Dressing For The Successful Interview

“Cause every girl’s crazy for a sharp dressed man”, ZZ Top

Getting dressed is one of those simple things Mom taught us growing up: make sure your socks match, that your underwear is clean, that your pants fit AROUND your waist – not below it, and wear a jacket or you’ll catch cold. Right, that’s our basic fashion lesson, the rest comes down to choice. So how do you choose to be thought of: serious about finding the right career or is what you wear say “I don’t care.”

Appropriate dress is showing respect for the opportunity that you want to undertake. Have you ever sat there and saw that the interviewer was dressed professionally compared to what you had on? And remember how that uncomfortable feeling made us lose focus. Here are a few tips and tricks to feel comfortable. One last note, when dressing for an interview, remember to dress for the job you aspire to. While the following are general rules, always consider the industry that you’re trying to get into. You can choose styles that have more flash in an industry that looks for flash, but most businesses prefer the standard, conservative approach to fashion.

FOR MEN & WOMEN: There are a few dress rules that do apply equally to men and women. The increasing popularity of tattooing or Body Art, presents one such topic. A general rule, keep them covered, especially if you have them in strategically suggestive areas. That means keep your shirt buttoned, roll your sleeves down, and no peeking out of the midsection. Socks or nylons should cover any on the ankle, calf area. An interview is not the time or place for a discussion of the newly popular art of body decorations. And piercing just creep people out. Not pierced ears, as long as it’s a reasonable amount, like 2, but multiples, eyebrows, lips, tongue; it’s cool for you and your friends, but in an office, it does not play well.

Hair should always be neat. But if you go in for the wilder colors, or the Mohawk, or any other “unique” look, the statement you’re making is that you’re different and won’t change to fit in.

Fragrances are also becoming problematic. If the interviewer can smell you coming down the hallway, if their eyes start to water while in the room with you, these are sure signs that you have on too much. You are better off not wearing any than planning an assault on the interviewer’s sense of smell.

And last but not least, jewelry. We’re not out to fling the bling, so no more than 3 bracelets, two or three rings is fine, and earrings should be on the small side. And watch out for the hoop sized earrings, the big gaudy chains, and the grill works. Appropriate for hangin’, not for an interview.

WOMEN: Let’s start from the bottom up. A simple pair of dark shoes, not sandals or clogs, heel not too high, will be fine. You can wear either a pair of slacks or a skirt. This is an interview, not a night out at the club so; the skirt should be at least finger tip length.

A blouse not cut too low or revealing with a scarf or nice looking necklace, dress it up a bit more with a sweater or jacket to round out the ensemble. Make-up is used to enhance, not as camouflage in the corporate battlefield, or to use another old saying “less is more”.

This is not a night out clubbin’ with your friends; you are a serious professional with skills and talents that the interview will showcase. Make sure you dress the part.

MEN: This will be short and sweet. Shoes, socks, and pants should be dark, fit well with a belt that’s for more than show. A shirt, button down the front with a collar is the bare minimum of what you should be wearing. Yes, there are exceptions, like a tie, jacket, or the standard suit if that is the style of dress. But guys, seriously, do you want the job? If so, this is the basic look, classic and standard.