From the Interviewer’s Perspective
- An interviewer’s impression of you is formed within the first few seconds of your meeting.
- The minute we meet people, our instant reaction to them is formed by what we see, long before we have a chance to explore how they think.
- Since corporate culture can have a strong bearing on interview attire, it is essential that applicants research the firm prior to an interview. Although some artistic environments may embrace the individual style of an applicant, other industries, such as consulting and investment banking, reward conformity.
When interviewing for a position, or when you are a new entrant to the workforce it is beneficial to present yourself to fit the image, culture, and philosophy of the employer. A few guidelines may be helpful for candidates in this process:
- Observe what employees in the field are wearing and dress accordingly.
- Always err on the conservative/professional side even if the employer has a casual work environment.
- If instructed to wear business casual to the interview, tend toward the "business" and not the "casual" part of this clothing equation.
- Dress one notch above the position to which you are applying. This strategy will classify you as easy to promote to the next level.
- Stick to the basics.
- Traditional and neat
- Neutrality is important
- Conservative suit, navy blue, black, gray
- White or pale colored shirts/blouse
- Black or dark shoes
- Combine personal style with good taste
- Wear something that makes you feel terrific and is comfortable
Men
- Long-sleeve oxford cloth shirt in white or light blue
- Conservative necktie in color and pattern, avoid cartoon characters less-than-serious graphics, or theme ties
- High fitting dark socks
- Business style leather shoes
- Match shoe and belt color; don’t mix black and brown
- Briefcase or portfolio
- White, off-white, or neutral colored blouse with a conservative neckline
- Suit with a skirt preferable to a pantsuit
- Avoid ill-fitting (short, tight, clingy, or slit) skirts; no higher than one to two inches above the knee when standing
- Closed toe leather pumps with low to medium heels
- Skin colored hosiery
- Briefcase or portfolio in place of handbag or purse
How much should you spend?
Obviously the more you have, the more you can spend. However, financial advisors suggest that no more than 5% of your annual income be set aside for work clothes. So if you are earning $20,000 per year, you should allocate about $1000 for your wardrobe.
Tips for "Savings" on Clothes
One thing to keep in mind when buying a suit for business is to choose fabrics that are wrinkle resistant. You certainly don’t want to drive an hour to an interview or meeting and arrive wearing a suit that looks as though you slept in it!
What you need to Know to Get a Good Fit
The Cardinal Rule of 13 Accessories
Accessories such as scarves, jewelry, and belts are invaluable for enhancing a professional wardrobe, as long as they are not overpowering or distracting. With accessories moderation is key, if you can count more than 13 accessories including buttons, bracelets, rings, earrings, and a wristwatch, you are overdoing it.
Grooming
- Hair and makeup should be neat and not attract attention.
- Scents, perfume & aftershave should be subdued…don’t overdue it.
- Men – clean shaven or beards/mustaches trimmed
- Hand and nails manicured.