Dressing for Interview Success

An Article by Sharon Graham, CRS, CIS, CCS, CPRW, CEIP

Graham Management Group

You will not get a second chance to make a good first impression at a job interview. Therefore, whether you are an executive, manager, or other professional, perfect grooming should be your first assignment in preparing for the interview.

In an interview scenario, poor personal grooming is a major factor that leads to the rejection of job applicants. The following checklist is designed to identify and address many of the areas that you should consider when preparing for a job interview. Before stepping out, you will want to go through this checklist to ensure that you are dressed for interview success.

Dress Professionally

The rule of thumb for interview dressing is to be more formal than you would normally. It is a good idea to dress “up”, one level higher than the position for which you are applying. Your level of formality shows your understanding of the importance of the situation and your respect for the person that you are meeting.

The most professional choice in interview dress for both men and women is a business suit. One or two well-chosen suits will serve you well under the interview spotlight. Tailoring should be classic with minimal detail.

When it comes to interview dress, women have many options, which allow for creativity but also leave the door open to mistakes. Many women choose to forego the business suit for a basic tailored dress. Whichever you choose, the goal is to portray a businesslike appearance. An elegant blouse in either a solid colour or a conservative print is likely to be appropriate. Mock, turtle or crew neck fine gauge knits in silk, cotton or blends have gained popularity instead of a blouse under a suit.

In an interview situation, the best choice for a man is a simple jacket or business suit with a clean, ironed shirt. A crisp white or solid colour dress shirt is likely to be your best choice. Ties with simple patterns and colours are good for formal interview situations.

Look Polished

Pick your interview attire ahead of time and have it cleaned, pressed and ready to go. Never wait until you are short of time and have to make a hasty decision with your clothing choice.

You do not have to buy an expensive outfit to be dressed appropriately. Instead of focusing on spending, think about looking polished and presentable. Check and repair ripped seams and missing buttons. You may just need to invest in getting your slacks pressed or having your blazer dry-cleaned.

The “wrinkle” factor associated with many wool and linen fabrics could turn out to be a problem. The most appropriate fabric to choose may be a cotton-polyester blend. It looks like linen, but does not wrinkle. You should test the fabric long before your first daylong interview.

Dress Conservatively

Try to look clean cut and be more conservative than you would normally. Your prospective employer is likely to want to take on someone who can easily “fit in” the team. Staying current is important, but appropriate interview dress never makes the front page of a fashion magazine. If you have tattoos, try to shift the focus away from them by covering them up.

In today’s highly fashion conscious world, women are encouraged to exhibit their flair for the latest in style, but the interview is not the place to experiment. It is best to avoid low-cut, sheer or revealing clothing. Skirts that fall less than three inches above the knee are too short.

Go for Comfort

Find clothes that fit you correctly. You will want to avoid clothing that is too small or tight. As well, it is best to stay away from clothes that are too big or oversized.

Pick something that you are comfortable in and try it out by sitting in different types of chairs. You do not want to tug or re-adjust anything when you sit.

Wear clothes that are appropriate for the season. You do not want to be too hot or too cold. One of the greatest advantages to having a blazer is that you can wear it year round.

Take Advantage of the “Colour Code”

It is best to wear conservative colours. Wear solid colours that complement your skin tones and make you feel good. Avoid complicated patterned fabrics, flashy colours or bold prints that may distract the interviewer. Loud colours are often intrusive during an interview.

For most formal companies, appropriate colours to wear are Navy, Blue, Tan, Grey, Burgundy, Black and Beige. In addition to these colours, Brown, Olive and Tan may be good choices for less-formal companies.

A monochromatic look with a shirt that matches the suit is appropriate an interview scenario.

Remember to leave the logo-attire at home for another occasion. You are not an advertisement or billboard.

Wear Clean Shoes

Make sure your shoes are clean, polished and in good repair. When your shoes are dirty or scuffed, they make your entire outfit look unclean.

Shoes should coordinate with your suit and be in a darker or the same tone as the outfit. Black or brown leather are the most accepted colours.

Wear a classic and sensible closed-toe pump. Your shoes should have low to moderate heels. This is not only for a more professional look, but it also helps prevent any embarrassing falls!

Wear Socks or Suitable Hosiery

Always make sure to wear socks or appropriate hosiery for the outfit that you have chosen. 

If you decide to wear a dress or skirt, make sure that you do not forget to wear stockings in a neutral colour, and bring an extra pair in your purse or briefcase in case of a run.

Wear a Belt

If you have belt loops, then you must wear a belt.

