How to Dress for a Job Interview

Posted on May 25th, 2009 by Elaine

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You’ve submitted your resume and now you’re scheduled to be interviewed by a potential employer. Since it’s the first time they’ll be face to face with you, you have literally look like the person they want to hire. Before you head to the interview, here are some fashion tips to remember.

What You’ll Need:

Corporate clothes
Simple jewelry
Grooming items
Perfume or cologne
Polished shoes
Socks
Make up

Dressing Up Tips For Men

If you know that the company you’re applying for is in a formal industry, such as law or banking, opt for a dark navy, gray or black suit. Pair it with a matching tie and black shoes. If it’s not a very formal company, opt for a more dressy casual attire, such as an ironed button down shirt, slacks and leather loafers.
Polish your shoes properly using a quality shoe polish. Scuff marks indicate lack of attention to detail and forethought.
Match the belt you wear with the color of your shoes. Also, wear dark socks, instead of white ones.
Wear cologne and aftershave, but make sure they’re not too overpowering. Overpowering scents distract the interviewer, and give you a conceited air.
Shave your facial hair before the interview. If you have a mustache, make sure it’s trimmed well. Also, use gel to hold your hair in place and give you a neater, professional look.
Bring professional looking accessories. Use a leather or vinyl-bound portfolio or briefcase instead of plain manila folders.
Do not wear any jewelry. If you have ear, tongue or brow piercings, take them out on the day of the interview.

Dressing Up Tips For Women

A professional suit is a great option if you’re not sure about the company dress code. It’s not too dressy, but not too casual. Wear a dark colored suit, in colors such as black, gray, maroon or navy blue. Avoid flashy colors.
Wearing a skirt is okay, but make sure it’s not see-through. A dark colored skirt with a conservatives slit is good. Keep the skirt to a modest and acceptable length, at least above the knees or a bit longer. Avoid mini skirts. The employer must look at you, and not your dress.
If wearing a shirt, choose colors that are not too bright. Dark or pastel colors will suffice. Don’t wear classy shirts that show off your cleavage. You’re applying for work, and not going to a bar.
Match your outfit with a professional briefcase. If you don’t have any, opt for a small, dark-colored purse instead, just large enough to hold your resume. Make sure it’s not too showy.
Shoes can be either pumps, loafers or closed-toe types. Don’t wear sandals. The shoes can have heels, but keep them to a minimum. You don’t want to trip on your way to the interviewer’s office, right?
Shampoo and wash your hair on the day of the interview. Tie it back in a sleek ponytail or bun. If there are loose strands hanging, hold them in place using gel.
Apply makeup, but make sure it’s well-applied and not overpowering. Don’t use heavy eyeshadow, too much blush or bright lipsticks.
Keep jewelry to a minimum. A simple pair of earrings and a watch will suffice. Don’t wear heavy looking necklaces or jingly bracelets. Take out nose rings, tongue earrings or brow piercings, if you have any any.
Wear perfume or cologne, but not too much.

General Tips

Lay out your outfit the night before the interview. Check your clothes for stains, scuffs, tears, holes or wrinkles.
Take a shower on the day of the interview. Shave and wear deodorant. Make sure you scrub your body well.
Floss and brush your teeth before the interview. Make sure your breath smells nice, too.
Carry a small comb with you for emergency use.
Check your nails, and make sure they’re clean.
Don’t forget to smile and be confident. This will complement a good outfit very well.
Cover your tattoos, if you have any.

The saying “first impressions last” is very true when it comes to a job interview. Make sure that how you dress up on that day matches the credentials you have, and the employer will certainly hire you!