Dear Larry,

I teach communications to college students, and part of our class covers job interviews. You may have noticed that young people today dress very differently from us older professionals. In summer, tanks tops and shorts that show a pierced navel are the norm for women, and in winter sweats with slippers are what they wear to class. When they "dress up" to do a presentation, the women wear tight tank tops or sheer blouses, very short skirts, and often show a bare midriff; the guys, well, it's a struggle to get them out of their baggy jeans and tops.

Of course many of them have pierced various body parts- eyebrows, noses, and tongues are the most apparent aside from the multiple earrings - or they have obvious tattoos.

I often wonder what kind of impression they are making on the HR person who gives them a screening interview.

I'm all for self-expression but I also know that appearance is a form of nonverbal communication, and just like written communication, it needs to be tailored (pardon the pun) to one's audience. Have you run across this issue with your clients, and what do you tell them?

Dear College Professor:

My take on the dress issue is that it's important to look the way they expect you to look: 

-          If it's a position with a bank or investment firm, you need to look like those who already work there with a tie and jacket and conservative dress or women's suit (skirt or pants).

-          If it's an artistic position, you need to look as if you have some flair and creativity.

-          For other entry level positions it depends on the type of job it is –

o        for data entry, they probably don't care;

o        for a sales position, it's important to look like the existing sales people;

o        for a PR position, dress like the people already in that position (which may include pierced body parts, tattoos, slippers, etc.)

 No values here except the rule: DRESS THE WAY THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE POSITION DRESS.

If anything, kick it up a notch to a tad bit more formality -- a light jacket or overshirt over the crop top, for example - to decrease any shock value you may exhibit and to show you're being formal about the interviewing process.

That's my "take" on it, and thanks for the topic. Hope this helps you.

Note from the Editor: For interviews in Trinidad and the Caribbean we always recommend you err on the side of caution and dress conservatively and professionally, even if the job is with an advertising agency or creative design firm. Remove any obvious piercings other than earrings (which should be kept to 1 or 2) and hide tattoos if you can. Once you get the job you can reveal your personal sense of style, when and if it is appropriate.

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