MANILA, Philippines - Most Filipinos don't get the jobs they applied for, not because they aren't skilled, but because they fail to make a good impression.

Jayjay Viray, country manager of recruitment network JobsDB.com, said employers are usually turned off by applicants who do not dress appropriately for their job interviews.

Casual clothes and lack of proper grooming often spells lack of professionalism, he said. To snag that dream job, Viray advised applicants to "dress for success."

How is that done? Here's a quick look at the basics when it comes to men's and women's interview attire, as listed by jobsearch.about.com:

Women's interview attire:

• solid color, conservative suit
• coordinated blouse
• moderate shoes
• limited jewelry
• neat, professional hairstyle
• tan or light hosiery
• sparse make-up and perfume
• manicured nails
• portfolio or briefcase

Men's interview attire:

• solid color, conservative suit
• long sleeve shirt
• conservative tie
• dark socks, professional shoes
• very limited jewelry
• neat, professional hairstyle
• go easy on the aftershave
• neatly trimmed nails
• portfolio or briefcase

Meanwhile, here are some things that may break your chances of getting that dream job:

• flip-flops or sneakers
• underwear that is visible (bras, bra straps, briefs, boxers, etc.)
• short or jeans
• skirts that are too short
• pants that are too tight or low-rise
• blouses that are too low-cut or too short -- those that show your cleavage or belly

Aside from wearing the right outfit, Viray stressed that jobseekers should also know how to project themselves properly by being polite, honest, confident, and straightforward.

It's not just about the clothes, it's also important to look at what's within, he said. Report from Apples Jalandoni, ABS-CBN News

---------------------

Reference:
Jobsearch.about.com