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

I wouldn't. For one thing, when you get the job and go back to being Miss NY City, they'll feel like they were sold a bill of goods.

Judging from your tone, I think that you are sincerely wanting to do the right thing, but just unsure how to go about it. That's good: people in that position can learn, while people who are willing to do "whatever it takes" often won't.

So, I would say to be yourself. Although I have never interviewed for this kind of position, I have interviewed lots of people, and the people that made the most positive impressions on me are the ones who show good people skills regardless of position. (Most of the people I have interviewed were for jobs as computer programmers, but interpersonal skills are as important in that job as in any.)

To put it another way: assuming a baseline level of competence in whatever it is that the position requires, a good attitude and willingness to work with people is one of the most important things. In your position, if you go in and show your interest in other people, willingness to really learn the job, interest in their situation rather than your own, etc. you will make a good impression.

In fact, you might even consider being a bit self-deprecating about your accent. They will surely notice it anyway; saying something like "I know people won't expect a girl who talks like me, but here's why I think I can be a good fit here anyway" takes the initiative and will make them better-disposed towards you. They can't keep saying "But you don't talk like a southerner" if you start by pointing it out.

In summary, make this interview about how YOU can benefit THEM - that is after all why they are interviewing you, it's not out of compassion for your income situation - then I think you will do fine. Best wishes and prayers with your interview.

Answer 2

I suggest you not ask this offensive question to your interviewer---you wouldn't get the job in that case. I personally would be VERY offended if someone tried "faking a drawl," as you crudely put it. The term is accent, not "drawl," that's also offensive to us. Explain that you need a job, and you're willing to go through any training they'll provide. Don't keep emphasizing that you're from New York, or else people might just think you have an attitude problem.

And what's with the stereotypes in your question? Do you honestly think we all talk the same and look the same? That's ignorant. I hope you get the job so you can learn a bit more about the diversity of Southeastern people!

Answer 3

I'm a Southerner, and I agree with xtraluvly's response. "Neutral professional" is perfect. It sounds like the kind of job where that is really what they are looking for. But the biggest thing they are looking for is personality, so be really friendly and shine.

In the grand scheme of things, we don't really dress any different down here, not in the business world anyway. The only exceptions I can think of are here on the Gulf Coast where we are overly casual, mostly because of the heat and humidity. We were baring our midsections here on the coast more than 30 years ago - before any lil' pop tart on MTV did - because of the heat, LOL!

Oh, and no offense, but you cannot really "appear more Southern". We will know as soon as you open your mouth, just like you would know we were not New Yorkers as soon as we started talking. But if you are warm, open, friendly and charming, we don't care where you're from.

Answer 4

Well, certainly dress conservatively, no flashy jewelry... if you have an attitude, drop it. I am southern, from North Carolina.. southern people like to talk about family and children. If it is an older person doing the interview, definitely use sir, ma'am... Don't give too much information, talk slow but not like you are talking to a mentally challenged person.. Speak articulately, this is more important than having a southern drawl... because us southern people complain of not being able to understand you northern people. Be nice, be cheerful, be pleasant and mind your manners. Southern people like friendly people but remember to still be professional. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

I'm from TX, I personally like northerns because the accent is like a breath of fresh air from the norm. Since you are applying for a job that does tours and things that interact with the public, my advice is to go for the neutral professional vibe. But be warm in personality. Southerners are very warm and friendly. I know New Yorkers tend to be very "all about themselves" since it's rough there. Not to say that you're that way or anything, I'm sure you're a nice gal.
Just dress professionally, and then gauge your new superiors' vibes to see how they receive you and go from there.
Good Luck and Congrats on your new gig!

Answer 6

Are you going to be acting in the job? In other words, is it a position where you're going to be presenting yourself as a southern lady?

If yes, then act the part... ham it up. Be yourself, but be charming... like you would at an interview. Don't wear anything different from what you'd normally wear to an interview... unless you could get a hoop skirt and an antebellum era dress.

Answer 7

related to your remark -- "in case you could no longer get a job consistent with skills extremely than visual charm, it incredibly is your fault" -- only because of the fact the guy wears tennis footwear to artwork would not recommend he isn't a expert -- he could be R-E-A-L-L-Y good at what he does yet, has undesirable knees. A taxi cab driving force as quickly as made a remark to a minimum of one in each of his shoppers that fat people have been stupid by ability of correlation...while he have been given out, Teddy Roosevelt hit him on the pinnacle together with his strolling stick and remarked, "You sir, are an fool." additionally, attempt no longer using the notice "fricken" lots once you confer with the interviewer and tone down the self-value a sprint. The natives interior the South are people...

Answer 8

draw a north sign upside down on your chest