Dressing for a job interview has its own code

Career Services10th floor Bailey Center

P.O. Box 2000Hanceville, AL 35077-2000

Ph. (256) 352-8308Fax (256) 352-8188

An interview is not the time to make a fashion statement. That’s the advice from etiquette and job search advisors for anyone aiming to snag their dream job.

With the notable exceptions of those in creative fields such as art production, virtually everyone who is interviewed should dress conservatively to make an excellent first impression.

“Business dress is not a fashion. If you want to be taken seriously, dress like the executives.”

Even those who will not wear a suit to work such as registered nurse and other health care professionals, should wear business wear to meet prospective employers.

Career Services advise both students and alumna clients to dress in an understated way. It should be more conservative or traditional and always one notch above what you’ll wear to work.

Do not dress like you would if attending Sunday Service, a Funeral or a high school prom, all considered “formal” events. Business dress has a code of its own.

A classically tailored suit would be appropriate for almost any interview. Men should wear a long sleeve shirt. A classic suit with knee-length skirt is preferred for women paired with a sleeved blouse with modest neckline. Muted suit colors are also preferred. Any patterns, including ties should be subtle.

Simplicity is also the rule accessories. Tattoos and piercing should not be visible. Women may carry a small purse, but neither man nor woman should carry briefcases; they are viewed as overkill and presumptuous. Instead, a standard portfolio is preferred, with a pen stuck in an interior coat pocket.

Men’s shoes should be polished laced oxfords. The socks should match the suit not showing skin when legs are crossed. Women should wear pantyhose and dark-color, closed toe pumps with moderate heel. Belt, shoes and portfolio leathers should match.

Jewelry should never be distracting. No dangling earrings or bracelets for women. Men should remove all earrings and only wear a ring and watch.

An applicant might include personal calling cards in her or his portfolio. Which could include contact information on one side and a brief profile on the other side.

Interviewers will notice all details. That’s why it’s important that each piece of the wardrobe be clean, pressed, and properly sized. Shirt collar should fit neatly, not gaping or squeezing. Men should be able to button their jackets without a crease around their back waistband. Slacks should not be too long or too short.

Dressing for Successful Interviews

Professional outfit for women is always a subtle colored suit (i.e. Navy, gray, black).

Suitable Dress for Women(Business and office

Administration)

Suitable Dress for Women(Technical and Industry)

More casual attire is suitable for these fields. Still stay away from the real bold and bright colors. You want them to focus on you. Not your clothes.

Dark Suit and Tie (Business and Management)

Dress pants, Long sleeve shirt, and Jacket

(Technical and Industry)