It is said that clothes maketh the man (or woman to be politically correct). Fact is that the way we dress affects the way others perceive us to be, whether this is right or wrong doesn't really matter as it just the way people are.

The truth is how a person dresses makes a statement about their self-identification, image conveyed to others, and level of occupational aspiration.      People who are striving to obtain the best jobs following graduation and achieve career progression later on, are advised to dress for success, as much as their wardrobe budgets and clothing options allow. It's an attitude thing University life has many special benefits, including the informality of dress pervasive on most campuses. Almost any outfit is acceptable, so long as it's clean, fashionable, and reasonably covers most parts of the body.

The mixture of eclectic wardrobe styles—along with exotic hairdos—offers plenty of room for Black Africans to express individuality, and to make appropriate social statements. In terms of acceptable dress, the prevalent philosophy on most University campuses can be summed up in the R&B lyrics of another generation: "It's your thing. Do what you want to do…"
Such is not the case in the mainstream corporate Arena. The dictum for serious job hunting can be coined in a simple statement: "Play the game and look the part." This practical advice holds true in small companies and even more so in large corporations that strive to maintain a certain corporate image.

It's important to "look the part" as you interview for your first job out of University, and
for successive positions as you advance in your career. To land the job you really want,
consider the following pointers:

Make the best first impression. From the moment that you step inside the place of
employment, all eyes will be on you.  Everyone you speak with, including the receptionist,
will draw some opinion of you based on how you dress and carry yourself. The interviewer, especially, will make a quick assesment as to how well you will fit in with the group based
on your attire, grooming and personal presentation.

You have one chance to make a good impression—so don't blow it! Corporate employers are impressed with tasteful and conservative clothing and grooming. What does this mean in practical terms? For men, the rule of thumb is to wear a well-pressed, two-piece dark suit  (navy or charcoal, preferably) made with a nice fabric such as blended wool. Coordinate this with a long-sleeved, buttoned-down, white cotton shirt (polyester blends are out) and a colorful silk tie that is not too flashy. Well-shined black shoes and matching leather belt enhance the overall look.

Women have more flexibility in what to wear to impress an interviewer. Although a traditional two-piece business suit is always a safe bet, wearing a conservative business dress with tasteful accessories can also serve the purpose well. Dark solids are more appropriate than pastels or prints (unless you're interviewing for a job in the leisure travel business). Accenting the basic attire with a colorful belt or scarf adds the right touch. The tips mentioned above constitute the standard advice offered by placement officials and fashion consultants. It should be understood though, that the rules for dressing for success are flexible, depending upon the circumstances. For example: A student interviewing for a hotel position in the Bahamas might create a more favorable impression by wearing a light-weight beige suit than sporting a navy pinstripe suit that conveys the "City Exutive"
look.

Donning proper interview attire doesn't mean much if your overall level of grooming doesn't create a favorable impression. For instance, wearing dreadlocks (that are not well maintained) might make an important social statement on campus, but it won't score you points in the context of a corporate interview.  A short, neat haircut always looks good on a man. Sporting a precision-cut perm or other contemporary hairdo will enhance a woman's appearance. (Avoid the "exotic" looks that your beautician might want to experiment with.) Another practical point is to shampoo the night before an on-site interview. For either men or women, this contributes to a feeling of self-confidence in interviewing.

Make-up is another important part of grooming. Women should err on the side of too little
rather than too much. The selection of make-up should complement skin tone, features and
attire. Men with skin problems such as blemishes and uneven facial complexion might consider some of the products that cosmetic companies manufacture for the male market that address
these concerns.

Don't forget the fingernails—the interviewer will definitely notice them. Even if they are
not professionally manicured, they should be neat, clean and of an appropriate length. For
women, a light-colored nail polish (nothing garish) adds a nice touch.
Accessorise appropriately. Both genders should pay attention to accessories such as jewelry.

Wearing multiple rings, bracelets and earrings don't convey a conservative image. For men,
an attractive watch and class ring (or wedding ring) is enough jewelry. Save your "wrist
gear" (chunky male bracelet) for another time.  Women have more options in accessorizing: a tasteful broach, clasp bracelet, small earrings or single-strand necklace can greatly enhance an outfit. As a rule of thumb, two items of complementary jewelry should suffice as appropriate accessories for any interview attire.

What about men wearing earrings? To be on the safe side—regardless of location or
industry—take off the earring until you are well established on the job and determine that
it's acceptable to express your self-identification in that way.To achieve the right look, also pay attention to what you carry into the interview. For women, your handbag should match your shoes and coordinate well with your entire ensemble. (Guys, if you normally carry a small masculine clutch, save it until after you get the job!) Anyone carrying a portfolio or attaché to an interview should select the highest quality of
leather grain affordable (rather than vinyl). On the other hand, it's best to avoid animal-grain textures such as snake or alligator. Though these are typically more expensive, they are often perceived as being somewhat gaudy.

What about tattoos and body piercings? Popular culture has made these fashionable in casual
or social settings. In the context of an interview the mainstream corporate arena, it's best
to cover your tattoos and piercings with long-sleeved shirts, blouses, collars, and such.
Bear in mind, any aspect of your personal image that sparks controversy can cost you the
job. So be on the safe side and blend in with the more conservative elements of the company.
Before the interview. Even if you are appropriately dressed for success, inattention to
certain details can spoil the interview. Before entering the office where you will
interview, stop off in a restroom and check yourself in a full-length mirror. You might
notice things like a crooked tie, a run in the hose, or a smudge on the shoes. (Ladies, it's
smart to carry an extra pair of hose in your purse.)

Tidying up a bit can boost your confidence and preclude needless embarrassment. Another helpful hint: During the restroom visit, make sure you use a bit of breath freshener. You don't want to offend the interviewer with lingering halitosis.

Develop an image of success. Dressing for success means more than buying a couple of new
suits for interviewing purposes. In order to build a career wardrobe, carefully select
clothing and accessories that mix and match well and that convey a sense of confidence,
self-assurance and individuality. This includes special attire appropriate for "casual
Friday" and for social functions sponsored by the company. In clothing selection, quality
always trumps quantity. To help develop your image of success, you might casually suggest
for birthday or Christmas gifts certain quality clothing items like a sweater from Brooks
Brothers, or a Mont Blanc pen, or a Jack Georges attaché case.

Many Black African undergraduates face a quandary when deciding how afrocentric their
personal wardrobe and image should be. But, a good school of thought is that ambitious,
young blacks should emulate  their corporate surroundings (while at work) to reflect the
standardized corporate look that has passed the test of time, regardless of industry or
profession. In a word, this is the "navy pinstripe and beige overcoat" image that has
defined generations of career-minded professionals. In short, you should certainly be
yourself, but by all means fit in where you want to launch your career as a budding
professional. The rest will take care of itself.