An error in judgment can cost you the job

Yesterday, while riding in an elevator I couldn't help but overhear a conversation between  two young men discussing  a job applicant.  My assumption —later confirmed—was that one was the hiring manager and the other his employee. Both appeared to be in their late twenties.

General Manager: "He had a perfect resumé. He showed up in jeans and flip flops." 

Employee pointing to his polo-like shirt: "I'm not dressed any better."

General Manager:"You already have the job.  Too bad. He was great on paper." He then made a washing-of-hands gesture.

As a career coach I make sure clients understand interviewing etiquette. Looking and dressing is part is essential. Of course I wanted to learn more.  Here's what I learned from the GM.

These young men worked for Lakeshore Athlete Club, a fitness club as the name implies. The club requires its employees to wear a uniform — black warm up pants, red logo polo-like shirt and athletic shoes. Appropriate and casual. This particular job candidate's resumé stood out among the hundred or so received because of where he received his certification. And the GM believed based on this young man's  work experience that  he was mature and therefore reliable.

The GM  said just by the way the job candidates appeared he knew the guy didn't take the interview seriously. Was the GM right to dismiss the candidate out-of-hand? I don't know the answer to that I wasn't in the room. But here's what I do know. In a competitive job market, almost anything can work for and against you. Unfortunately, this job candidate will be remembered for how he dressed all because he made an error in judgment.

In an interview how you dress plays a supporting role to your strengths, talents and qualities. It is a compliment to the person(s) with whom you meet. Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed. Even if you are aware that employees of an organization dress casually on the job, dress up for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the company representative.

I had to ask the GM if he thought the young man was qualified for the position. Yes.  Did he think the guy fit with the culture of the club. No, based on his appearance.  Would he give the guy a second chance.  The GM said  that he had other people to interview all week and believed he would find the right person.