Look the Part

People have different views when it comes down to what should be worn to a job interview. Some think that you should not be judged on what clothes you wear, while others believe that it is a great indicator of the type of employee you will be. According to MSNBC.com, when you dress up for an interview you are showing the person that you respect them and their company enough to dress up and put that effort into looking put-together. This article suggests that an interviewee call the company's HR department and ask what the proper dress would be.

According to Randall Hansen in his article on quintcareers.com, first impressions are critical in job searching. When you are looking for a job, you are marketing a product-yourself- and the potential employer first sees your attire. Collegegrad.com warns college students and graduates to stay away from casual or stylish attire. Interview dress standard is still conservative. Some suggestions for proper attire are

Men and Women

• Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
• Clean, polished conservative shoes
• Well-groomed hairstyle
• Minimal cologne or perfume
• Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins
• No gum, candy or cigarettes
• Light briefcase or portfolio case
• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)

Men

• Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
• Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
• Dark socks (black is best)
• Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
• No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!)
• Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed
• No rings other than wedding ring or college ring

Women

• Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses
• Shoes with conservative heels
• Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
• No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
• If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color
• Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable)
• No more than one ring on each hand
• One set of earrings only

These tips should be followed in order to guarantee the best results at an interview. It is best to remember that you are dressing to impress your possible future employer. Dress to impress!


http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_success.html
http://www.collegegrad.com/interview/jobinterviewattire.shtml
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15211788