by Barbara Hall Palar
Kim, 52, a professional in the medical field, is preparing for her first job interview in nearly 30 years. "The last resume I did was on a typewriter," she says. "It was back in the day when everybody wore a suit, pantyhose and accessories to work every day. So of course you really dressed up for an interview."
These days, when business casual or even a more dressed-down style is the norm, it's hard to know what to wear to an interview. Some fields, including law, business and financial, require being more dressed up than others fields such as creative, telemarketing and outdoor jobs.
"If I get this job, I'll be wearing scrubs to work, and so will my boss, so does it really matter what I wear to an interview?" Kim says. "I don't want to overdress and embarrass someone in the interview who is really casual."
Certainly, you don't want to embarrass a potential boss by dressing dramatically more professionally than he or she does for the interview. On the other hand, this is your chance to put your best foot forward. With jobs in short supply, you don't want to make a mistake as simple as not wearing a tie or a pair of hose. Unless you've specifically been told otherwise, the general rule of thumb is that there is no such thing as overdressing for an interview. If you are seriously in doubt, do some sleuthing. Call the receptionist or your human resources contact for the interview, and ask what would be appropriate.
Dressing well shows respect to your interviewer and that you take the process seriously. Your attire should be clean, pressed and well fitting. Double check your clothes for stains, loose buttons, hanging threads and exposed tags. Don't dress too flashy; you want to be remembered for your presence and confidence, not for your zebra-print shirt. Avoid color extremes, or the "color of the moment." Navy, dark gray and black are safe. You can add color and personality with a tie, scarf or simple piece of jewelry.
Make sure that what you wear is temperature appropriate as well. Nerves will probably make you feel warmer than usual. Cotton and other natural fabrics are more breathable than synthetics, so keep that in mind. If you dress in layers, you have the option of removing a jacket or sweater if you become overly warm.
Attire for Men
Jacket. If the job is in banking, business or law, choose a classic dark suit. A sport coat with dress pants is probably fine for many industries.
Pants. Dark if it is a more formal organization; khakis (pressed and pleated) may be acceptable for a more casual atmosphere.
Ties. Invest in a plain, high quality silk tie with a simple stripe or pattern. Avoid extreme colors and "character" ties. Save those for when you have the job. Make sure your tie is neatly knotted.
Shirt. Long-sleeved, even in summer. White or light blue is your best bet, either plain or with a subtle stripe.
Socks. Make sure they are long enough that no skin shows when you sit down and your pants hike up. Your socks should be at least as dark as your pants.
Shoes. Black if your pants are dark gray, navy or dark brown. Brown if your pants are medium brown or khaki. They should be lace-style and shined with no scuff marks.
Belt. A must, and it should match the color of your shoes.
Grooming. Make sure your hair is recently cut and facial hair neatly trimmed. Tone down the aftershave, if you use it at all. In most cases, if possible, remove pierced jewelry. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed.
Attire for Women
Suit/Jacket. You can't go wrong with a simple dark suit. If not a suit, a skirt with blouse and blazer is usually appropriate. For a more casual atmosphere, a skirt, blouse and sweater may be fine. If it is a long interview, you can use the jacket or sweater as a "prop" to remove when you need a little time to think about a difficult question, or if you become overheated. A tailored pant suit is also usually appropriate.
Skirt. Don't look to the TV image of professionals as reference for choosing a skirt length. A skirt should be long enough to cover your thighs when you sit. Narrow, but not tight, and not flowing. Again, dark colors are best; you can add a bit of color with your top or accessories.
Hose. Yes, if you are wearing a suit or skirt. Check them ahead of time for runs, snags and stains.
Blouse/top. Nothing flashy. Tailored, either a plain color or with a small print.
Shoes. Darker than your clothing, low heels and closed toes. Flip flops? No.
Jewelry. Keep it simple and tasteful. Simple earrings, limited to one in each ear. Remove other pierced jewelry if possible.
Grooming. Light makeup is most appropriate. Go lightly on the perfume if you use any at all. Your hair should be neat and recently trimmed if short. If it is long, pull it back so you do not distract from the interview by constantly pushing it back from your face. Your nails should be clean and simply manicured. Clear polish is best, or a very light color.
What to Bring
Women, leave your purse locked in the car, or at home. Carry your wallet, or the items from it that you might need (driver's license for ID badge in some offices, a pen and a notepad for taking notes) in a briefcase or portfolio.
A portfolio should be plain with no logos. Paperwork should be arranged neatly in a clean folder inside the briefcase or portfolio. Find out ahead of time how many people you will be meeting, and make sure you have enough copies of materials for each of them.
Barbara Hall Palar, a writer and editor for more than 25 years, wore a dark navy suit, pantyhose and low navy pumps for her last job interview. She got the job.
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