WOMEN

TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR INTERVIEWS

If it is conservative and classic it will last for years. The strongest positive statements are made by suits in a medium to charcoal gray or a medium blue to navy color. Brown and maroon are also acceptable. Avoid black since it may convey too much authority.
For a less authoritative look, you may choose to wear a conservatively tailored dress with or without a jacket. Be certain you have carefully analyzed your interview situation before taking this option.
Should be silk or a polyester that has the look and feel of silk to go with a business suit. Cotton blouses should not be worn with suits. Long sleeves are preferred. The blouse shouldn't shine too much, reveal too much, or hide one's chin in frills. Should be flesh-toned. Avoid colors, textures and patterns. Classic pump-preferably closed heel and toe with little or no decoration. No spike heels. In general, wear shoes as dark or darker than your skirt. If you wish to take an attache case and a purse to an interview, you may want to keep a slim purse with essentials in it, inside the attache case. You could pull out your purse if you choose not to carry the attache case to lunch, etc. No large jangly things hanging from the wrist or neck. Wedding ring (if you are married), but no diamond pinky rings. A small amount is ok, but not so you would notice.

APPEARANCE IS THE FIRST IMPRESSION THE INTERVIEWER HAS OF YOU, SO YOU WANT TO LOOK YOUR BEST. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE WELL GROOMED-CLEAN AND FRESH, INCLUDING NAILS.

MEN

TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR INTERVIEWS

Should be a shade of gray or blue; usually the darker the shade, the greater amount of authority it conveys to the wearer. Medium to charcoal gray are considered good colors for suits. Black communicates too much authority. Brown is not generally recommended for business and interview attire. The lapel of the suit should be no wider than the necktie. A carefully chosen jacket is appropriate for many interview situations, but imparts less authority than a suit. Avoid 100 percent polyester materials. Poly/wool mixes are all right as long as the wool is recognizable. In warmer climates, practicality wins out, but the suit should look professional and business like. In the Northern states, every suit should look like it's made from wool, unless it's July and 100 degrees, when something lighter may do. Color should be lighter than the color of your suit. White is always good or a blue shirt with a navy suit is acceptable. Should be long sleeved. Should be made of silk. Patterns should be subtle and repetitive. Stripes should be of a uniform pattern and not a lot of different widths and hues. Should be black or very dark navy blue that keeps any part of your ankle, shin or calf from being seen. (In warmer climates lighter tones may be acceptable.) Should be black or cordovan, preferably with laces, at least in the northern states. The rules are a bit more relaxed in the south and on the west coast. Skip the Hush Puppies and brown penny loafers.

APPEARANCE IS THE FIRST IMPRESSION THE INTERVIEWER HAS OF YOU, SO YOU WANT TO LOOK YOUR BEST! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE WELL GROOMED-CLEAN AND FRESH, INCLUDING NAILS AND A CLOSE SHAVE.