Job Interview Dress Code
From LoveToKnow Jobs
Job interview dress codes should promote an image of competence, honesty, and attention to detail. While there's room for variation depending on the job you're interviewing for and whether you are male or female, there are some things that don't change.
Job Interview Dress Codes: The Basics
No matter what, you want to look as if you thought ahead and planned for your interview. Wear something that makes you look pulled together and put some effort into small details. Tailored—not tight—clothing works best for letting your employers know that you are confident, capable, and ready to hit the ground running if you are chosen for the position.
Dressing on the conservative side is a good idea for most job interviews. However, if you want to look as if you already fit in—a great part of a first impression—you'll want to do some research. Call the Human Resources department and ask them what the dress code is or go to the office for another reason on an earlier day to observe for yourself what the employees are wearing. If you feel those methods are too conspicuous, send a friend in your place to scope out what the other employees are wearing, even if they simply stand outside the door at lunchtime.
If the normal dress code includes shorts and polos, you don't need to go out and buy an expensive new suit, tie, and dress shoes in order to make a good impression. You also don't want to go in shorts. Step it up a notch and wear a nice shirt and pair of wrinkle-free slacks.
As far as accessories go, pay attention to detail but keep it fairly simple unless you are interviewing for an especially creative job and have observed that employees tend to go all out with accessories. Small hoop earrings, a tie tack, or a ring will suffice. They can make you look polished but not overdone. Be sure to take out any piercings the employer may find offensive, usually anything more than a pair of earrings on a woman. Shoes should be polished and dressy. To be on the safe side, skip sandals.
Tips for Dressing for the Job
If you've decided to take out all your piercings, have just the pair of shoes in mind, and a general idea as to what you're going to wear to your interview, there are a few other tips to keep in mind:
- A pop of color near your face, like a blouse under a neutral suit, helps you remain in the interviewer's memory. Try red or blue.
- Make sure your hair is well-groomed. That includes eyebrows. Of course, that doesn't mean you have to go out for your first brow wax if it's not something you typically do; just make sure they're brushed into place and not distracting from your otherwise well-groomed appearance.
- Don't go too heavy on the makeup. If you wear makeup, wear enough to look natural and fresh, but don't go all out with smoky eyes, for example. Light shadow, liner, mascara, blush, and gloss should suffice.
- Make sure your attire is free of wrinkles. Check the mirror right before you go into the interview to make sure everything is in place and that you still look as sharp as you did when you got ready to go.
- For professional industries (law, banking, accounting), wear a suit. If the field is less formal and employees tend to wear casual clothing, you can get away with a button-up and slacks.
- Women should skip the tight sweaters and miniskirts. Trade in the catch-all purse for a more structured bag or portfolio.
A Final Word
Job interview dress codes aren't too complicated. Once you determine what the employees wear on a regular basis at a particular office, you can begin to sculpt your interview attire around that. Just make sure that you pay attention to details so that you appear well-groomed, meaning make sure that your clothes are wrinkle-free, your tie is straight, your hair is in place, and you didn't forget to remove a piercing.
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This page has been accessed 31 times. This page was last modified 05:37, 15 November 2009.
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