Interview attire guidelines

• In an interview your attire plays a supporting role.
• Your conduct, your interpersonal skills and your ability to articulate intelligent and well-thought-out responses to questions are the most important elements.
• Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed.
• Be aware that in some industries, customer contact and image presented to the customer are critical. In such industries, your attire will be judged more critically.
• Your attire should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it should not take center stage.
• Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing to a higher standard than you might need to.
• Even if you are aware that employees of an organization dress casually on the job, dress formally for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer. The interview is a professional meeting and thus a more formal occasion than daily work.
• Never confuse an interview or business function with a social event. Don't wear clothing intended for a party or other social occasion.
• Not every contact with an employer requires interview attire. For some occasions business casual is appropriate. See business casual for when to wear it and what it is.
• Changes in fashion influence some things, like the width of lapels, the cut of pants, or the colors of blouses, shirts, and ties available from merchandisers. Basic professional attire does not change with the whims of fashion. A good suit should last five to ten years, depending on its quality, how hard you wear it, how well you care for it, and if it continues to fit you well. You can express fashion trends in your off-the-job clothing, and to some extent in your accessories.

Professional clothing is typically manufactured, sized, marketed, and sold as being men's attire and women's attire, and traditional standards of professional and business attire are often based on gender. So we share some guidelines that fall into categories of men's and women's attire. That said, each person has the liberty to attire yourself in clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident, that fits you well, and that expresses your identify, regardless of the extent to which that matches so-called "traditional" guidelines.

Sometimes guidelines for professional interview attire can seem as though we are wearing a uniform, or not expressing our individuality. True. Sometimes interview attire is more constrained and formal than on-the-job attire. This varies by industry and the culture of different workplaces. The extent to which we can express our individuality on the job also varies by industry, the job we hold, and the workplace culture. As you explore careers, industries, and environments, think about how these factors fit for you. "Fit" is not just about clothing, but about how our interests, abilities, skills, values, and whole selves mesh with a career and workplace.

If you wish to discuss professional clothing and other job search skills, you are are welcome to seek advising from our office.

Suit:
A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.

What if the job is in a non-suit-wearing work environment:
Even if you would or could wear jeans on the job, or the work environment is outdoors, or is a very non-suit environment, wearing a suit to the interview shows you take the interview seriously as a professional meeting. Dressing well is a compliment to the people with whom you meet. If you think the industry in which you're interviewing would frown on a suit, or the interview will involve going to a work site where a suit would be inappropriate, look for advice through professional organizations, your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or by asking the employer directly and politely. One alternative is to wear pressed pants (like khakis) and a dark jacket; less formal than a suit, but still business-appropriate for every person.

Conservative colors / fabric:
Dark blues, navy, and dark gray shades are safe. For women's attire, black is appropriate; for men's attire, black has traditionally been considered too formal for business. (If you already have a nice black suit in men's attire, that's fine; this may be a topic to research as you move up your career ladder.) Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the type that look solid across a room) are safest. Wool, wool blends, or other good quality natural and synthetic fibers, are generally the best fabrics in all seasons. Avoid lower quality acetate / rayon blends.

Cost / quality:
You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good-quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt/blouse and tie/accessories.

Clean / loose threads / tacking stitches / tags:
Everything should be clean and well-pressed. Allow time to take your suit to the dry cleaner if needed. Hold it up to bright light to check for stains you might not see in your closet. Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc. Cut away the tacking threads that hold jacket and skirt vents closed (these are for the garment to stay neat at the retailer and during shipping, not for permanent use).

Suit:
A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket with pants of the same color, but a different cloth that doesn't exactly match.

Conservative colors / fabric:
Navy and dark gray are safe and are the most conservative for men's attire. Black suiting for men's attire is considered more formal, and probably shouldn't be the color choice for your first suit purchase for interviews. Again, if you already purchased a black suit, that's fine; just research and consider other options as you move up your career ladder. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (that look solid from across a room). Wool, wool blends, or very high-quality natural and synthetic fiber blends are acceptable fabrics for a conservative men's suit.

Cost / quality:
No one expects a college student to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. No one will object (or perhaps notice) if you wear the same suit to a career fair and a next-day interview (as long as it's clean and odor-free); you can vary your shirt and tie.

Ties:
Tie styles come and go. Select good quality silk ties. Avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews. Notice men's attire in your industry that is worn on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, and when meeting with clients.

Shirts:
Long-sleeved shirts, even in summer. Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes. Make sure the color is flattering to you. A dark shirt might be acceptable in a non-conservative industry. Avoid being trendy.

Socks:
Dark socks; color should match pants. Mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.

Shoes:
Leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or cordovan (match your belt color). Invest in a good pair; even if you don't wear them daily at work, you'll need them for other occasions; good shoes should last years if not frequently worn.

Belt:
Black or cordovan leather, to match your shoes.

