Dressing for Success

80% of the first impression an interviewer gets of you is visual and formed in the first two minutes of meeting you and if not appropriately dressed, your attire can destroy everything that your background and resume have accomplished. Remember, up to the minute you step foot into the interviewers office - it was your resume and background that got you there.  Now is the time to risk nothing when it comes to proper clothing for your interview.  Keep in mind, dressing professionally is a compliment to the person who is making the decision to hire.

If you are on a tight budget, you don’t have to break the bank to dress for success.  There are a few things you need to keep in mind when putting your interview attire together that will make you look like a million bucks and will allow you a better chance to land that great job offer.  The following are tips of dressing for success for men and women.

Men and Women

• Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
• Clean, polished conservative shoes
• Well-groomed hairstyle
• Clean, trimmed fingernails
• Minimal cologne or perfume
• Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins
• No gum, candy or cigarettes
• Light leather briefcase or leather portfolio case
• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)

MEN

• Wear a dark colored suit such as charcoal grey, navy or black
• If you don’t own a suit wear a sport jacket with color coordinated trousers-do not try to match your sport coat to your trousers.
• Wear a tie that is silk or silk blend with a conservative or solid pattern.  Good color choices are red or burgundy.
• Shoes should be leather - clean and polished - black lace-ups are the best.  By not polishing your shoes shows laziness and no attention to detail.
• Always match your belt with your shoes.  Make sure the belt is in good condition.
• Keep your socks a dark color and make sure they come above the calf.  No skin should show when sitting.

WOMEN

• Wear a classic suit or a simple dress with a jacket. This is not a time to be provocative or sexy. Some appropriate colors are navy blue, black, dark green, dark red, burgundy, or gray.
• Dress in a higher style that the position calls for but do not attempt to out dress everyone there.
• Avoid wearing clothes that are tight, revealing or trendy. It may be the very latest fashion but it will not impress the interviewer.  Your skirt length should be no more than 2 inches above the knee.
• Fingernails should be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself. The polish should be a conservative color.
• Make sure to always wear hosiery and keep the color close to your skin tone.
• Wear closed toe, low heal shoes.  Make sure your shoes are in excellent condition.  Scuffed heals show laziness and no attention to detail.
• Don’t wear dangly, or flashy jewelry.  Keep your jewelry at a minimum. 
• Leave your purse at home.  If you must carry a purse make sure it’s small, coordinates with your attire and in excellent condition.  Carrying a nice leather portfolio is a better choice.