Dressing for the Interview

You are probably reading this guide because you may have an interview tomorrow and need some immediate guidance.

Your appearance is one of the most important factors in the interview. Recruiters form a first impression within the first 30 seconds and your appearance is important in forming a positive first impression.

Have you finalized your clothing and accessory choices - from suit, shirt!blouse, shoes, and coat, to tie, jewelry, briefcase, and/or handbag?

Is everything wrinkle-free and ready to go? Does it fit as well sitting down as standing up? And, most important, do you feel comfortable and confident wearing it? A practice interview in the clothes you plan to wear will ensure that no last-minute details have to be ironed out.

There's been a lot of emphasis on business dress and image in the past, and for good reason. While the idea of
dressing appropriately for an interview is universally accepted, exactly what that means can vary widely from
company to company, region to region.

Styles are always changing, and what's considered appropriate for a 25-year-old copywriter may not be considered appropriate for a 50-year-old accountant. It's also true that even if you're the world's greatest financial
analyst or programmer, an interviewer may have trouble believing it if your appearance is unprofessional.
Because the interview is a brief meeting (and you may not be invited back). you literally only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Why all the fuss about appearance?
Isn't the most criterion your ability to do the job? Yes, say interviewers, but if your appearance is unkempt or
inappropriate, it may speak so loudly that the interviewer's ability to listen to your abilities and credentials suffers.
"Your goal should stand out. not stick out," says one interviewer.

What are some of the pet peeves of corporate interviewers?

• Ponytails, particularly on men
• Sagging ankle socks
• Scuffed, down-at-the-heel shoes
• Polyester ties and shirts on candidates for professional positions
• Heaps of jewelry that bangs,clangs,and glitters
• Women who dress provocatively; it's distracting for interviewers of both sexes
• Untrimmed beards and moustaches
• Too much perfume or cologne

The company culture is particularly important in determining what to wear.
In some companies, you may be instantly branded a maverick if you show up in anything other than a navy
suit, white shirt and striped tie. For instance, the finance department of a newspaper is bound to be more
buttoned-up than its editorial department.

The location of the company might also have an impact on employee' dress. If you're a Texan interviewing with a
firm in New York, you probably want to leave your cowboy boots at home. And if you're a New Yorker interviewing in Miami in the summer, they just might think you're a stuffed shirt if the one you're wearing has long sleeves.

Your experience and the level of the job you are applying for will also affect you ideal mode of dress. For an entry level candidate, the objective is to come across as capable and mature.

For Ladies:

• A dark conservatively cut business
  suit with a shirt or blouse that goes
  well with the suit. The fabric should
  competent the suit. Cotton, silk or
  rayon are generally acceptable for
  executive or professional positions.
  
• While pants suits have become
  increasingly more acceptable, the
  safest interview attire is a skirt suit.
  The ideal length is no more than two
  inches above or below the knee.
  Coordinate with complimentary
  colors.
  
• Your blouse should be a solid or
  subtle print with a conservative
  neckline. You don't want to distract
  your potential employers from
  focusing on your skills.
  
• Keep jewelry to a minimum. No
  large earrings, no dangling bracelets
  and minimal rings.
  
• Make-up should be lightly applied.
  Stay away from trendy colors and
  anything that glitters.
  
• The stiletto boots might make your
  legs look fantastic, but save them for
  Friday night. Low heels or flats are a
  must. Avoid thick, clunky shoes.
  Make sure you can walk in them
  comfortably.
  

For Gentlemen:

• A two-piece suit will suffice in most
  instances. Classic cut in either navy,
  gray or black should do just fine for
  most interviews.
  
• Stick to natural fabrics, like wool
  and cotton.
  
• Choose a dress shirt in a subtle
  color. Be sure it is well pressed.
  Your tie should not be distracting in
  color or pattern. Stay with a classic
  tone that compliments the colors of
  your suit and shirt.
  
• Wear an undershirt! Most dress shirt
  fall better on a cotton undershirt
  than bare skin.
  
• Your socks should be in extremely
  good condition. People notice! Wear
  a dark color and be sure they keep
  your shins covered. You don't want
  to cross your legs and expose hairy
  calves, no matter how nice you think
  they look.
  
• It is advisable to remove any
  earrings (or other piercing's) for your
  interview. Also, be sure to conceal
  tattoos. You can reveal their
  presence later on if your new
  workplace is trendy, warm and
  fuzzy.