Dressing for an interview
The suit
A single-breasted suit is appropriate for all fields of employment. When
wearing a single-breasted suit with more than two buttons, you may button all
of the buttons-except the bottom button. Most suits come with pants that are
pleated (some double or tripled). They should feel fuller through the thigh and
should be worn at your waist, not on your hips.
The “break of the pants” is the distance between the ground and the hem-line of
the pants. Typically this should be about 1.5 inches, but can vary depending on
the style of pants and material.
Fabric & colour
Look for suits made of 100% “worsted” wool. Wool is a natural fiber that
breathes, which means you’ll be more comfortable, you’ll perspire less and the
fabric will travel well. Look for suit jackets that are fully lined and pants
that are lined to the knee. Lining increases comfort and reduces wrinkling.
Adding a crotch liner to your suit pants will reduce the abrasion between your
thighs and the fabric. Crotch liners help your pants last longer.
Your first interview suit depends in large part on the type of job for which
you’re interviewing, but charcoal gray and navy blue are always appropriate.
Whether pinstriped, plaid, solid, or herringbone, these colors always represent
a professional look and are ideal for more conservative fields like accounting,
law, and medicine. Two-button, vented, and softer shoulder garments in medium
to dark tones are ideal for these types of interviews. Generally, you have more
creative options for the color and style if you work in a more creative
environment.
The shirt
White and other light coloured shirts are best for your first interview. One
hundred percent cotton works best for shirts for the same reasons that wool
works well for suits: it breathes, so you perspire less and feel more
comfortable. Always wear a long-sleeved dress shirt to your interview and for
all business occasions.
It should be smooth around the neck and allow for an index finger of breathing
room in the collar. A tee shirt worn underneath your dress shirt gives you
added protection against noticeable perspiration and will help your shirt last
longer.
The ties
The pattern/design should be conservative, not flashy. The tie color should
match your shirt/suit color.
Silk ties assure the best knot. They can also be dry cleaned. A (silk or
silk-like) tie should coordinate with the jacket and pant but choose one that
strongly contrasts with the color of your shirt; selecting subtle or simple
patterns enhances credibility.
The accessories
When coordinating colors, remember, leather to leather and metal to metal.
Always match the color of your belt with your shoes and the color of your belt
buckle with your watch.
Wear jewelry sparingly for your interviews. In some settings, it may detract
from your professional appearance. Limit yourself to one ring per hand, and
leave visible piercings at home.
Socks should match in color to your suit. Black with black, gray with gray, tan
with tan. Black socks are acceptable for dark colored suits, though a closer
match is more desirable.
Be sure your shoes are shined, that the edging is not fading (a magic marker
can sometimes work wonders,) and that laces are not broken or frayed.
For those of you who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines
for successful interview dress:
Men and Women
Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
Clean, polished conservative shoes
Well-groomed hairstyle
Clean, trimmed fingernails
Minimal cologne or perfume
Empty pockets–no bulges or tinkling coins
No gum, candy or cigarettes
Light briefcase or portfolio case
No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)
Men
Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
Dark socks (black is best)
Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!)
Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat &
trimmed
No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)
Women
Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses
Shoes with conservative heels
Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color
Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable)
No more than one ring on each hand
One set of earrings only
The suit
A single-breasted suit is appropriate for all fields of employment. When
wearing a single-breasted suit with more than two buttons, you may button all
of the buttons-except the bottom button. Most suits come with pants that are
pleated (some double or tripled). They should feel fuller through the thigh and
should be worn at your waist, not on your hips.
The “break of the pants” is the distance between the ground and the hem-line of
the pants. Typically this should be about 1.5 inches, but can vary depending on
the style of pants and material.
Fabric & colour
Look for suits made of 100% “worsted” wool. Wool is a natural fiber that
breathes, which means you’ll be more comfortable, you’ll perspire less and the
fabric will travel well. Look for suit jackets that are fully lined and pants
that are lined to the knee. Lining increases comfort and reduces wrinkling.
Adding a crotch liner to your suit pants will reduce the abrasion between your
thighs and the fabric. Crotch liners help your pants last longer.
Your first interview suit depends in large part on the type of job for which
you’re interviewing, but charcoal gray and navy blue are always appropriate.
Whether pinstriped, plaid, solid, or herringbone, these colors always represent
a professional look and are ideal for more conservative fields like accounting,
law, and medicine. Two-button, vented, and softer shoulder garments in medium
to dark tones are ideal for these types of interviews. Generally, you have more
creative options for the color and style if you work in a more creative
environment.
The shirt
White and other light coloured shirts are best for your first interview. One
hundred percent cotton works best for shirts for the same reasons that wool
works well for suits: it breathes, so you perspire less and feel more
comfortable. Always wear a long-sleeved dress shirt to your interview and for
all business occasions.
It should be smooth around the neck and allow for an index finger of breathing
room in the collar. A tee shirt worn underneath your dress shirt gives you
added protection against noticeable perspiration and will help your shirt last
longer.
The ties
The pattern/design should be conservative, not flashy. The tie color should
match your shirt/suit color.
Silk ties assure the best knot. They can also be dry cleaned. A (silk or
silk-like) tie should coordinate with the jacket and pant but choose one that
strongly contrasts with the color of your shirt; selecting subtle or simple
patterns enhances credibility.
The accessories
When coordinating colors, remember, leather to leather and metal to metal.
Always match the color of your belt with your shoes and the color of your belt
buckle with your watch.
Wear jewelry sparingly for your interviews. In some settings, it may detract
from your professional appearance. Limit yourself to one ring per hand, and
leave visible piercings at home.
Socks should match in color to your suit. Black with black, gray with gray, tan
with tan. Black socks are acceptable for dark colored suits, though a closer
match is more desirable.
Be sure your shoes are shined, that the edging is not fading (a magic marker
can sometimes work wonders,) and that laces are not broken or frayed.
For those of you who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines
for successful interview dress:
Men and Women
Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
Clean, polished conservative shoes
Well-groomed hairstyle
Clean, trimmed fingernails
Minimal cologne or perfume
Empty pockets–no bulges or tinkling coins
No gum, candy or cigarettes
Light briefcase or portfolio case
No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)
Men
Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
Dark socks (black is best)
Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!)
Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat &
trimmed
No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)
Women
Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses
Shoes with conservative heels
Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color
Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable)
No more than one ring on each hand
One set of earrings only
