How to Dress for an Interview

How to Dress for an Interview?

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why, in many cases, it is still important to dress professionally for a job interview, regardless of the work environment.

What's the appropriate dress code for an interview? You'll want that first impression to be not just a good one, but, a great one. In general, the candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.

Tips to dress for positive impact

• The appropriate interview attire depends on the industry in which you’ll be interviewing, as well as the geographic location and time of year.
• Spend time on the Internet researching the company, industry and competitors to determine suitable interview outfits.
• Still not sure? Call the company’s HR department and ask what they recommend you wear.
• When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly over dressed, rather than show up looking too casual.
• Don’t have an appropriate outfit? Go to a large department store like Nordstrom or Macy’s and ask for help from a personal shopper or hire a personal stylist.
• Ensure that your clothes are cleaned and pressed.
• Avoid wearing perfume or cologne.
• Wear makeup and jewelry that are appropriate to the job/company/industry.

Men's Interview Attire

• Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey)
• Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
• Belt
• Tie
• Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
• Little or no jewelry
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Limit the aftershave

Women's Interview Attire

• Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
• The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
• Coordinated blouse
• Conservative shoes
• Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)
• No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
• Professional hairstyle
• Neutral pantyhose
• Light make-up and perfume
• Neatly manicured clean nails
• Portfolio or briefcase