Job Interview Attire – Does it Matter?

Job Interview Attire does matter. Your choice of dress for a job interview tells people more about you, than you may imagine.

Inappropriate Job Interview Dress will cost you the job – don’t risk it.

Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed.

In some industries, customer contact and image presented to the customer is VITAL. In such industries, your attire will be judged more critically.

How you dress for a job interview should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it should not take center stage.

If you are primarily remembered for your job interview attire, this is probably because you made an error in judgment!

Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet, so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to.

Even if you are aware that employees of an organisation dress casually on the job, dress up for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer.

Job Interview attire guidelines for men and women

Suit

A two piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.

If your Job Interview is for a role where a suit maybe frowned upon, check with the company what their dress code is for interview. If in doubt dress UP not down.

Conservative colors / fabric Navy, dark gray (and black for women) — are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid across a room) are safest.

Wool, wool blends, or good quality micro fiber for women only, are generally the best fabrics in all seasons. Avoid acetate / rayon blends. Details Everything should be clean and well pressed. Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc.

Additional Job interview attire specifics for men

A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. Don't combine a suit jacket with pants that don't match. Conservative colors / fabric Navy and dark gray are safe and are the most conservative for men. Black for men was once considered severe or overly formal, and may still be considered so in very conservative industries, although it is commonly worn by many.

Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, or very high quality blends with natural fiber, are the only acceptable fabrics for a conservative men's suit. Ties Tie styles come and go. Select good quality silk ties. Avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews.

Shirts

Long-sleeved shirts, even in summer. Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes.

Socks Dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.

Shoes Leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or cordovan.

Belt Black or cordovan leather, to match your shoes.

Facial hair If worn, should be well-groomed.

Jewelry Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. For conservative industries, don't wear earrings.

Additional Job Interview Attire specifics for women

Wear a two-piece matched suit.

Suit - pants / skirts Tailored pants suits are appropriate for women. Pants suits can be an excellent choice for site visits, particularly if the visit involves getting in and out of vehicles and/or the site is (or includes) a manufacturing plant or industrial facility. If you wear pants, they should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing.

If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.

Skirt lengths Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated. Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just make sure they are narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably. High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small back, center slit in a knee-length skirt is appropriate. On a calf length skirt, a slit to the knee to facilitate walking and stair climbing is appropriate.

Color / fabric Navy, dark gray, brown and black are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Women generally have more options with suit color than men. For example, while a women could look conservative in a slate blue or light gray suit, these colors would be inappropriate for men. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, and high quality blends and synthetics are appropriate for women's suiting.

Shirt / sweaters Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage.

Jewelry / accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry.

Cosmetics Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries

Shoes Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Shoe styles and heel heights come and go. Choose closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does not convey a professional appearance.

Hosiery Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer (not opaque), and in neutral colors complementing your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color. Purse / bag If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a briefcase. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine woven’s are also acceptable.

Job Interview Attire - Grooming tips for everyone

Hair Should be clean and neat.

Shoes Should be in polished condition. Make sure heels are not worn.

Details No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.

Hands Clean fingernails.

Fit Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly.

Smell Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke.

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