The advice to men preparing to interview was to wear a dark suit, white long sleeved shirt, and power tie with dark shoes. I am not sure this is still completely true but it certainly is the safest way to dress for an interview.
Hiring managers make their first and often final decision about a candidate subconsciously in the first few seconds of meeting you. The way you dress is one of the first things a hiring manager will notice. Here are some general guidelines:
- Wear business clothes every time you go to a business meeting, whether it is an interview or not. You never know where a single meeting will take you.
- Show yourself at your best advantage every time you leave your house
- Wear neat, clean, conservatively stylish, well-fitting clothes
- SHINE YOUR SHOES
- Carry a briefcase or portfolio with notes and an extra copy of your resume or two
- Get a good haircut with grey covered up if it makes you feel more confident
- Glasses clean and in good repair, preferably in a modern or classic style
There are certain exceptions for very creative jobs. Young people have a little more style latitude. In general though, you can’t go wrong with a conservative suit.
Here are some specific tips for me:
- A dark suit or sport coat with nice pants
- White, long sleeve button front business shirt. Don’t wear a short sleeve shirt. It doesn’t look professional at all.
- A good tie, preferably silk, in a dark color like blue or red with limited pattern. This is actually a flexible point. Some men like to express their personality with a tie. Just make sure your personality is a little more generic because you don’t know who you will be meeting.
- Dark leather shoes, either the kind that tie or slip on. This is not the time or place for athletic shoes.
- Clean shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair.
- Limited aftershave or cologne. You don’t know if the people you meet will be sensitive to smells.
- Neatly clipped fingernails.
- Limited jewelry.
Before you begin interviewing, double check to be sure your wardrobe does you justice. Get a second opinion if you are not sure. The important point is to dress in a way that reflects positively on what you bring to the table.
Remember, if you have had several interviews and never get an offer, you are probably doing something to undermine your story. The Interview Doctor can help!
See other articles about interviewing:
7 Wayspeopledon’tacetheinterview
If you are unsure what to wear or how to handle interviews, The Interview Doctor can help!!