How to Select a Suit for an Accounting Firm Interview

A good suit will go a long way toward making a strong first impression at your interview.

Your appearance is the first step toward making a good impression during an interview at an accounting firm. Accounting firm interviewers are taking note of a number of things, including how you present yourself. Avoid loud, unusual or inappropriate styles. Choose a suit that reflects your personal style while exuding professionalism.

Instructions

1. Set a budget for your suit purchase. Find stores with offerings in your price range. Do this by looking on the store's website and browsing the inventory. For smaller stores without a website, you will need to go in person.

2. Dress appropriately on the day you go shopping. Men should wear slacks, a dress shirt and dress shoes. Women should opt for a blouse, bodysuit and work-appropriate shoes. t-shirts, sweatshirts and sneakers make tailoring imprecise.

3. Choose a fabric type. Wool is the favored style among professionals such as accountants. Of the types of wool, choose between worsted, tropical and flannel. Tweed is more appropriate for professors or other academics as opposed to an accountant.

4. Pick a style. Men should look for a single-breasted two or three-button jacket and pants combo. Favor solid colors over pinstripes as the stripes may project a flashier look than necessary for an accounting firm. Women should also opt for the single-breasted two to three-button jacket. Skirts should extend to middle-knee length and pants should be flat-front with shallow pockets.

5. Select an appropriate fabric color for your age and body type. Dark colors such as deep blacks and navy blues work on tall people. Short people should opt for light colors such as light gray.

6. Try the suit on and prep it for alterations. Odds are slim that the suit will fit you perfectly without some measure of tailoring. You do not want the suit to be too long or too short when on the interview. You can have the suit altered at the shop or you can take it to the tailor of your choice.

7. Hang the suit up in your closet until it is time for the interview. Leave it in the bag or plastic it came in until then. This will keep it wrinkle and stain-free to maintain your professionalism at the accounting firm interview.

References

• Canisius College: Tips on Buying Interview Suits
• Suitsbay.com: Choose a Suit for an Interview
• Blue Suits Online: How to Choose a Suit for a Job Interview