Over here in the eRelyx Marketing department we’ve been busy gearing up for Graduation season. For thousands of students in undergrad and graduate programs everywhere- May marks not just the end of another school term and the start of summer vacation- but also a beginning to “the rest of your life.” Naturally, this got me thinking about my own college experience & the months that lead up to my matriculation from Boston College, and the (exciting and terrifying) months that followed as I began my life as a “young professional.” I remember March as the time in my senior year at BC that reality really began to sink in for my classmates and I- perhaps because this was the same time the interviewing process began heating up.

Today’s graduates are entering a much tougher job market than that of 5-10 years ago. With all the competition students face in the interviewing process, it’s more important than ever to look the part- or, as they* say- “dress for the job you want.” The idea is to look polished, put together, and subtle- nothing too flashy. You don’t want to be boring but this is not the time to try a new fashion trend or take a risk. There are no set-in-stone rules but a few guidelines that every interviewee would benefit to adhere to. Make sure everything is well tailored, freshly pressed, clean and keep it simple. Show a little personality, but do so with taste and discretion- for instance adding a pop of color in a scarf, handbag or tie.

Finally we have the piece-de-resistance- “the watch- which should never beep or be plastic. Try a classic leather-band tank and a more modern metal number. Not only will they signal to the discerning colleague what kind of man you are, but they’ll be good investments, too, capable of appreciating in value as time goes by.” (Esquire‘s ”Guide to Dressing for the New Office”). Nothing quite finishes off the perfect interview outfit like a simple, understated, luxury watch. We like a classic, simple stainless bracelet and case with a black, silver or white face. A leather band in black or brown would also look sharp.

This is not the time to break out your diamond encrusted custom Jacob & Co. piece, or giant, face sized wrist-clock (a la Cee Lo Green). This is also not the occasion for neon, rubber or bling, and, please- we beg you- leave your digital Casio watch at home. A watch is the finishing touch on a polished interview outfit. This often-overlooked accessory can say, in so few words, to a prospective employer that this isn’t just some sloppy college kid- that this is a polished, professional adult with taste, distinction, class, and- bonus!- punctuality.

So can we guarantee a nice watch will land you your dream job? No. Can we guarantee a hot watch will exude style, look great and even give you an extra boost of confidence? We like to think so. Check out our picks for a perfect, professional, interview-worthy watch below- click the images to view more details. Find these and many more for sale now at eRelyx!

* You know, the ambiguous and omniscient “they” that always appears in articles of this nature.