INTERVIEWING TIPS WHAT TO WEAR & NOT TO WEAR FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW Angela Arnold July 22, 2006

Dressing for a Job Interview Almost impossible to be too conservative Conservative dress viewed as good judgment Clean, pressed and in good repair Well-groomed is essential Good grooming indicates that you value yourself and your work

Conservative Male Conservative suit Navy blue or gray Solid or pinstripe Wool/polyester blend Conservative tie Long sleeve shirt Black, polished shoes Dark socks Very little jewelry Conservative hair Groomed facial hair Light fragrance Spotless glasses Clean, groomed hair

Modern Male Professional fashions are changing more than they once did, but they remain easy to manage and to predict. Suit that fits well Color that makes you feel confident and professional Tie is good area for creativity and self- expression Shoes match outfit and are well polished

Male Example 1 Sloppy sweater Inappropriate Pants too long

Male Example 2 Great suit Add tie White shirt Casual without tie

Male Example 3 Prefer matching blazer and slacks Facial hair distracting Pants too long

Male Example 4 Professional Perfect for interview Classic Could be too formal for some companies

Conservative Female Skirted suit Blue, gray, wine or black Solid, tweed or plaid Linen, wool/polyester blend or wool Solid color or small pattern Plain dark pump, closed heel and toe Little jewelry Natural hoes Conservative makeup Clear or light nail polish Light fragrance Spotless glasses Clean, groomed hair

Modern Female Select outfit that interviewer sees you as self- assured professional Allow the interviewer to focus on your skills and not on your outfit No short skirts Conservative jewelry Light on perfume and makeup Pantsuit may or may not be appropriate, depending on where you are interviewing Well-tailored suit You want to be noticed for your competence

Female Example 1 Too trendy Too casual Leather jacket See-thru blouse Messy hair Tight cut slacks Inappropriate

Female Example 2 Blouse too tight White blouse Too casual Typical work day outfit

Female Example 3 Confident and ready Neat, clean, professional Too much jewelry Short skirt A lot of black

Female Example 4 Jacket too long Shows style and personality without being inappropriate Not traditional Classy

Conclusion Every interview and interviewer is different Dress more conservative for interview than a day on the job Dress more conservative for more conservative position Dress in GOOD TASTE

References Career Development Center, ASU Washington State University Job Web ppropriate_Attire_34_01.htm ppropriate_Attire_34_01.htm