Dress Up for an Interview

It is important to make a good first impression at a job interview, before you say a single word at the interview; you have already made an impression based on how you are dressed. Here are guidelines given which are commonly accepted as appropriate for interviewing.

Men:

• Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying. In almost all cases, this means wearing a suit.
• You should wear a suit to interviews. “Suit” means a matching jacket coat and formal pants, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks and formal shoes. A dark-coloured suit with a light coloured shirt is a good option.
• You may also instead of a suit wear a neat white shirt and a neat formal pair of pants accompanied with a tie, coordinating socks and formal shoes. A light coloured shirt and dark-coloured pant is also a good option.
• Make sure your clothes should be comfortable and fit well so that you look and act your best.
• Avoid loud colours and flashy or fancy coloured ties.
• Clothing should be neat, clean, and pressed.
• Shower or bathe the morning of the interview.
• Smell nice. Wear some deodorant, try not to smell overpowering.
• Make sure you have fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview, and don’t eat before the interview.
• Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservative.
• If there is a second round of interview it may be appropriate to still dress professionally. A good rule of thumb is to dress like your boss.
• Shoes should be well-polished and in good condition. They should also match your belt (if put on black shoes wear a black formal belt).
• Be sure to shave the morning of the interview, even if you don’t ordinarily shave every day.
• If you have a full beard or moustache it should be trimmed and neat-looking.

Women:

• Generally, you should wear a suit with a skirt or pants. When in doubt, be more conservative; go in for a subtle coloured formal saree or a salwaar suit.
• Your clothes should be comfortable and fit you well, should not be too loose or too tight.
• Knee-length skirts are suggested. Very long skirts, while modest, are also considered quite fashionable for an interview.
• Do not wear bright colours, animal prints, etc.
• Make-up and nail polish should be understated and flattering; shades that are neutral to your skin tone are generally advisable. Avoid bright or unusual colours or very long nails.
• Keep your jewellery and hair accessories to a minimum, and stick to those that are not flashy, distracting, or shiny.
• Footwear or shoes should be conservative and fairly low-heeled. They should be in reasonably good condition.
• Your clothing should always be neat, clean, and pressed.
• Shower or bathe the morning of the interview.
• Wear deodorant. Don’t wear perfume: you don’t want to smell overpowering.
• Make sure you have fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview, and don’t eat before the interview.
• Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservatively styled. No bright or unprofessional hair accessories should be used.
• If there is a second round of interview it may be appropriate to still dress professionally. A good rule of thumb is to dress like your boss.

Note:

Dressing professionally shows respect for self, the interviewer and the company. You may not have to dress like this every day, but you are more likely to be taken seriously when you present yourself in a professional manner and take the time to attend to details.