Dressing for Interviewss

In job-hunting, first impressions are critical. Remember, you are marketing a product -- yourself -- to a potential employer, and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire; thus, you must make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking. Will dressing properly get you the job? Of course not, but it will give you a competitive edge and a positive first impression.

Neatness and cleanliness are the key considerations. If you need a haircut, get one. If your shoes are scuffed, shine them. Your clothes should be neat, clean, and wrinkle-free.

Try to dress as you expect the interviewer to dress; when in doubt, err on the more formal side. Any jewelry you wear should be limited and conservative. (Men should wear none, except for a watch and a wedding ring, if applicable.)

How can you tell what people in the company will be wearing? You can talk with people who work there or who worked there recently. Or you can observe people as they enter the building from the parking lot. Bear in mind that weekend is casual day at many companies and so not a good day to observe typical dress. You won’t go wrong if you dress according to the Monday through Thursday norm, even if you happen to be interviewed on a Friday.

Your objective in dressing for an interview is to give people a favorable impression but to avoid having them focus on what you wore.

Women's Interview Attire

Solid color, conservative suit
Coordinated blouse
Moderate shoes
Limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Tan or light hosiery
Sparse make-up & perfume

Manicured nails
Portfolio or briefcase

Men's Interview Attire

Solid color, conservative suit
White long sleeve shirt
Conservative tie
Dark socks, professional shoes
Very limited jewelry
Neat, professional hairstyle
Go easy on the aftershave
Neatly trimmed nails
Portfolio or briefcase