Dressing for Interview Success

While the college campus may be the perfect forum in which to exhibit your flair for the latest in fashion style, the interview is not the place to do so. With very few unusual exceptions sandals and sweatshirts are out. Dress shirts, dress shoes and business suits are still in. Many people do not like to wear neckties or heels, but you need to dress appropriately to make a great first impression. Even though many companies have relaxed the internal company dress code, interviews still follow the conservative standard.

Campus fashions and work fashions are two different worlds.

Unfortunately, most college grads are woefully under prepared with proper interview dress. They feel they can “get by” with what is already in their wardrobe. Usually not. Dress for the world outside college is quite different from the campus scene. Remember that stylish is typically not conservative. Conservative is “in” for interviewing. Why? Because you should be doing the talking, not your clothes.

This is not to say that you need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Go for quality over quantity. One or two well-chosen business suits will serve you all the way to the first day on the job and beyond. Then, when you are making some money (and have a chance to see what the standard “uniform” is for the company), you can begin to expand your workplace wardrobe. For now, no one will fault you for wearing the same sharp outfit each time you interview. If you desire some variety within a limited budget, you might consider varying your shirt/blouse/tie/accessories as a simple way to change your look without breaking your wallet.

Please remember, you have a resource available to you where you can get FREE business casual and business professional attire to keep. The Walton College Career Closet is a resource for you to get access to the clothes you need for interviews, career fairs, business meetings, and all other activities where you need to look your best. Please visit the Career Closet page for more details.

For those of you who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines for successful interview dress:

Men and Women Interview/Career Fair Attire - Professional Dress

• Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue, black, taupe or grey is best)
• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best, darker colors work for trendy businesses)
• Clean, polished conservative shoes
• Well-groomed hairstyle
• Clean, trimmed fingernails
• Minimal cologne or perfume or none at all 
• Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling coins
• No gum, candy, or cigarettes - do not smoke directly before entering an interview
• Light purse or portfolio/folder
• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) or tattoos

Men

• Necktie should be a conservative pattern - Learn how to tie a tie: The Half Windsor
• Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
• Dark socks (no wild colors)
• Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
• Fresh shave; make sure facial it is neat and trimmed
• No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

Women

• Wear a suit with a jacket and skirt (knee length or longer) or slacks; no dresses
• Shoes with conservative heels
• Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
• Small purse, briefcase or portfolio
• If you wear nail polish, use clear or a conservative color
• Keep your makeup simple and natural (it should not be too noticeable)
• No more than one ring on each hand
• One set of discreet earrings only

All clothes should be expertly pressed and clean for your interview day.

If you are still not sure how to dress for the interview, call and ask! That’s right—call the employer. But this is one time when you do not want to call the Hiring Manager—instead, ask to be put through to Human Resources and say:

“I have an interview with _____ in the _____ department for a position as an _____. Could you please tell me what would be appropriate dress for this interview?”

While many work environments have shifted to business casual as the workday standard, business suits are still the interview standard. When in doubt, it is almost always better to err on the side of conservatism (Source: Collegegrad.com).

Business Casual Attire for the Workplace/Networking Events/Business Socials

Men and Women

• Clothing should be of solid colors (black, navy, khaki, taupe, white) or small print (plaid, floral)
• Clothing should not be tight, and both shirts and pants/skirts should be ironed
• Shoes should also be of solid colors (black, navy) and should be leather, microfiber, fabric. No sneakers or flip-flops
• Conservative jewelry
• Socks should match your pants
• Tuck your shirt in if you can and wear a belt, if your pants/skirt has belt loops. Belt should match your shoes/outfit

Examples of Business Casual Attire

Related Post:

Business Dress Code

Dressing for Success After 40

Party Dress Code – Office

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