Blog Post: The Techie with the Holey Jeans

At a recent SJN meeting, one of our business supporters noticed a job seeker who was wearing ripped jeans and a loud t-shirt.  The businessman's comment to me was that this person wasn’t coming across as a serious job seeker. 

I thought about those comments and whether the job seeker might be open to some unsolicited advice.

The next day, I decided to risk annoying the job seeker and sent an email under the subject line “constructive criticism.”  I had known the job seeker for a few months and thought he had enough trust in me to know where I was coming from . . . .

I explained that he was sending off the wrong signals with his casual attire . . . and that was the opinion of a person scouting for staff members for his clients. 

Fortunately, The Techie with the Holey Jeans responded to the unsolicited advice with appreciation.  He explained that in his industry, jeans and casual clothes were the standard.  However, despite his being financially challenged, he was going to Good Will for some decent networking and interviewing clothes.

The thing is--job seekers shouldn't give employers or other networkers reason to reject you based on their first impression. Networking events should be thought of as pre-interviews, because you are getting a chance to be noticed.

I am so proud of this gentleman for his willingness to take the feedback and go with it.  He is stepping it up a notch and removing any doubts in the mind of potential employers or others who might serve as contacts for him.   

If any employers want to meet really high talented professional people with integrity who will be good to your organization and clients, and dress professionally, come join us at SJN.  We meet regularly on the first and third Tuesday mornings at Temple Chai in Phoenix.  Our website contains all the details.