a job. i agree with what steve said.

you also don't have to go overboard. one of my friends (male) got a manicure before he went to meet some people for a big interview. if that makes you uncomfortable, don't do it. (in this case, his girlfriend set up an appointment. )

i agree with your dad, though. you need to make sure you look professional. obviously the way you dress is dependent on your field, but general rules are: neat, tidy hair; if you have facial hair, keep it very well trimmed; well-groomed nails (manis not necessary, but at least make sure your nails aren't jagged); wear a suit to interviews, tie may or may not be necessary; shoes neat and shined, skin clean.

i would say if you're a simple, down-to-earth guy, that's about all you need for interviews. if you're unsure about your wardrobe, enlist the help of some male friends whose style you think is appropriate, or get some of your girl friends to go shopping with you. if you don't have anyone, go to a nice department store with career attire (anywhere from macys to jc penney to kohls) and look for a nice, middle-aged saleslady who is tastefully dressed. tell her what your budget is, what the occasion is, and what your professional field is, and very politely ask her to help you. she'll be thrilled.