	Belts can add a new style to any type of skirt. Your choice of belt colour and width will depend on the cut and style of the rest of your outfit.
	For a formal look, a simple skinny belt in a conservative dark colour which matches your shoes will give you a complete, professional style.

Manicure Your Nails

Your fingernails should be well groomed, neat and clean. Excessively long nails are very distracting.  

If you choose to use nail polish, use a conservative colour that does not contrast too far from your skin tone. Remember, chipped nail polish can be a real turn off.

Clean Your Teeth and Freshen Your Breath

Clean teeth and fresh breath are critical in an interview scenario. Make sure to brush your teeth before stepping out for an interview.

There are many effective products on the market designed to improve breath and whiten teeth. If you have concerns or suspect a problem with your teeth or breath, check with your dentist.

Brush Your Hair

Make sure your hair is neat, clean and not overly fussy. Employers tend to look at unusual hairstyles or non-traditional hair colour unfavourably.

Make sure your style is comfortable and low-maintenance. Running your hands through your hair or pushing it behind your ears is distracting and takes away from the interview.
 

	If you have hair that is difficult to control, consider pinning it back with a clip or putting it up in a neat bun. If you are unable to control your hair, a short “do” may be for you. Avoid large hair ornaments and too-trendy hairstyles.
	If possible, your face should be clean-shaven and facial hair should be neatly trimmed. Studies have shown that some employers may view a beard and/or moustache unfavourably.

Avoid Perfumes or Colognes

Many individuals have allergies or are otherwise uncomfortable with heavily scented products. You do not want to be disqualified just because you exuded a fragrance that made the interviewer withdraw.

If you have a concern with perspiration, an unscented antiperspirant or light deodorant will help.
 

	If you wear perfume or cologne, use it very sparingly.
	Use cologne or after-shave only if you feel that you have to. Even then, use it sparingly.

Minimize Your Jewellery

Use accessories in moderation. Wear simple jewellery that is not distracting and shift focus from any type of unusual body piercing by removing the associated jewellery.

Keep your jewellery to a minimum. Stick with conservative earrings. Avoid dangly, clanking or costume jewellery that might detract from the interviewer's ability to look at your face and hear what you have to say. Except for an engagement ring and wedding band, it is best to wear only one ring to a hand. You may choose to wear a watch, bracelet or necklace but remember to keep to a minimum and only use what works. Instead of jewellery, you may decide to accessorize with a mild coloured scarf around the neck. Use it to dress up an old suit or to add new flare to a simple blouse. Paired with a suit, this can create a sleek professional look.

A watch and a ring are the only pieces of jewellery that men should wear to an interview. To stay on the safe side, you may want to consider removing any earrings.

Keep Your Makeup Light

 

Makeup helps to give a bright more alive look to the complexion and eyes. Be conservative with make-up and avoid bright colours and excessive amounts. Rather, apply neutral colours that blend in with your skin tone.

Carry a Folder or Briefcase

Carry an efficient folder or briefcase for your résumé and/or work samples. If you use a briefcase, it should be conservative in design and when possible, its colour should match your shoes.
 

If possible, avoid carrying both a purse and a briefcase. A purse is bulky and may make you look and feel awkward when you fumble to remove your coat or look for your résumé. All your pertinent information and your wallet can be carried efficiently in a small briefcase. If you must, carry a small purse for the necessities.

Above All…Use Your Judgement!

Always remember that the clothing you wear should enhance your personal style, and identify you as someone the employer would want as a representative of his or her company or organization.

Each industry has its own dress code and it is always advisable to investigate the appropriate apparel for that industry.

Fields such as law, banking and accounting frequently have a stricter set of guidelines compared to advertising, retail and sales, which allow attire that is more stylish.

Employers that require a high level of customer contact are more likely to be strongly influenced by many items on this checklist, because of the nature of the jobs they offer. Companies and jobs that require less customer contact are more likely to overlook some of these things.

When in doubt, it is always best to remain with the traditional or conventional viewpoint.

Self-confidence is your primary goal when you prepare for an interview. If you come to an interview well prepared and dressed professionally, you will look and feel great. Others will sense your self-assurance and your confidence will shine through.

Good luck and do not forget your best fashion accessory--your smile!

Sharon Graham is principal consultant for Graham Management Group, executive director of Career Professionals of Canada, and author of Best Canadian Resumes. Graham Management Group is known for excellence and innovation in resume, interview, and career strategy. Sharon assists executives, managers, and other experienced professionals through this leading career consulting firm. You can find further information and articles directly at www.GrahamManagement.com.

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