The Art of Job Interview Dressing

The Art of Job Interview Dressing On a job interview, your attire choices can mean the difference between a great first impression and a negative one. Your interviewer will make a first judgment about you before you get to say a word.Thats why its so important to convey a professional appearance and choose your interview attire carefully, even if you are interviewing at a company with laid-back dress code.In general, its hard to go wrong with a polished business suit for a professional interview. Even if you know the company has a relaxed dress code, its important to remember that you dont have the job yet.If you are interviewing at a firm with a highly creative and casual culture, you may be able to get away without wearing a suit as long as you choose a business-like outfit and look put-together.When in doubt, its better to err toward a more conservative outfit. You can show them your trendier attire after you get the position.What to Wear for a Job Interview:Job Interview Dressing for Men: Interview Attire Guideli nesBusiness suit â€" Darker colors generally look more professional.Long-sleeved shirt â€" White is your best choice.Belt Choose a dark color that coordinates with your suit and shoes.Tie â€" Don’t go with anything too daring, solid colors or pin stripes look best.Shoes Wear black or dark brown dress shoes with dark socks.Jewelry Limit jewelry to a wedding ring and a watch (leave the pinky ring home).Hair Hair should be neatly trimmed and combed (beards, goatees or mustaches should also be well groomed).Accessories Carry a professional-looking briefcase or portfolio.Other Go light on the aftershave and make sure your nails are neatly trimmed.Job Interview Dressing for Women: Interview Attire GuidelinesSuit Wear a business suit in a dark color. For a conservative environment, opt for a skirt suit with a skirt that is at least knee-length. A professional-looking pants suit is also acceptable in most modern offices.Shirt Select a blouse that coordinates with the suit and does nt show cleavage.Shoes Keep the shoes conservative no stilettos, open toes, or bright colors.Jewelry Choose only one or two quality, conservative pieces.Hosiery Wear stockings in a neutral color with a skirt suit, knee-highs or trouser socks with pants.Hair Keep your hairstyle simple and elegant. Consider an up-do or polished ponytail. Touch up those roots if you color your hair. In all cases, make sure your hair is clean and neat.Make-up Keep your make-up light, your fragrance subtle, and your nails manicured.Accessories Carry a professional-looking briefcase or portfolioWhat Not to Wear (or Bring) to Your Job Interview:Dont chew gum (or anything else).Leave your cell phone in the car, along with your iPod. If you took public transportation, put your iPod and cell phone away inside your briefcase or portfolio and make sure your phone is turned off .Cover up your tattoos until youve wowed them with your skills and personality.If you are pierced anywhere but in your ears, leave the jewelry at home for the first interview at least (again, until youve impressed with your other qualities). The idea isnt to force you to conform, but to avoid snap judgments that can hurt your chances.Consider buying something new for a big interview. A new suit, shirt, or tie can give you an extra boost of confidence.Take the time to   get your clothes together the night before. Clean, steam, and de-lint wherever necessary. You dont want to be worrying about wardrobe malfunctions on the day of the interview. Prepare ahead of time so you can relax and focus on practicing your responses to the interview questions.