How important is proper dress for a job interview? Well, the final selection of a job candidate will rarely be determined by attire. However, first-round candidates for an opening are often quickly eliminated by inappropriate dress. Image is often as important as content; in fact, studies have shown that at least 65% of the conveyed message is nonverbal! First impressions – often made within the first 15 seconds – are lasting impressions. Top personal grooming is more important than finding the perfect outfit, but the following guidelines should be helpful when selecting the right attire to project a professional image.
The typical description of interview attire is the blue suit. The description still applies even though we live in a more casual society. The dark blue suit is still the preferred attire by college recruiters.
Black suits are the second choice followed by a light gray suit. Dark blue in particular seems to convey a sense of strength while not being too somber.
Of course, an individual's personal coloring would impact the color choice in attire. Some candidates coloring brightens a black or gray suit which are both acceptable colors for interview attire.
Female candidates have more options when considering interview attire. A business suit with a skirt is the most traditional and desired form of interview attire.
A traditional business suit with a skirt conveys a sense of responsibility and seriousness. Skirts should be knee length or lower and have no slits. Micro mini suit skirts are inappropriate for interviews as they are very difficult to wear gracefully when seated.
Pantsuits are a viable option for interviews. They are more common in the workplace and some employers are very open to candidates wearing pantsuits. The best advice in determining whether to wear a skirt or pantsuit is to check on the corporate attire first.
Tips for Dressing for the Perfect Interview
Dress for the level of position one level above the position for which you are interviewing. This shows the employer that you will represent them well in higher level positions.
Match your shoes to the belt color and make sure that each is well polished and not worn. Shoes should be closed toed and have small to medium heels. No platforms, sneakers, or strappy sandals.
Women’s hosiery should be skin colored and men’s socks should be dark and high fitting. No hairy legs protruding between the pants and socks!
Shirts should be white, off-white or blue with a conservative neckline. In certain industries, shirts should be starched and professionally laundered. Women should not wear shirts with ruffles.
Hair and nails should be clean and well groomed with no bright colors like green, orange, etc. Hair should be understated as you want the recruiter to focus on what you are saying, not how you look.
Use a breath mint before the interview and use a minimal amount of cologne.
Shopping Tips
Shop early for the best selection and to find the size, color, and style you want.
When shopping in a department store, look for special “Career” shops and see what the mannequins are wearing.
Try second-hand shops – some of these stores offer good quality merchandise at a fraction of the retail cost.
Take advantage of sales and special discount coupons.
Don’t be an impulsive shopper. Be cautious; buy for a need, not a want.
Before you buy, be satisfied with the price, fit, style, and color.
What is Business Casual?
Business casual has become a major recruiting tool for many employers. However, the definition of business casual can vary from industry to industry. In the conservative financial services industry, business casual might be the absence of a necktie for men and the use of pants by women. In the more trendy high tech industry, business casual may include sneakers and jeans. When in doubt about the attire for a business casual meeting, the best rule of thumb is to avoid denim and instead use khaki pants and casual, collared shirts. Business casual is often the appropriate dress for employer information sessions the evening before on-campus interviews.
It's all about Attitude!
Recruiters are seeking candidates with the right qualifications to perform the technical aspects of the job, but they are also seeking candidates who have a personality profile that matches their corporate culture. Most recruiters are seeking candidates with a positive orientation toward work and a desire to work well with others. Recruiters want candidates who are eager to accept a position them. A candidates smile, posture, questions, knowledge of the company, and eye contact can leave non-verbal cues for the recruiter which affirms interest in the company. Other attitudes that recruiters seek are enthusiasm and motivation. Find ways to show these attitudes during your interview through your smiles, questions, and statements.
