What Is Proper Attire to Wear to an Interview to Work in an Office Setting?
The job interview starts with the very first impression. Your first impression often includes your demeanor, your handshake and how you dressed for the interview. Corporate culture in America changes often. Some companies have moved away from requiring suits and ties for men and dresses and stockings for women. Many companies moved to a business casual dress code, requiring only nice jeans and a collared shirt, but you should not dress that way for a job interview, even if it is the dress code. Dress as if you're interviewing for two or three positions above the one you actually interview for.
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Research the Company
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Research the company before your interview. If you know someone who works for this company or used to work for this company, ask him about dress code. Find previous and current employees on the Internet and read their comments about the dress code. Stop by the office during a time when employees are coming and going, such as lunch time, and observe how they dress. You can also call the human resources contact and ask about the appropriate dress code for the job interview. Many human resources people are more than happy to assist applicants with questions like these.
Men's Attire
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Short of wearing a tuxedo, it is difficult to overdress when interviewing for an office position. If you are a man, most companies expect you to wear a suit and tie. Freshly dry-clean your suit, if possible, and color-coordinate your shirt and tie. Ideally wear a classic blue or charcoal-colored two-button suit. Wear a white or light-colored shirt and choose a tie that is darker than your shirt. Avoid ties with loud colors and patterns. Ensure your freshly polished shoes match your belt as well. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry.
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Women's Attire
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Dress professionally and modestly, avoiding excess cleavage and short skirts. Many interviewers expect to see women wearing nylons for an interview. Wear shoes with a heel exceeding one inch high, but not so high that you have problems walking. Wear a black or dark pinstriped business suit with a white or conservatively colored blouse and an appropriate amount of jewelry. Cover body art and tattoos until after they hire you and you know the company policy regarding them. Style your hair in a way it stays out of your face. This allows you to focus on the interview and not create a distraction for you or the interviewer because you continually push your hair back.
Accessories
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Keep accessories to a minimum for your interview. Wedding rings, simple necklaces and bracelets are acceptable. Avoid jewelry and accessories that may cause distractions or noise. Turn off your cell phone if possible; if not, silence the ringer or place it on vibrate mode. Avoid perfume or aftershave completely if possible; you never know if you wear the same scent as your interviewer's ex-spouse.
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