Career Portal | HInts and Tips

DRESS FOR SUCCESS WHEN INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW

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Before you say a single word to the interviewer, you have already made an impression based on how you are dressed.  Every company has a different dress code; how you dress at the job may have very little to do with how you dress for an interview.

 

Dressing professionally shows respect for yourself, 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.

It is much better to be too dressed up than too casual. A good rule of thumb is to dress like your boss. Shoes should be well polished and in good condition, not scuffed or run-down at the heels. They should also match your belt. You will get a great deal of use out of a good-quality pair of dress shoes in a traditional style. Ask the salesperson at the shoe store for advice. Be sure to shave the morning of the interview, even if you do not ordinarily shave every day. If you have a full beard or moustache, it should be trimmed and neat looking.

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. It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative.
  • You should wear a suit to interviews. “Suit” means the works: a matching jacket and pants, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks and dress shoes. A dark-coloured suit with light coloured shirt is your best option.
  • Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well so that you look and act your best. There is a difference between not feeling at ease in a suit and trying to fit into the same suit you wore to your sister’s wedding when you were 15. (In the latter case, it is time to invest in a new suit!)
  • Avoid loud colours and flashy ties.
  • Clothing should be neat, clean, and pressed. If you do not have an iron, either buy one or be prepared to visit the dry cleaner’s often. Shower or bathe the morning of the interview. Wear deodorant. Do not wear cologne or aftershave. You do not want to smell overpowering or worse, cause an allergic reaction.
  • Make sure you have a fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview, and do not eat before the interview. Do not smoke right before an interview.
  • Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservative.

 

WOMEN:

  • Generally, you should wear a suit with a skirt or pants.  When in doubt, be more conservative.
  • Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well; if your waistband is cutting you in half or your jacket is too tight, you will not look or act your best. Some stores offer free alterations when you purchase a suit, or you may want to find a tailor to adjust a suit you already own.
  • Interview suits should be simple and dark in colour. Stay away from anything tight, bright, short, or sheer.  Consider knee-length skirts rather than short. 
  • Wear a conservative blouse with your suit. Do not wear bright colours, animal prints, or anything lacy, sheer, or low-cut.
  • 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. One ring per hand is best.
  • Shoes should be conservative and low-heeled. They should be in reasonably good condition, not scuffed or run-down at the heels. Do not wear shoes with an open toe or back; any shoes you would wear on a date or to a club are probably inappropriate. A basic pump is flattering, versatile, and will stay in style forever (once you own pumps, you can spend the rest of your money on fun shoes). The salesperson in the shoe store can steer you in the right direction.
  • 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. It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative.
  • Your clothing should always be neat, clean, and pressed. If you do not have an iron, either buy one or be prepared to visit the dry cleaner’s often.
  • Shower or bathe the morning of the interview. Wear deodorant. Do not wear perfume: you do not want to smell overpowering or worse, cause an allergic reaction.
  • Make sure you have a fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview, and do not eat or smoke before the interview.
  • Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservatively styled.