How to Dress for a Work Interview

It's important to project professionalism from head to toe.

Your clothes speak volumes about your personality, self-confidence, attention to detail and even the amount of respect you have for the social, business or cultural context in which you find yourself. Whether you're a newcomer to the job market or seeking a different position from the one you already have, interviewers often base their initial assessment of you within the first 30 seconds of visual contact. If you want to create a positive first impression with your future boss, it means putting extra thought into how to dress for your interview and not just grabbing whatever is on the closest hanger.

Instructions

1. Research what type of company your interview will be with to get a sense of its workday dress code. Conservative venues such as law offices, banks and accounting firms will generally expect a more formal appearance from their employees than creative industries such as film, fashion, music and advertising. Even if your actual job duties will allow you to wear jeans and tees and work outdoors, "business casual" is the minimum you can get away with. For all other interviews, dress one or two levels higher than the position for which you're applying.

2. Choose conservative suit colors such as blue, gray, tan or black. Collared shirts are essential for men. A tie can be left off, however, if the jacket is a sports coat. If you aren't wearing a jacket, wear a long-sleeved shirt. For women, a tailored suit or a dress with matching jacket is appropriate for an interview. Remember that whatever you wear is a supporting player in your job audition and should never steal the spotlight by being too colorful, too flashy, too tight, too revealing or too peculiar.

3. Inspect your shoes to ensure they are free of scuffs or run-down heels. Never wear sandals or sneakers to an interview, nor should women wear open-toed or backless shoes.

4. Minimize accessories. For women, a small pair of earrings, a necklace, a watch and a ring will make a more conservative and professional impression than someone dressed like a walking jewelry store. Leave off the bangle bracelets, hoop earrings, ankle bracelets, nose rings, eyebrow piercings and large brooches. For men, a watch, cuff links and a tie-tack should be the extent of decoration. Neckwear should be conservative rather than cartoonish or risque, and leave your political buttons at home.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're completely in doubt about what to wear to your interview, contact the company's HR department and ask them what would be appropriate attire.

• Always allow time for a dress rehearsal before the day of the interview to ensure that your ensemble is clean, pressed, fits comfortably and isn't in need of any repairs.

References

• "Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?: A Crash Course in Finding, Landing, and Keeping Your First Real Job"; Ellen Gordon Reeves; 2009
• "Dress to Impress: How a Navy Blazer Changed My Life"; Joyce Nelson Shellhart and Lana Beck; 2004
• "The New Professional Image: Dress Your Best For Every Business Situation"; Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-Rice; 2005