How to Dress for a Job Interview

"Dress for the job you want. Not the one you have." It is an extremely old saying but absolutely true when you are deciding upon dress for a job interview. You have put together a winning resume and cover letter. You researched companies, networked and got the interview. Now is the time to make your first physical impression by properly dressing for the job interview.

Students I work with always argue that if you have the qualifications and the skills it shouldn't matter how you dress and that it is "unfair" to be judged that way. They are right it isn't fair, but it is the reality. The employer will be paying it's employee to represent their organization. Part of that is how you present yourself through how you dress. Proper job interview dress still means conservative.

Lets start with the basics of proper job interview dress that apply to both men and women.

• Even if you know for an absolute fact that the company dress is casual still put on the suit. It shows that getting the position is important to you and it shows a level of professionalism that any employer will appreciate.

• Be reserved in your choice of dress for the interview. Stay away from bright flashy colors and patterns. You want the employer to be focused on your skills and what you are saying. Not that cool shirt you picked up on your last trip to Hawaii.

• Solid colors are usually best. Try to stay in the neutral color range grey, navy blue, earth tones. Once again you want them to be focused on you and what your saying not the hot red skirt your wearing.

• Wear well fitting comfortable clothing. Avoid clothing that needs special and often distracting adjustments. If everything goes well you might be there awhile.

• Keep the amount of jewelry to a minimum and conservative. No big hoop earrings and unnecessary jingles.

• NO face jewelry or tongue piercing. Sorry, your not interviewing for the rock star position. Your interviewing for the receptionist position.

• Iron your clothes and shine your shoes. If you can't do it have it professionally done. If you have a sloppy appearance the employer will assume that will also be the quality of your work.

• Show good hygiene. Take a shower, brush your hair and teeth, cut your nails, etc... I know it sounds pretty common sense but you would be surprised.

• Keep the perfume and cologne to a minimum. I have actually hurried job interviews I was conducting because I was about to pass out from the fumes.

Job Interview Dress for Women

• DO NOT wear a dress to a job interview. If you have no other choice you may get away with it by wearing a matching blazer.

• The best dress for a job interview is a solid colored grey, navy blue or earth toned business suit with a white, long sleeve blouse or shirt.

• Wear hosiery

• Dress shoes should be low heeled and coordinated with your outfit. You can never go wrong with black.

• Keep your hair conservative and tasteful. If you have long hair it is best to wear it up so it stays out of your face during the interview.

• Clear or no nail polish is always best. If you must, stay away from designs or bright colors.

• Keep makeup conservative and to a minimum. No sparkles either, you are not going to a night club.

• If you wear earrings keep them small and conservative and only one in each ear.

• It is always best to bring a portfolio or briefcase over a purse.

Job Interview Dress for Men

• Every man needs to buy a good solid dark blue, grey, or earth toned suit. It will be the best investment you ever make. Along with a solid white dress shirt and conservative tie you will use it again and again in both your professional and personal life.

• Wear dress socks that match your suit. DO NOT wear white socks.

• Shoes should be conservative and black. NO sneakers, loafers, cowboy boots, etc....

• You MUST wear a belt. Wear a belt that matches your shoes.

• Get a hair cut! I hate to be the one to break it to you, but if your going out on a job interview you're probably not going to be a rock star. If you can't imagine cutting off your hair, at the very minimum put it in a pony tail. But honestly, a pony tail is very Kenny G. Get a hair cut.

• Shave. If you have a beard or a mustache, trim it.

• DO NOT wear earrings.