Career Arianna Schioldager Career Arianna Schioldager

Why You Should Dress Up for a Phone Interview

It’s called power dressing for a reason.

You may be wondering how clothing affects your ability to communicate. It all starts with that first impression. First impressions mean a lot.

Think about how often we judge people almost immediately based on their appearance. Clothing is a tool that can help you take control of how people see you and manipulate their viewpoint. Do you want to appear as a strong, knowledgeable, and confident individual? Your clothing can help with that!

In Jennifer J. Baumgartner’s book, “You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You,” she explains that, “Our closets are windows into our internal selves. Every one of us attempts to say or hide something in the way we wear our clothes.” Use your clothing to positively affect how you communicate by taking the opportunity to show people who you are and what kind of person you want to be. 

Below are some tips to help you dress in a way that communicates authority and demands respect.

Dress for the Job You Want, Not the Job You Have 

You’ve probably heard this before, but there’s a reason it keeps coming up. Work hard, be respectful of others, and dress as if you’re the boss. There’s something empowering about dressing "up." It changes your demeanor and studies have shown that it influences the way we think. I often tell clients to dress up for phone interviews because it makes a difference in how you think and how you speak.

We’re often able to think more clearly and efficiently when dressed in workwear because it differentiates us from a more laid-back and social environment in which one would wear casual clothing.

You Will Be Judged on Your Appearance, so Take Advantage of It

Whether or not it’s right, it’s human nature to judge others based on their clothing and appearance. Since this is a known fact (people with straight teeth are considered more successful), take advantage of what you can and dress to impress. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend a lot of money on designer clothing, however, you should be dressing in clothing that is flattering and appropriate.

If you’re going to a meeting, opt for a pair of fitted slacks instead of jeans. It’s a simple switch that will immediately make you appear more professional and more authoritative. Similarly, by switching out a sweater for a blazer, you will make your look more polished and command more respect.

Think About What Your Grandparents Would Say

This sounds silly at first, but when getting dressed for work-related events or meetings, think about how your grandparents would react to the outfit. Everything is a bit more casual (hello, startup life), but that doesn't mean you should be casual in attitude when it comes to your career. If grandma says something's not appropriate, chances are, it's not. You can still dress like yourself and bring individuality to any outfit, but listen to that inner voice. You don't have to dress for the most conservative person in the room but aim somewhere in the middle. 

My grandmother has always lived by the motto that you can never be overdressed, and it’s almost always been right. Keep in mind that you want to remain appropriate, however, a suit will almost always be considered appropriate workwear. If you’re in a more casual environment, think of going with bold prints that feel less formal but also polished. Even if others are dressing casually, if you dress to impress, you will be able to communicate more effectively and command more respect than those in jeans and a T-shirt. Plus, studies have shown the dressing to impress enhances people’s ability to engage in abstract thinking.

When you’re wondering how clothing affects your ability to communicate, think about how you want people to see you, how you want to portray yourself to the world, and how efficient you want to be. If you want to be successful, dressing in a polished and professional manner will help you achieve your goal and communicate this objective to others.

About the author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish an individual’s application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.

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This story was originally published on October 5, 2016, and has since been updated.

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Making Statements: Your Guide to Being Bold in the Office

Power dressing leads to power moves. 

STANDING OUT IN THE WORK CROWD. 

It's a tricky balance, because what you want is to be a team player while also advancing your career and showing that you're bold as brass. Or perhaps diamonds, in the case of Simon G. The jewelry company knows all about making statements-- from pieces that celebrate achievements and love, to brilliant necklaces that elevate an entire outfit. 

We're breaking down the 6 ways you can be bold in the office. 

1. POWER POSING IS GOOD FOR THE BRAIN AND BODY

Online, content in king. In person, it’s confidence. One of the best ways to “fake it till you make it” is with your stance. Your body language has been proven to shape who you are, affecting everything from the way people view you and your intelligence to the way you speak. The most common power pose is “opened up” and indicates a position of control. Instead of a closed off body language that communicates a more meek personality. 

A power pose can actually change the way you view yourself, even change your body chemistry. Posing for just two minutes can increase your risk tolerance, which makes for bolder and more executive office decisions. 

2.  POWER DRESSING, WELL THAT ALSO MATTERS 

When you look good, you feel good. And making a statement when getting dressed to go before the board or you boss can be as simple as adding a Simon G. necklace that says, my outfit is boss, and so are my ideas. A successful work uniform saves time, energy, and also lets people know what kind of work you do. 

There’s a reason it’s called dressing to impress: it works. You project confidence and earn the trust of people entrusting you to get the job done. 

Fabled Collection Pendant, 18K Rose Gold - $3,740 USD

3. ESTABLISH YOUR CONFIDENCE EARLY

Everyone claims to love the story of the girl who came into her own, but in truth, it’s much more impressive to own the room or a job without being primped. If you’re about to host a meeting, set an agenda, talk about priorities, and ideas moving forward in order for your team to work most efficiently. 

If you have expectations or if goals are changing, put those on the table. The tone you set is crucial for not only establishing confidence but also getting the results you want. 

You are in charge. So act like it. 

4. DON’T FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM

This may feel counterintuitive but it’s so important to bring your past into your present, and allow it to inform your future. In fact, confident but humble is the way to go when it comes to power moves. Being bold doesn’t mean having an ego about what you do, and it certainly doesn’t mean that it’s an excuse to belittle your team or workmates. 

You’re only as good as your team, whether you’re at the top of the ladder or the bottom.  Sparkle and shine in the office or at a meeting in a piece like this from Simon G., while remembering your roots. 

Caviar Collection Pendant, 18K White Gold - $5,280

5. SHOW, DON’T TELL THE WHY AND HOW YOU’RE A UNIQUE ASSET. 

Like a gorgeous piece of statement jewelry that speaks for itself, you need to make sure that you are engaging your peers with tangibles without telling them why you’re great at your job. 

Show them with success. Meeting booked. Partnership deals in the works. A cold call that proves you have the stomach to be fearless. 

6. LOOK AHEAD, INSTEAD OF AROUND YOU

This is simple: comparison is the thief of joy, but it’s also the buzzkill of confidence, and ultimately success. Own the position you’ve found yourself in and you’ll find that all of the sudden you’re no longer faking it. 

(And when in doubt or you feel yourself feeling not so bold, ring up a mentor who will tell you next steps.) 

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