Proper Attire for a Business Interview

If you've passed the resume review stage and now have the interview ahead, your next task is to prepare for the meeting. Besides practicing your interview questions and answers, you should take time to figure out what you're going to wear. The way you present yourself at the interview could have a significant effect on whether or not you get the job.

Men

The standard suitable interview outfit for a man is a two-piece suit (jacket and slacks). A well-fitting, conservative style suit is the ideal choice because it is the most professional work-related outfit for men. Make sure that the two pieces of the suit match and you knot your tie correctly (learn four in hand and half Windsor knots). However, in some cases you can wear a pressed shirt, tie and slacks or khakis to a more informal interview. As far as shoes, wear dressy lace-up shoes made of leather material.

Women

The standard acceptable outfit for a woman who attends an interview is also a two-piece suit. But women often have more flexibility for an interview outfit. For instance, a skirt or slacks with a pretty blouse is often just as acceptable and professional. If wearing a skirt keep the length in mind --- generally yours should fall at or over your knees. When choosing shoes wear basic low pumps or flats with closed toes made of leather (avoid patent leather and other shiny or eye-catching materials used on shoes).

Colors and Other Details

When interviewing for a job, it's usually best to go dressed in neutral or dark colors. That includes navy, black, brown, dark gray, brown and sometimes variations of tan. For shirts select white, ivory, light blue and tan shades. Both men and women should stay away from eye-catching jewelry, but for a man a classy watch is acceptable. For women it's usually fine to wear small earrings (like diamond studs), a simple necklace and watch. Women should also wear hosiery to an interview. A dark-colored briefcase, portfolio or small neutral colored purse (choose one) is fine to bring along as well.

Suggestions

You may find success by doing research on the culture of the company where you plan to interview. You may determine that a company with a more relaxed culture is more likely to accept (and possibly prefer) more relaxed attire at an interview as opposed to a two-piece suit. If you have friends who work at the job ask them what they wore to their interviews.

References

• Virginia Tech: Interview Appearance and Attire
• Seeking Success: Appropriate Interview Attire
• Washington State University: General Guidelines

Resources

• Hiwaay: The Necktie Repository