Dress for Interview Success

For Women:  The safest and “almost can’t go wrong” choice is a suit, including either tailored trousers, or a skirt of at least knee length.  Black, charcoal gray, or dark brown are all good.  Along with the suit, wear a simple style shirt in white, gray, light blue, or ecru. Neutral colored hosiery with tailored pumps (closed toe and heel) will complete your outfit. Make sure your heels are not so high to cause you to teeter.  

Jewelry should be minimal and conservative. As in one pair of stud earrings, a simple necklace, watch, and no more than one ring on each hand.  Nothing clunky or clanky – which could be distracting to you and the interviewer.  Piercings need to be removed other than that one pair of earrings and all tattoos need to be covered.  Keep fragrance and makeup minimal. This isn’t the time for that cute beach bag, or any large bag for that matter. Carry a small leather purse or . . .forget  the purse totally and carry a portfolio or brief case. Nails should be well manicured.  

Men? The recommendation of a suit still holds. Charcoal gray or navy with a white shirt are safe choices.

Shine those shoes  and  wear mid-calf length socks the same color as your suit. Add a conservative tie. Your belt needs to have a very basic buckle and be the color of your shoes.

Both Men and Women: Wool, wool blends, or very high quality natural and synthetic fiber blends are acceptable fabrics for suits for either men or women.  Avoid lower quality acetate / rayon blends. Tip from a high end men’s clothing shop:  If your budget forces you to buy a lower price suit, have it professionally altered. You will look like a million bucks.

Everything should be clean and well pressed.  Cut off labels, tacking stitches, and any loose threads.

Follow these guidelines and you should be “lookin’ good”.  Get a job!

~jan