|
|
Your Professional Image
A large part of the hiring decision is based on the non-verbal portion of an interview--handshake, eye contact, posture, listening skills, clothing and accessories. To be successful, research and practice for the interview and plan the professional image you want to project.
If you come to an interview dressed professionally, you will feel a sense of confidence and others will sense your self-assurance. Many employers interpret your appearance in terms of what you know about the world around you and what attention you give to detail.
General Tips
- Make choices of clothing, fragrances, jewelry, hairstyle, etc. that are not distracting and do not call attention to themselves. You want the interviewer's attention on what you say and your qualifications.
- Make sure your hair is clean, neat and away from your face.
- Shoes should be conservative, clean and polished. Dark colors are best.
- Clothes should be clean and neatly ironed, and they should fit well and be comfortable.
- Choose professional clothing that you like and that makes you feel good about the image you project.
Specifics
Each industry has its own dress code. Fields such as law, banking and accounting frequently have a stricter set of guidelines than advertising, retail and sales, which allow more casual dress. Even though suggested guidelines of professional dress may seem more formal than you would have imagined, consider what some career consultants recommend:
The job seeker should dress for a position two levels higher than the one for which she/he is being interviewed. This may mean dressing more formally for the interview than you will once you are in the job.
The level of formality you project shows that you understand the importance of the situation and respect the person you are meeting. When in doubt, making a conservative clothing choice for your interview is usually the safest.
Dress recommendations for traditional business settings (banking, law, consulting, insurance, etc.)
| Women |
Suit, blouse, hose and flats or low pumps. Skirts should be knee length. Wear plain style, non-patterned hosiery; natural-looking makeup; and clear nail polish. Minimize jewelry - avoid dangling earrings and wear no more than one ring per hand and a dress watch. Do not carry a purse with a briefcase. As a precaution, take an extra pair of hose in case of a run. Perfume never should be strong. |
| Men |
Suit in navy or gray (pinstripe or solid) or navy blazer and gray dress slacks; white or light blue dress shirt; tie (silk or silk-like) that contrasts with the color of your suit and contains understated patterns; dark socks (mid-calf) and dress shoes (lace-up, not slip-ons); leather belt that matches your shoes. Short hair is expected. A full-length coat, as nice as you can afford, can be worn over your suit. Cologne never should be strong. |
Dress recommendations for other settings (education, nonprofit, etc.)
| Women |
Suit or conservatively tailored dress with or without a jacket or jacket, skirt and blouse; hose and flats or low pumps. |
| Men |
Dress slacks plus sport coat (wool or wool/polyester blend) or navy blazer; dress shirt, tie (silk or silk-like); white or light blue shirts are safest for most settings, but other solid, high quality cotton shirts can also be worn; dark socks (mid-calf) and dress shoes. |
Shop for your interview attire early.
Don't wait until you are pressed for time and have to make a hasty decision or a choice that is not in your budget. Remember, self-confidence is your primary goal when you prepare your professional interview attire.
These guidelines will help you feel prepared and confident when you interview. If you are unsure, ask a coordinator at the Career Center for advice. Good luck on your interview!
|
|
|
Back to CareerConnections.
|
