Q4 Results, Inc.

Thoroughly investigate the company. In addition to being familiar with the company website, you should be knowledgeable on the company’s primary market, secondary markets, key vendors and key competitors. Research mentions of the company in the news with the past several years. If the company’s financials are public record, it is also helpful to know current revenue, profitability and growth potential.

Research the Position

In addition to the basic job description, discover all you can about the position. To whom you will report and how your potential department fits into the organizational chart. How does your position fit into revenue generation, cost savings, or process streamlining? If you were hired, what metrics would define your career success? What, if any is the promotion or management potential of this position? What is the feel of the office culture? What is the office dress code? The Human Resources representative or Recruiter who set up the interview should be able to help you with these items.

Plan the Details

Long before the interview takes place you should verify the details of the meeting with Human Resources or Recruiting. Inquire about appropriate dress for an interviewing candidate. Double check the exact address, floor, office suite and the person to ask for upon arrival. If you are unfamiliar with the office location, travel to the location on a day before the scheduled meeting. Request the schedule during the interview process Find out the names (with correct spellings) and exact titles of each person with whom you will interview. Confirm the information you need on hand for the application process. Bring copies of your resume, reference information, personal cards if you have them, and paper and a nice pen in a neutral colored leather portfolio.

Dress Appropriately

Unless you were requested to dress business casual for the interview, a suit is appropriate. The suit should be a dark, neutral color such as black, gray, brown or navy. Very subtle herringbone or pinstripe is acceptable. Ladies, wear a neutral, conservative, collared blouse under the jacket and complimentary hosiery or trouser socks. Jewelry is minimal and tasteful. Gentlemen, wear a white button-down shirt with conservative tie under the jacket. Belt and shoes match and are in good repair. Socks are in good condition and match the suit.

Business Casual Attire for an interview is somewhat more formal than usually applies to an office environment. Ladies, wear dark, neutral colored well-tailored pants or knee-length skirt with a tucked in collared shirt or a conservative sweater. Long or three-quarter length sleeve are appropriate. Shoes should be in good repair and have closed toes. Gentlemen, wear pants of high quality construction and neutral color. Wear a well-fitted sports jacket and an open-necked button-down in complimentary colors. Loafers or casual lace-ups in good repair are appropriate.

Arrive Ten Minutes Early

You should enter the reception area and ask for your first meeting at exactly ten minutes before the scheduled interview time. Your arrival time is your first opportunity to make a good impression. Be pleasant and professional with the receptionist or any employees you encounter during your ten minutes in the lobby. After all, you will probably be working with these people in the near future.

Appropriate Business Attire

Personal presentation is extremely important in the modern corporate environment. While many companies provide detailed dress codes, most rely on the standard general description of formal business, business casual and casual office. The following is a standard management interpretation of the most common corporate image regulations.

Formal Business

A matching jacket and trousers or skirt in a neutral color and pattern is suitable for a formal business dress code. The waist of trousers or skirt fits comfortably, but securely. See an alterations expert if you are concerned about the fit of your suit. This is a worthwhile investment. Shoes are clean, shined, and in good repair. Jewelry is minimal and classic. Perfume or cologne, if worn at all, should be very light.

Ladies, wear a neutral-colored, conservative collared blouse under the jacket. Suit jacket sleeves cover the wrist, but do not fall past the bottom of the palm. Suit trousers should fit perfectly, without being overly tight or loose in the seat or rise. Trouser hems just hit the top of the foot in front and end about a centimeter from the floor in back. Suit skirts fall exactly to the knee on are not too form fitting. Hosiery or tights are worn with skirts. Shoes enclose the foot completely.

Gentlemen, wear a crisp white button-down shirt (with undershirt) beneath the suit jacket. Shirt sleeves reach to the bottom of the palm. Jacket sleeves expose about a quarter inch of the shirt sleeves. Wear a conservative tie in a neutral color complementary to the suite. Shoes and matching belt are of a dark color complimentary to the suit. Belt is in good repair without noticeable wearing of the leather or buckle. The belt buckle is subtle and conservative. Socks are in good condition, not faded, and match the color of the suit as closely as possible. Shoes are dark, conservative, shined and in good repair.

Business Casual

Ladies, wear neutral colored well-tailored pants or knee-length skirt with a collared shirt or a conservative sweater. Short, long or three-quarter length sleeve are appropriate. Sleeveless tops are generally not suitable. Shoes should be in good repair and have either enclosed toes or an enclosed back. Peep-toed pumps or sling-back pumps are acceptable. Hosiery is usually not required.

Gentlemen, wear trousers of high quality construction and neutral color. Wear an open-necked button-down or collared shirt in complimentary colors. Jacket and tie are typically not required. Socks match trousers and belt matches shoes. Loafers or casual lace-ups in good repair are appropriate.

Casual Office

Ladies, wear knee-length or longer capris, pants, jeans or skirts in a modern cut with a structured blouse or t-shirt. Sleeveless blouses are generally acceptable if tasteful and flattering. Bras, cleavage and mid-drift should not show. Apparel should be pressed, in good repair, in good taste, and not too tight or revealing. Hosiery is not required. Open dress sandals are acceptable. Athletic shoes and apparel are inappropriate.

Gentlemen, wear pressed long shorts or pants in a high quality material and excellent cut. Jeans should be in good repair and of modern cut. T-shirts or golf shirts should be pressed and clean without questionable logos or statements. Shoes are loafers or casual lace-ups. Sandals are sometimes, but not typically not worn. Athletic shoes and apparel and sleeveless shirts are not generally acceptable.

3003 Summit Boulevard
Suite 1500
Atlanta, GA 30319
ph: 678-438-7011
recruiting@q4results.com