Dress For Success
The best colors to wear for an interview are either black, grey, or navy blue. Sometimes, even grey or brown will work. Whatever you choose to wear, you want to be noticed for what you can bring to the table if hired, and not for your fashion forwardness. Remember, what you would wear to a night out on the town, or at work after you are hired, is completely different than what you would wear to an interview. Think of what you wear to your interview as your “Interview Uniform.”
For both men and women, wear a two-piece suit in a conservative color with a dress shirt/blouse/tie that is a neutral shade and not too tight. For women, it is ok to wear a dress, just as long as it does not hug your body too much. You want your clothing to be a little lose and comfortable to sit in. It’s also a good idea to practice sitting in whatever you choose to wear, ahead of time.
Finally, Job interview clothes should fit properly and not be too tight. Always make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and without any rips, stains, missing buttons, animal hair, or tags. Remember to polish your shoes and “break” the seams where your jacket would naturally open. Don’t forget to remove any designer tags that are sewn on the wrists and also open the pockets, which are typically sewn shut.
Clothing
Avoid wearing baggy interview clothes. Sweats and clothes that are too big create an impression of untidiness. Also, don’t wear your pants on your hips. It looks unprofessional and gives off the sign that you don’t care. When choosing clothing, both men and women should choose a conservatively colored shirt, nothing crazy, and nothing transparent or clingy. For men, a safe bet for shirt is to stick with white or pale blue.
Men
- Wear a full suit or nice slacks and a coordinating jacket. Suits should be navy blue or black—avoid pinstripes, unless they’re very thin and muted.
- Coordinate your tie with your suit. Splashes of color can be fine, but don’t go wild, and don’t wear loud patterns. Red is called the power color for a reason—it catches the eye and focuses attention on the wearer.
- If you want to wear a flag or ribbon pin on your lapel, be aware that they may initiate conversations that you don’t want to have during the interview.
Women
- Your hemline should fall just above or on your knee.
- Low neck-lines, transparent fabric and bra straps on display should be avoided.
Shoes
Men
- Wear clean, polished dress shoes, free of dirt and scuff marks.
- Make sure your socks match your shoes and your shoes match your belt
Women
- Wear closed-toe, medium to low-heeled shoes such as a pair of black pumps.
- You should be able to walk comfortably in your shoes and appear confident and at ease.
- Very high-heeled shoes are unsuitable.
- Avoid brightly colored and trendy shoes - you are not there to make a fashion statement.
ACCESSORIES
Men
- One simple ring per hand is acceptable. Avoid necklaces and bracelets.
- If you wear a watch, wear something simple with a leather or metal band—it conveys efficiency and punctuality.
- Try to cover up any tattoos.
Women
- Wear understated jewelry. Ostentatious, in-your-face jewelry is a big distraction and gives the impression of flashiness.
- Big, dangling earrings and jangling bracelets are particularly distracting and should be avoided.
- Try to cover up any tattoos.
- Anklets can make your feet a focal point. You want the interviewer to concentrate on your face and what you have to say.
- Sunglasses pushed up into your hair is a definite no! It looks messy and unprofessional.
HYGIENE
Men
- Facial hair should, at the very least, be neatly trimmed. Depending on the industry you’re pursuing, you may want to shave off your facial hair entirely if it will convey a better fit for the company’s culture.
- Unless the job is in a very informal environment, men should have a traditional haircut and shave before the interview. A clean shave makes the right impression. If you really want to retain your facial hair make sure it is neatly trimmed. Your hair should be neatly combed and styled. Avoid a style that allows you to fiddle with your hair - this makes you appear nervous and unsure.
- Make sure nails are trimmed, neat, and clean.
- Take studs out of visible piercings, and don’t wear flashy jewelry.
Women
- Your hair should be neatly combed and styled. Avoid a style that allows you to fiddle with your hair - this makes you appear nervous and unsure.
- Keep your hair off your face. You don't want to be constantly flicking your hair out of the way during the interview.
- Wear understated makeup in natural tones. Overdone eye shadow, heavy eyeliner and brightly-colored lipstick make you appear frivolous and unprofessional.
- Ensure your nails are clean and manicured and only wear neutral polish.
YOUR BAG
- Carry a small briefcase or similar bag in place of a purse. This provides an easy way of carrying a tablet or laptop.
- If you feel you need a purse, a small structured one is preferable to a large floppy bag. Avoid canvas, denim and straw, these look very unprofessional.