Interview Assistance:   What Should You Wear?

Most of us make first impression judgments, and interviewers are no exception. What you wear to an interview makes a lasting impression and affects the direction of your interview. Wear clothing that is neat, clean, and businesslike. In most cases, “businesslike” translates into a suit and tie for men, and a suit or business dress for women. If you are uncertain about what to wear to an interview, a safe rule of thumb is to favor the conservative end of the spectrum. You’ll want to have a couple of interviewing outfits so you’ll have a change option if asked back for a second interview. The following are some tips on dressing for an interview.

Women:

• Wear a well-pressed suit or dress.
• Always wear stockings or pantyhose.
• Avoid skirts or dresses that are very short or very long.
If
• you wear make-up, wear a moderate amount.
• If you have long hair, pull it back.

Men:

• Wear a well-pressed suit, shirt, and tie.
• Wear a nice sport coat, trousers, and tie.
• Wear either a belt or suspenders. Not both.
• Wear coordinated, solid color non-white socks.
• An undershirt is recommended when wearing a light shirt.

Both:

• Freshly showered.
• Do not wear fragrances/colognes.
• Hair should be neat and clean.
• Fingernails should be neat and clean.
• Shoes should be conservative in nature; avoid tennis shoes and open toe shoes.
• Avoid excessive jewelry.
• Conservative clothing in subtle colors and patterns. Suit, jacket, skirts, and slacks are all appropriate.
• Avoid facial jewelry (nose, tongue, eyebrow ring).