What TO Wear...For Men

Alright gentlemen; let’s take few minutes to focus on you and how you can present your best to make a great impression at your next job interview. In this unique job market, each advantage could be the deciding factor between you getting the offer vs. someone else, so let’s capitalize upon this opportunity!

Let’s start with the core of your presentation, the suit. Without question, it should be dark in color and subtle in pattern, like pin striping for example. Light colors and heavy patterns should be saved for social gatherings or events unrelated to interviewing. Today’s business fashion call for a two or three button jacket, which leaves that double-breasted number tucked away deep inside the closet. Just as important as the overall look of the suit, is the fit. Men’s clothing stores have tailors, as do most local dry cleaners, so use this opportunity to make it fit perfectly. Nothing makes a man stand taller than a sharp power suit that looks like it was made for personally him. And have no fear; this investment will only add a few dollars onto the bottom line and brings a strong return.

Next is the shirt. First and foremost, it must be a long sleeved shirt. Even on the hottest of summer days, short sleeves button-down shirts are not considered corporate attire and are inappropriate for your interview. Remember you are dressing for an office interview, not the outdoors. As to color, solid white is the classic choice. However, to show a little personality and leave a long-lasting mark in the recruiter’s mind, you may choose an embossed pattern on white, beige or light blue, or perhaps a plain light pink.

Time to talk ties! Out of all of the “interesting” attire I have witnessed interviewing thousands of professionals through the years; it’s been men’s ties that have missed the mark time and again. One, yes your tie should be professionally focused, however that does not mean off-hours musicians should arrive with piano-keyboard ties! Think about it, have you ever seen an accountant in a tie with numbers on it? Exactly! Two, avoid solid colored ties for interviews and choose either a stripe or pattern that compliments your shirt and suit. Your tie and pocket square should you choose to wear one are your chance to show a little bit of your style. Third, keep it clean or buy a new tie for your interview. Ties so easily stain and can easily pill, so look closely in indoor and outdoor lights before you throw it on. And lastly, make certain when tied it’s hitting the bottom of your belt, no higher and no lower.

Now let’s discuss footwear. Men should always wear dark colored dress shoes to their interview. Loafer or lace-up is mostly a personal preference, however loafers are considered more informal. Get up close with your shoes before you walk out the door to ensure they are clean and polished. Dirty or scuffed shoes do not say “this is a polished professional.” And socks, never, ever wear white socks to an interview. Consider this like when mom would tell you to always wear clean underwear when you go out. Don’t be caught dead in anything other than dress shoes with dress socks that match the color of your suit. This will also extend the line of the leg and make you looking longer and leaner.

Now that you’ve gotten dressed and you’re looking and feeling good, it’s time for personal grooming and a few choice accessories. Bottom line here - remember your audience. This isn’t a night out with the boys.

When it comes to men’s hair, there are very few times when going without a haircut is ok, and this isn’t one of them. Remember, you want to look polished and that means trimmed and neat! When using “product,” please keep it natural and leave out the stiff-looking gel. It’s always recommended that gentlemen shave all facial hair (beard, goatee and/or mustache). Even in 2009, some organizations have strict corporate policies against facial hair. And if using an after-shave or cologne, please apply sparingly as other’s may be hyper-sensitive or be allergic. As to accessories, please fellas, no major bling-bling for interviews! You may wear a ring or two, a label pin, a watch, but no necklaces, earrings or facial jewelry.

From head to toe, you’re now ready to take on the world and make a fabulous first impression with your prospects. But before you walk out that door…grab a portfolio to neatly hold your resume, cover letter and pen.

Now Go Get ‘Em, Guys!

What TO Wear...For Women

Through out my recruiting years, I interviewed thousands of candidates of all experience levels and witnessed good and not-so-good first introductions. We’ve all heard the old adage, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” and that holds true for first interviews perhaps more than anywhere else in our lives. Where else in your life have you stood up from your chair smiling, with your hand extended to have your entire person judged instantly for quality and professional know-how? Let’s take this opportunity to review what TO wear to your interview, allowing you to be your personal-best when you say hello.


Ladies…
Start with the basics, one dark-colored suit. In today’s day and age, there’s no reason for anyone to dictate whether pant suit or a skirt suit is more appropriate. We believe it’s most important for the individual woman to choose whichever she feels more Powerful, and Comfortable wearing. Remember all skirts should hit with in one or two inches from the top of the knee, at their shortest.

Next, choose a solid, light colored shirt that leaves much to the imagination…in other words, no peek-a-boo from undergarments or anything else please. Get dressed and move around in the full suit and shirt together, sitting down, crossing your legs and lifting your arms about and ask yourself, am I fidgeting too much with it to keep the shirt in place and in-turn, is it appropriate.


If you’ve chosen a skirt, you should wear hose even in the middle of summer. There’s a 99% chance your prospective employer has A/C so it doesn’t matter how hot it is outside, you’re dressing for the office interview.

Now onto the feet! If you’re wearing a skirt suit OR a pant suit, the rule here is No open-toed shoes. As to style, flats or heals are fine. They should be a simple, dark colored shoe that’s easy to walk in and heals should be less than three inches high.

Now that you’ve gotten dressed, it’s time for hair, make up and a few choice accessories. Bottom line here is, remember your audience. This isn’t a night out with the girls clubbing.

Your hair should be traditional hair colors and away from your face so you’re not fussing with it through out your meeting. Make-up should be worn naturally, choosing calm colors, i.e. no bright blue mascara or fire-engine-red lips. Nails, we can’t say enough about nails ladies! Please carry the calm, natural look of your facial make up through to your nails. Super-long nails with airbrushed designs and nail-bling have no place in your interview.

When it comes to accessories, less is more so keep them simple and small. Choose earrings that rest on your lobe vs. long and dangling. Wear no more than two or three rings in total and select necklaces that are not-personal and not large and over-powering. Many successful business women still choose the old standard of pearl studded earrings and necklace finding them a simple and safe choice and we agree. We recommend leaving the bracelets at home, as they ding and drag against the table and often need adjusting which distracts attention away from you. Watches are fine but and all other facial jewelry (less that worn for religious purposes) should be removed and left home for interviews, along with any more than two pairs of earrings.

Now just before you walk out that door, a few minor finishing items.

Go gently when applying perfume as many people are sensitive and can’t physically tolerate some scents. Use your smaller purse throwing in only the essentials for your interview and bring along a portfolio to neatly hold your resume, cover letter and pen. Grab those sunglasses (which of course, will not be worn on your head when indoors) and Go Get ‘Em Girl!!


…to be continued!

Gentlemen, please follow us to dress your personal-best for interviews Thursday, July 30th with What TO Wear for Men.