Why is Dressing for the Interview so Important?
Prospective employers make assumptions about your character, intelligence and ability to do the job based on your appearance. Unfair, but true! You never get a second chance to make a positive first impression. If the interviewer likes the way you look it will set the stage for believing that you will excel in other areas. The interviewer will spend the rest of the interview trying to confirm his/her initial positive impression.
Quality doesn't cost, it pays! By dressing for success you will let those you meet, and ultimately work with, know that you are ready to succeed. You will be giving yourself that same non-verbal message.
Personal Style – Is It Worth the Risk?As a new college graduate, this likely is your first professional job search. You may not understand how important projecting a professional image truly is in the selection process. You take a big risk if you choose to dress in a distinctive style that may have been appropriate in college, but now may be viewed as anti-authority or inappropriate or just plain poor taste. If your personal style is highly unconventional—and very important to you—you will have to weigh the risk of flaunting your personal style in the interview. Doing so may cost you an important job offer. A better approach would be to follow the advise given here when you dress for interviews. After you are on the job and have proven your worth, you may be able to determine how much of your distinctive personal style you can get away with in the workplace without harming promotional opportunities.
How to Dress for Interviews – Men
Suits
- Buy a matched suit rather than a sport coat and slacks.
- Fabric – 100% worsted wool will give you the best look and durability. It is a natural fiber so it breathes, feels comfortable and travels well. The right blend of wool and synthetic also holds its shape well. Squeeze the pant leg in your hand to see how the fabric springs back into shape before you make a purchase. Look for jackets that are fully lined and pants that are lined to the knee to increase durability and reduce wrinkling.
- Color – Charcoal grays and navy are the most conservative colors, black is more formal. Dark colors like these carry more authority.
- Solid colors and narrow, muted pinstripes are best. A small herringbone weave is another option.
- Style – A single-breasted dark suit is appropriate for all fields of professional employment. The classic two-button style is the most conservative. For your first suit, it is best to stay with a two or three button style. Always leave the bottom button open on all single-breasted jackets. Always unbutton your suit coat when sitting.
- If you are applying only in the creative field, you have more latitude in what you choose in terms of colors, textures and suit styles.
- Shoulder padding – The traditional suit has a soft padded look. The European style jacket is more tapered with heavier padding in the shoulder. Conservative companies will have employees who wear the traditional suit, but you may want to pick the style that looks best on your body type. In addition to the Traditional and European style, you may choose the Athletic or Executive style if it fits your body type best.
- Cuffed or plain hems on pants? Both are fine. Cuffs add weight so the pants hang better, and cuffs are currently in fashion and the traditional favorite.
- Fit – It is important that your suit fit well or you will not look good and feel comfortable. The jacket collar should mold to your neck and your suit jacket should lie smoothly across your back and shoulders. The suit jacket should be long enough to cover your seat completely. Be sure the lining does not sag and show and that your pockets do not bulge from excess content. Your jacket sleeves should fall just at or below the break of your wrists. The waist of your pants should be at or just slightly below your navel and should fit snugly.
Shirts
- Always wear long sleeve shirts for business occasions and interviews.
- White shirts are best for first interviews. note: When in doubt wear white.
- Note what other employees wear for shirt colors to determine what you might wear for a second interview.
- A T-shirt under dress shirts will protect your shirt from perspiration.
- Shirt sleeve should be 1/4 to 1/2" below coat sleeve
- There should be room for an index finger to slip between neck and collar.
- Pinstripes should be thin.
- Always wear an ironed shirt, even if the shirt claims to be "wash and wear".
- Cotton/polyester blends are acceptable. The higher the cotton content, the better you will look.
Ties
- 100% silk ties are the best for a professional look. A high quality blend may work also.
- Your tie should complement and add color to your suit.
- Select a conservative stripe or classic design.
- Width should be approximately the same as lapels, generally 2 3/4" – 3 1/2" wide.
- The top of your tie should just touch the top edge of your belt buckle.
- Check here for a demonstration on the steps for tying your tie. How to tie a tie
Shoes
- Black and burgundy leather are the best colors.
- Black lace up shoes, cap toe, and wing tips are the most conservative.
- Don't wear penny loafers with a business suit, but slip-on dress shoes (even those with tassels) are the most versatile for the day or evening
- Well shined, no frayed laces, no run down heel tips.
Socks
- Socks should be dark and complement the suit.
- They should not bunch around the ankles.
- They should be over the calf so leg won't show when crossed.
Accessories
- Belt–leather should match shoes, buckle should be conservative gold or silver.
- Keep jewelry to a minimum.
- No earrings, studs, or visible tattoos.
- Briefcases should be leather; brown and burgundy are the best colors. Make sure your briefcase does not look worn.
- Watches should be simple and plain (avoid Mickey Mouse and sport watches or fads).
- No tinted glasses. They need to see your eyes for effective communication.
- Use a quality pen—one that is not disposable.
Business Casual
- If an interviewer suggests that you dress casually for the interview, ask what business casual means in their organization. It can vary with part of the country, season of the year and the industry. You don't want to show up in a 3-piece suit if the interviewer asks you to dress casually. You also do not want to arrive dressed inappropriately for the interview. You won't know for sure unless you ask.
