How to dress/appear more southern for a job interview?

Question

This is completely shallow, I realize. I am originally from NY. I recently relocated to Tennessee and tomorrow I have a job interview at an old Southern Plantation that is a historical site and does tours/class trips/weddings etc. I am really nervous because I feel like being from the north is really going to work against me here (a northern "accent", I don't say y'all, I certainly don't present myself as a "southern belle"). I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how I could dress a certain way or act a certain way that would lend me some southern credibility (short of faking a drawl).


[note: I know most people would say something along the lines of... why would you change for a job?... If you can't get a job based on qualifications rather than appearance, that's your fault... etc. Just humor me, I am kind of desperate at this point for employment.]

Answer 1

Well, you're not going to show up dressed as Scarlett O'Hara (I hope!), and you can't fake a Southern accent (please don't try!)

What you can do is to show up dressed professionally (in the South this generally means skirts rather than trousers.) You can research the history of the plantation ahead of time so that you're conversant with some of the facts you'd need to learn anyway as a docent. You can smile and make good eye contact, bring clean copies of your resume and references in the event they're needed, and remember to send a gracious "thank you" letter afterward to each person with whom you spoke. You can convey your interest in this job and the history of the site.

Trying to go native usually only results in embarrassment to the tourist who tries it (remember all of those Southerners who came to visit NY and tried to blend?) They want to hire you, not someone you're pretending to be. Let yourself shine through and you're much more likely to come out ahead.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Regarding your comment -- "If you can't get a job based on qualifications rather than appearance, that's your fault" --

Just because the guy wears tennis shoes to work doesn't mean he's not a professional -- he may be R-E-A-L-L-Y good at what he does but, has bad knees.

A taxi cab driver once made a comment to one of his customers that fat people were stupid by correlation...When he got out, Teddy Roosevelt hit him on the head with his walking stick and remarked, "You sir, are an idiot."

Also, try not using the word "fricken" so much when you talk to the interviewer and tone down the self-importance a little. The natives in the South are human beings...

Answer 3

Dress very formally. Get a very nice skirt and jacket women's business suit. Doesn't have to be super trendy, but make sure the colors are good for the season (I am from the west coast so I don't know a darn thing about seasonally dressing). Underneath your suit wear a very crisp, button-up colored shirt. Wear heels that are at least 2 inches tall and match the suit. Be sure to call the men "sir" (thank you sir, nice to meet you sir) and the women m'am (thank you m'am, excuse me m'am, nice to meet you m'am). Keep everything as formal as possible. Don't fake an accent or anything stupid, but smile and be overly polite and respectful to everyone. In other places I would say to be more aggressive in your interview, but I think given the location and that this is a historical site don't be afraid to be a little laid back and friendly. That should get you the respect that even a "yankee" can fit in.

Answer 4

I recommend you no longer ask this offensive question on your interviewer---you does no longer get the interest if so. i in my view may be VERY offended if somebody tried "faking a drawl," as you crudely positioned it. The term is accessory, no longer "drawl," it incredibly is likewise offensive to us. clarify which you extremely prefer a job, and you're prepared to pass by any training they are going to furnish. do no longer save emphasizing which you're from ny, in the different case people might only think of you have an physique of concepts concern. and what's with the stereotypes on your question? Do you certainly think of all of us communicate a similar and look a similar? it incredibly is ignorant. i'm hoping you get the interest so which you will learn slightly greater on the subject of the variety of Southeastern people!

Answer 5

Whatever you do, don't try to pose as this false stereotype that you seem to be holding onto. You'd probably just offend someone. People in Tennessee, or anywhere in the South aren't really different from people anywhere else in the US, and it would serve you well to learn this if you want to land a job there.