Dress: What to Wear

A significant part of a hiring decision (or admission decision by a graduate or professional school) is based on nonverbal elements in an interview--handshake, eye contact, body language, posture, listening skills, clothing, grooming and accessories. Don’t overlook the power of a good first impression. People make amazing assumptions about your professional credibility and potential performance based upon your appearance during a first meeting. It's very difficult to overcome a poor first impression, regardless of your knowledge or expertise.

To be successful, research and practice for the interview and carefully plan the professional image you want to project. If you come to an interview dressed professionally, you will feel a sense of confidence and others will sense your self-assurance. Many employers interpret your appearance in terms of what you know about the world around you and what attention you give to detail.

Different companies and industries have different norms in regard to business dress. For example, a financial analyst at an investment firm may not wear the same work attire as a computer engineer at a small start-up internet company. Likewise, a journalist's work clothing may be far different from that of an agricultural sales representative. The majority of organizations in all industries, however, have very similar expectations when it comes to interview attire. The standard protocol is professional dress, which means a conservative, well-tailored suit. Although a business suit is not always the everyday work attire for an organization, recruiters expect candidates to look their most professional during a job interview.

In an interview, you want to impress a recruiter or admissions representative with your skills, accomplishments and potential. First impressions are lasting impressions. If you are not "dressed the part" for the interview, you may never have the opportunity to accomplish the ultimate goal of proving yourself capable of the job. Instead, you will be working throughout the interview to counteract the negative impression made by your attire.

It is always best to err on the side of conservative dress. Your clothing and accessories should not attract so much attention that they are distractions to the true purpose of the interview. You do not want the recruiter to remember you for the fact that you wore white socks or too much perfume.

Because clothing standards differ by company, it is difficult to prescribe the "perfect" interview attire to match all occasions. You should always research a company and its culture to learn more about its dress code. Following are standardized tips for men and women which should be strongly considered as you prepare for your interview:

• The job seeker should dress for a position two levels higher than the one for which she/he is being interviewed. This may mean dressing more formally for the interview than you will once you are in the job.  The level of formality you project shows that you understand the importance of the situation and respect the person you are meeting.
• When in doubt, making a conservative clothing choice for your interview is usually the safest.  Once you’ve been hired, it’s a good idea to ask your boss or the human resources department for a copy of the organization’s dress code policy. Codes vary so don’t assume you can wear the same clothes you wore at your last job. Some companies allow blue jeans, sleeveless tops and open-toe sandals, but others don’t. Play it safe by adhering to the organization policy.

Dress for Success

Here are suggestions on how to dress in a number of occupations:

Advertising and Public Relations
Dynamic, client-oriented occupations call for clothing that projects energy, imagination and insight. This can be achieved by using bright colors, trendy styles, and accessories that display your uniqueness.  If you're involved in the business end of these occupations, dress as if you're a banker or lawyer.

Banking, Accounting and Law
Conservative and traditional are the bywords for these industries.  People want to be able to trust someone with their resources: black, navy, and gray spell reliability.  Women or men should select conservative styles: suits in solid or pinstripe wool.

Retail and Sales
It is essential to be fashion conscious if you are entering the retail trade.  It is important to know current trends of professional dress and to show it.  Fashion magazines can give you some ideas.  Keep in mind that in some cases, such as sales for major corporations, a more conservative dress is appropriate.

Science and High-Technology
If your daily activities include performing laboratory work or sitting in front of a computer terminal, you may not be wearing a suit on the job.  These careers place a premium on intellectual creativity, and therefore, dress can be individual and casual.  For the interview, however, a suit is still best for men, while women can choose a dress-and-blazer combination or separates.

Social Services and Education
Traditional interview attire is still appropriate in these settings.  Men can choose a suit or sport coat/slacks/tie combination, while women can choose a dress-and-blazer combination or separates.  For administrative positions, however, wear conservative business dress.

Interview Attire for Women

• Suit consisting of skirt and jacket, in a matching color. The skirt length should be at or just above the knees. The jacket can be single or double-breasted.
• A business dress, worn with a jacket, or a tailored pantsuit is acceptable.
• Navy, black, brown, gray or beige are the preferred suit colors.  
• White, off-white or light blue cotton or silk blouse with a conservative neckline and hidden or conservative buttons. Avoid bright colors and patterns.
• Low to medium leather heel with closed toe. Match the shoe color to the suit color.
• Neutral hosiery.
• A matching scarf is acceptable, but should be understated.
• Very moderate amount of jewelry or accessories. No more than one ring on each hand. Wear a professional watch.
• Professional briefcase or portfolio. Do not use a backpack, fanny pack or purse.
• Minimal makeup and perfume.
• Trimmed fingernails, preferably without any color.  
• Neat hair style, with hair pulled back from the face.
• Remove body piercings, except for one conservative earring in each ear. Cover tattoos.

Interview Attire for Men

• Single-breasted navy or charcoal gray two-piece suit. A subtle stripe or pattern is acceptable.
• Suit colors of navy, gray, or coffee beige (brown is usually unacceptable and black is too formal). Suit should be solid color or subtle pinstripes.
• White, long-sleeved oxford cloth shirt.
• Maroon or red silk tie with small conservative pattern.
• Dark socks that, when you are seated, will remain above the pants cuff.
• Belt or shoes of matching color, typically black or cordovan. Well polished shoes.
• Professional briefcase or portfolio instead of a backpack.
• Minimal cologne.
• Neat hair style.
• No more than one ring.
• Professional watch.
• Do not wear theme clothing, such as a cartoon tie.
• Trimmed and clean finger nails.
• Remove body piercings, including earrings. Cover tattoos.

What is Business Casual?

• Business casual is the type of attire many organizations permit and encourage their employees to wear in the workplace. It is never the clothing to wear for interview, however.
• Some organizations consider khaki pants and short-sleeved polo shirts as business casual.  Others define business casual as slacks or skirts and long-sleeved shirts.  
• Because the term is defined by geographic region, industry, and individual companies, the best way to determine a company's standard is to conduct research or ask a company's representative. As always, when in doubt, dress conservatively and lean more toward the business side rather the casual side.

Here are some general rules that apply:

• In the business world jeans, tennis shoes, tight or short skirts, t-shirts and sweatshirts are never considered business casual.
• Business casual does not apply to grooming standards. Your appearance should remain neat and respectable. This includes nicely pressed clothing, polished shoes, and conservative accessories.
• Business casual means that men are not expected to wear ties.  Business or sports jackets are appropriate with stylish, solid colored pants. Long-sleeved solid or striped shirts, socks and matching belt and shoes are part of the attire.
• Women may wear a business skirt or pants with a conservative blouse or sweater. They may wear a blazer or vest too.  Flat or low heels are acceptable, with neutral hosiery.  The belt, scarf and other accessories should remain understated.