First impressions are everything, especially in an interview. It only takes 30 seconds for an employer to get a first impression that filters through the entire interview, said Diana Saiki, a family and consumer sciences associate professor. Saiki said students have a habit of dressing too casual when business attire is required.
Suit and tie affair
Justin Timberlake isn’t the only guy rockin’ the “Suit and Tie;” it is the staple for a man during an interview. A dark colored suit is best. Black suits are most common, but grey or navy is also acceptable. A general rule for suit jackets is to only leave the bottom button unfastened for a clean and tidy look.
Your socks, shoes and belt should match the color scheme of your suit and tie. White socks and tennis shoes are for the gym, not the workplace; stick with dress shoes. Also, avoid mixing black and brown.
The dress for success
Women have more options for interview attire, which can lead to confusion. Because you may be interviewing for the same position as a man, matching his basic formal attire is best. Women can wear a pantsuit or a skirt suit that stand within a few guidelines.
In a skirt suit, the skirt should not be too tight and should hit around the knee in length. Be weary of slits that are too high; you never want to come off as trying to dress “sexy” in the workplace. In a pantsuit, the pants should not be too tight and should not drag the floor. Overall, the fit of the suit should be both comfortable and conservative.
A collared shirt underneath a suit jacket looks most sophisticated, because it is most similar to a man’s suit and tie. Some women find a collared shirt too stuffy and opt for a blouse instead; a blouse is okay, however, it will not look as polished. Either way, do not bear any cleavage.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Interview Attire:
Do iron your outfit. Your mom is no longer there to press those pants; it’s your job to make sure your suit is crisp looking.
Do wear comfortable shoes. Women should avoid “hooker heels” and stick with shorter kitten heels or flats. But don’t get too comfortable; an employer will not be impressed by your squeaky Crocs.
Do wear appropriate undergarments. Sheer clothing can be awkward for both you and an employer, so don’t forget to wear a tank top or slip if necessary. Men may wear an undershirt if they find it more comfortable; however, keep it plain white unless you’re Superman.
Do match your tie to your button-down. If there is any doubt about color-coordination for men, remember a white button-down can match any tie. Also, do not wear a clip on tie. If you can’t tie it yourself, head to YouTube.
Do tuck your shirt in. A shirttail hanging underneath a suit jacket looks sloppy, like you scrambled to get ready.
Don’t be too trendy. You don’t want to be remembered by your crazy outfit, but by your qualifications. Unless you’re going into a creative field, most business owners don’t wear or approve of our generation’s trends.
Don’t wear startling colors. Refrain from hot pink or orange because they can be a distraction. Only Elle Woods can pull off the pink suit.
Don’t mistake party clothes for professional attire. Your sequin spandex skirt snagged you that boy at the club, but it will not snag you a job.
Don’t let undergarments take the place of clothes. If a skirt is too short, adding dark colored tights will not make it appropriate. Period.
Don’t forget to be confident! Take a long look in the mirror, flash those pearly whites and tell yourself “I look good.”
