Proper Interview Attire & Grooming
Your appearance and interview attire plays a supporting role in your interview. Appropriate attire and grooming projects an image of someone who takes the interview process seriously. Even if the company has a “casual” or “business casual” dress code, it is better to be slightly overdressed. A professional appearance is a compliment to the person with whom you are meeting, and demonstrates your understanding and appreciation of the professional nature of your meeting.
The following is a list of guidelines to help men and women present a professional, appropriate appearance during an interview.
Suit
- Wear a two-piece matched suit in navy or dark gray.
- Do not combine a suit jacket with pants that don’t match.
- Cut off any tacking stitches holding vents in place (often on jacket back or sleeves).
- Cut off any tags stitched to the outside of your sleeve.
- Carefully inspect your suit for any dangling threads, etc.
Shirt
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt under your suit jacket, even in the summer.
- Wear a subtle color, such as white.
- Do not wear flashy colors, fabrics, or patterns.
- Make sure the shirt is clean, pressed, and crisp.
- Wear a shirt prepared by a laundry or cleaners whenever possible for a crisper look.
- Always tuck your shirt in.
Tie
- Wear a good-quality silk tie in a conservative color.
- Solid colors or simple, conservative patterns are best.
- Avoid extreme ties with busy patterns or characters in interviews.
- Do not wear a cheap tie – it will downgrade even the most expensive suit.
Socks
- Wear solid-colored, dark dress socks.
- Socks should be mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.
Shoes
- Wear dark-colored leather business shoes.
- Invest in a good pair of dress shoes, even if you don’t wear them daily.
- Make sure shoes are polished and neat looking.
Belt
- Wear a dark-colored leather belt that matches the color of your shoes.
Hair
- Hair should be clean, well groomed, and conservative in appearance.
- Avoid “trendy” hairstyles such as long, shaggy hair.
Facial Hair
- If you do not have facial hair, make sure your face is clean and freshly shaven.
- If you do choose to wear facial hair, make sure it is well-groomed and appears tidy and neat.
Nails
- Nails should be clean, trimmed, and well-groomed.
Jewelry
- Be as conservative with jewelry as possible.
- Remove earrings.
- Do not wear a necklace, bracelets, or rings (other than your wedding ring).
- A conservative watch is acceptable.
Tattoos & Piercings
- Cover all visible tattoos with clothing whenever possible.
- Remove all jewelry from visible piercings.
Cologne
- Do not wear cologne to an interview. Interviewers could be allergic or bothered by the scent.
Blouse/Skirt
- Wear a two-piece suit with a crisp blouse; skirt, or trouser (skirt is more formal)
Hemlines
- Hemlines should hit right below the knee
Hair
- Wear your hair up if it’s longer than shoulder length
Nails
- Nails should be clean, trimmed, and well-groomed.
Makeup
- Light, well applied makeup gives polish and is an inexpensive way to professionalize your image
Jewelry
- Be as conservative with jewelry as possible.
- Remove earrings.
- Do not wear a necklace, bracelets, or rings (other than your wedding ring).
- A conservative watch is acceptable.
Tattoos & Piercings
- Cover all visible tattoos with clothing whenever possible.
- Remove all jewelry from visible piercings.
Fragrances
- Don’t wear fragrances; people can be allergic or it can detract from your professional image