When you need the right stuff

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© Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company

Boston Sunday Globe - October 17, 2004

By Doreen Iudica Vigue - Globe Correspondent

Illustration by David Plunkert (c) 2004 Boston Globe

Dress in the workplace has become more formal in the past year, as more companies tell employees to keep their khakis in the closet and shake out their suits. Button-down is back.

And never is appearance more important than when a job hunter tries to make a meaningful first impression. Image consultants say that your accessories should not be overlooked. A good quality briefcase, an uncluttered Filofax, a proper portfolio, an understated watch, can make an important statement about your organizational skills and attention to detail.

Boston image consultant Samantha von Sperling, owner of Polished Social Image Consultants on Clarendon Street, says you should find out as much as you can about the culture of your desired workplace. You don't want to show up with a Louis Vuitton planner at a tech company headed by a sneaker-wearing chief executive.

However, she is quick to add: "I don't think you can be penalized for being too well dressed or too well accessorized."

That said, here are some guidelines:

Briefcases

Von Sperling wants to make two things clear: Messenger bags are for messengers. Backpacks are for students. If you carry either one into an interview, the statement you are making is "I live in a dorm." Black leather briefcases for men and women are preferable, although lightweight nylon is acceptable, especially if you carry a laptop. If you're headed to the corner office and status symbols matter, you may want to check out Hermes or Gucci. But discounters carry smartly-priced carryalls as well.

Portfolios

Leather ones are a good alternative to a briefcase if all you need to carry is a handheld computer and your resume. For an even less expensive alternative, office supply stores carry a variety of colorful plastic sleeves to hold a resume, cover letter, or DVD. Or, even a manila folder will do, von Sperling says. "Just make sure it's not crushed, folded, stained, creased, or shriveled," she says. "It should be pristine."

Day planners

If you prefer paper to a personal digital assistant, make certain your date book is orderly and uncluttered. You don't want receipts from Boston Market flying free as you schedule that second interview. "Stay on top of it," von Sperling advises.

Gadgets

Before purchasing a cell phone or handheld device such as a Palm, ask yourself how the gadget will help you with your job. There is no need to overspend on a camera phone if you'll only use it to make sales calls, von Sperling says. "But if you are in the technology industry, you should obviously invest in the best devices," she says. "They're going to be your calling cards."

Business cards, notepaper, and pens

Nowhere is it written that one must have a job to have a business card, von Sperling says. "Even if you are not employed yet, so what? Why shouldn't you have your own business card to say you are in command of your own destiny, your own career," she says. Make sure it has your name, contact information, and what it is you are trained to do. Go to a professional and invest in something on heavy stock paper, with bold type, "but please, no curlicues, no sparkles, no logos with smiley faces," she says.

After a job interview, send a handwritten thank-you note on very good stationery, von Sperling advises. Make sure the paper is plain white. "That way," von Sperling says, "no one can ever accuse you of having bad taste." And the right pen can communicate power. "Never sign a contract with a 50-cent Bic," she says.

Pearls for her; a watch for him

Finally, von Sperling recommends women wear simple pearl stud earrings for a classic, sophisticated look. And please, one in each ear. Men should have "a grown-up watch," nothing too sporty, nothing rubber, nothing that beeps to remind you take your vitamins. She recommends a stainless steel bracelet or a black leather strap, "nothing too dainty if you have hands like a truck driver," she says. Most importantly, she says, "make sure you're not looking at it during the interview."

This Story ran in the Careers Section of the Boston Sunday Globe, pages T16 - T17 on October 17, 2004

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