Dress Etiquette for an Interview
The clothing you wear to an interview sends the hiring manager a message. Choosing your clothes and accessories carefully communicates that you are professional and prepared for the job. A conservative approach for both men and women works best in most interview situations. Buy at least one quality interview outfit to have on hand when a potential employer calls.
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Women
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A suit ensemble with either a skirt or pants creates a professional look for women. To maintain the conservative look, opt for a dark suit over a bright color. If you choose a skirt, keep the length as close to the knee as possible. Short skirts are too revealing and diminish your professional authority.
Wear a shirt that doesn't show too much skin. If you want to add color to your outfit, the shirt is the place to do it.
If you want to wear pants with your suit, choose tailored pants that aren't too tight. Pants provide more coverage if the job location is more industrial or if you will be moving around.
Men
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Suits in dark colors are traditionally accepted interview attire for men. Add a conservative amount of color through your shirt and tie. Avoid anything too flashy including a novelty tie with a distracting pattern that makes you look less professional. Avoid an ill-fitting, cheap suits. Your socks should also match your suit.
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Accessories
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Accessories should complement your attire rather than distract the interviewer. Like the clothing itself, your accessories should look professional and conservative. For women, a watch and a pair of small earrings is enough jewelry.
Basic pumps with a closed toe and a low heel work best whether you wear a skirt or pants. Choose a pair that is comfortable for long periods of time. If you bring a bag or purse to the interview, keep it conservative and small.
For men, a business style shoe with laces is ideal. If you own a pair of slip-on shoes that look professional and complement the suit, they are acceptable. A watch is the only piece of jewelry you should wear.
General Appearance Tips
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No matter what you choose to wear on an interview, the outfit needs to be clean and pressed. Put the outfit on a few days before the interview to check for proper fit and missing buttons or other flaws. On the day of the interview, dress early to check for lint or spots on the clothing. Polish your shoes. Fix your hair in a conservative style using minimal hair products to avoid overly shiny or greasy hair.
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References
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