Facial hair:
If worn, should be well-groomed. Observe standards in your industry if you are unsure what's appropriate or are considering changing your look.

Jewelry:
Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. For conservative industries, don't wear earrings. Observe standards in your industry to see what is acceptable.

Details:
Everything should be clean and well-pressed. Suits typically have tacking stitches to hold vents — on the jacket back and on sleeves — in place before the garment is purchased. Cut them off if your retailer / tailor doesn't. And that tag stitched on the outside of your sleeve is not meant to stay there for show — cut it off! Carefully inspect clothes dangling threads, etc.

Clothing sold for women that is categorized as party, cocktail, club, or sports attire is not business professional attire. Keep this in mind as you seek clothing and expand your wardrobe to include professional attire.

Suit:
Wear a two-piece matched suit. Not a suit environment? See guidelines above.

Suit - pants / skirts:
Tailored pants suits are appropriate for women's attire. Pants suits can be an excellent choice for site visits, particularly if the visit involves getting in and out of vehicles and/or the site is (or includes) a manufacturing plant or industrial facility. If you wear pants, they should be creased and tailored. Choose pants that flatter you, which could be narrow or wide-legged; just avoid extremes of tight or flowing. Professional attire pants should not fit like workout pants. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe standards in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.

Skirt lengths:
Some of what is shown in entertainment media that is purported to be professional attire is not really appropriate for a work environment. A professional skirt should cover thighs when the wearer is seated. Showing a lot of thigh is distracting and may not suggest the good judgment that you want to display. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just make sure they are narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably. Don't purchase a skirt or decide on a hem length until you sit in the skirt facing a mirror. That's what your interviewer will see, and what others will see when you are seated in a waiting area prior to your interview. Ask yourself whether it will be distracting or reinforce your image as a person who looks appropriate for a business environment or gathering. High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small center-back slit in a knee-length skirt is appropriate. On a calf-length skirt, a slit to the knee to facilitate walking and stair climbing is appropriate. Practice walking, climbing stairs, sitting, and standing in your skirt with the shoes you will wear. Make sure you don't have to adjust or tug your skirt into place when you move.

Color / fabric:
Navy, dark gray, brown and black are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Women's professional attire generally includes more options with suit color than men's professional attire. For example, while a women could look conservative in a slate blue or light gray suit, slate blue and light gray would be viewed as less conservative in men's attire. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (that looks solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, and high quality blends and synthetics are appropriate for women's attire suiting.

Shirt / sweaters:
Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good quality shell (sleeveless) or sleeved knit top (not bulky; not thin or gauzy; not a t-shirt) is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage. (Media that does so is trying to attract viewers, and does not represent reality of the professional environment.) Choose colors that flatter you.

Jewelry / accessories:
Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry.

Cosmetics:
Keep makeup conservative. A little can contribute to a polished look; decide what works best for your self image and comfort. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.

Shoes:
Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Shoe styles and heel heights come and go. Choose closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does not convey a professional appearance or wise judgment. And if your feet are in pain, this interferes with keeping your mind and energy focused on interacting professionally.

Hosiery:
Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer is most conservative (not opaque), and in neutral colors complementing your suit. Dark, matching your suit and shoes is appropriate in colder weather. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color. DO wear hose in cold weather!

Purse / bag:
A business-like tote bag is ideal for interviews and other professional occasions. It can carry your padfolio, extra copies of your resume and any other papers you might need, and personal items can be concealed within. A structured tote that will stand up when you set it on the floor is preferable to one that flops over (and potentially spills its contents). If you also carry a purse, keep it small and simple (so that you are not carrying two large bags); you might place your smaller purse within your larger tote. Tote/purse color should coordinate with your overall attire; it does not have to match your shoes, but should not clash in style and color. Your tote/purse can be leather, faux leather, micro fiber or a fine woven material. Avoid purses that look like beach/pool totes, have bold prints, are partyish, or look like something that would be marketed for children.

Hair:
Should be clean and neat.
(If you find yourself touching your own hair, stop. Ask yourself if you need to change how you style your hair, or just better control your hands.)

Shoes:
Should be in polished condition. Make sure heels are not worn down.

Details:
No missing buttons, no lint. Again, remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.

Hands:
Clean fingernails.

Fit:
Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly.

Smell:
Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. Remember that some people have allergies or sensitivities; you would not want that to interfere with an interview experience. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke.

Padfolios / business bags:
Always wise for holding paper to take notes and to hold other documents you might need to bring and receive. Business-like totes or small briefcases are also appropriate. But if you have no reason to carry a large briefcase, don't.

Backpacks, book bags:
Many people carry professional looking backpacks for travel and carrying laptops and work-related items and accessories. For your professional interactions, make sure your backpack looks professional: dark solid color; good condition; no items dangling on your backpack.

• Men's Wearhouse suit fit guide
• HeSpokeStyle.com > men's business casual wardrobe essentials

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