What to Wear to an Interview

1. Kim Cranston, Melinda Carey, Jennifer Crowe, Jenny Bailey, and Erin Bundesen What to Wear to an Interview

2. What to Wear to an Interview Men and Women Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best) Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best) Clean, polished conservative shoes Well-groomed hairstyle Clean, trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins No gum, candy or cigarettes Light briefcase or portfolio case No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) • Women • Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses • Shoes with conservative heels • Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!) • No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead • If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color • Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable) • No more than one ring on each hand • One set of earrings only Kim Cranston

3. Men • Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern • Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best) • Dark socks (black is best) • Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews • No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!) • Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed • No rings other than wedding ring or college ring • No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out) To prepare for an interview I would buy a nice skirt, jacket, hosiery, matching accessories, and a nice pair of shoes. The day of the interview I would make sure that all the tags are taken off the clothes. My make-up would by done in natural colors with a light color lipstick. My nails would be trimmed and polished with a clear coating. I would make sure that my hair was done nice. I would not carry a purse with me. Leaving for the interview I would make sure that I left early to make it there on time. Reference: http://www.collegegrad.com/interview/whattowearonaninterview.shtml Kim Cranston

4. It is better to dress too formally than too casually for an interview. Dressing conservatively is a must. Your clothes should look tailored but not too tight. Wear a jacket or suit blazer. Slacks suit is acceptable but not as formal as skirt suits. Wear a shirt or blouse underneath your jacket. The blouse does not have to be neutral but not anything too bold. Wear neutral colors such as black, gray, brown, caramel, olive or navy. Clothing Melinda Carey

5. Shoes should be closed-toed, polished and fairly neutral, Accessories should be limited. A watch, wedding ring, specs and small earrings are sufficient. You can carry a handbag, briefcase, or portfolio bag depending on what you need to bring to the interview. The handbag does not need to be neutral but avoid neon colors. You should wear hose with your skirt that have a neutral shade. Accessories for an interview Melinda Carey

6. Hair should be neat and in place. Make sure you do not have to keep pushing it out of the way. Wear light makeup and perfume, only enough to smell sweet and look polished. Make sure there is no lipstick in your teeth. Your nails should be neatly manicured since they will be quite visible in an interview. Short nails and neutral nail polish(or no nail polish) is best. If you are wearing slacks make sure you wear a belt. Youlookfab.com/2010/04/29/whattowearforajobinterview Accessories continued Melinda Carey

7. Heavy Make-up/Long Nails Revealing Clothing Facial Piercings Excessive Jewelry Inappropriately Colored Hosiery or Bare Legs Socks That Don’t Match the Outfit Unserviceable Clothing Sandals, Sneakers, Stilettos Mismatched Accessories Strong Fragrance iPods, Cell Phones, etc. Backpacks TAGS! Taken From Career Builder What NOT to Wear: Does the First Impression End with Spell Check? Choosing the right outfit for your job interview is as important as getting your resume perfected. You’ve made it this far; but, you can lose the job before you speak simply by how you are dressed. Erin Bundesen

8. Prepare Ahead – If you are pressed for time, you are likely to purchase items you can’t afford Invest – Purchase items that can be combined with other items you own to create the look you want; Also, choose fabrics that can be worn during any season Options – Select clothing that can be mix and matched for seasonality and appropriateness Accessorize – Use your accessories to set off simple outfits Taken fromWashington State University Dressing Properly on a Budget Erin Bundesen

9. Jennifer Crowe How to prepare appearance for interview • One’s appearance also reflects in mental, and physical well being. Night before an interview: • Set clothes out the night before, and make sure there are no loose threads, no wrinkles, or any stains. • If clothes are new make sure tags are cut, and stickers removed. • If the clothes have stains, it is wise to chose another piece of clothing or another outfit if needed. • If there are wrinkles, you should use a iron at the proper heat setting. • If there are any threads, you should assess the cause of the loose thread, and either cut the thread, or re-sew the item if necessary. • After assessing the clothes for potential issues, you should hang the clothes up in an area that will keep them free from wrinkles, and away from children and pets. • Before going to bed make sure all your items that are needed (besides outfit) are in one area (purse, keys, small emergency kit, etc..), and a good copy of your resume is printed, and safe. • It is beneficial to get a good night of sleep to help with physical appearance the next day, and mental well being. Day of Interview: • It is essential to leave early, and make sure all items are at hand. This helps with having time to reflect before interview, and have time to relax and appear calm. • Also you should have an emergency kit readily available for potential accidents. It is helpful if this kit can fit in a small area (pocket, small purse). This kit could include , but not limited to: • safety pin for possible rips in clothing • stain pen for possible stains • bobby pins for women • comb for men • lint roller (this could stay in the vehicle) • breath freshener spray Reference: http://www.experience.com/entry-level-jobs/4-ways-to-prepare-for-an-interview/

10. Jennifer Crowe Dressing for the weatheR Warm weather: • Make sure the outfit keeps you cool, and comfortable, while still looking professional. • Women: wear lighter material, in neutral colors, but avoid wearing all white. Also wear hair up to keep the neckline cool. • Men: wear an unlined wool suit, and wear a . cotton shirt. Wool helps absorb perspiration, and cotton is a breathable fabric. • If walking to the interview, give yourself plenty of me to walk at decent pace, and time to cool down afterward. Also do not wear suit coats while walking this will keep you from overheating. Cold weather: • Wool will keep you warm for winter month interviews. • Wear nice wool socks with appropriate shoes. • Accessorize with a nice wool scarf, gloves. • Women: it is advisable to wear polyester pants to cover legs. Wear wool undershirt, then a button up dress shirt, followed by a nice sweater, and a dress jacket. • Men: Wear thermal wear under suit, then wear a nice wool suit, with a nice dress shirt and wool vest. A nice thick suit jacket will add extra insulation, and if desirable, a nice trench coat with a wool hat. References: http://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-a-Job-Interview-in-Summer http://www.ehow.com/how_12058360_dress-coldweather-interview.html

11. Wear an outfit that is to steps higher than the required uniform of desired occupation, this shows that the applicant is serious about the job and wants to make a good impression. If possible, purchase a brand new outfit, look as sharp as possible. Men: wear a suite and tie or alternate a suite for black pants, black sock, shoes and belt with a lighter colored button up collared shirt with a tie. Women: Wear a suite, light or dark in color, matching shoes and belt, if a suite is not applicable ,wear dress pants or two inches below the knee in length skirt with a collared dress shirt that is tucked in. These items are not recommended: short skirts; capri pants; leggings; leather jackets for men or women; or turtlenecks for men. Job applicants should use their common sense when preparing their outfit for a interview, just in case , its perfectly acceptable to try on his/her outfit for a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion . Jenny Bailey What Should I Wear , If I Want This Job?

12. Prepare your outfit the night before: Iron clothing, polish shoes and check clothes for stains, tears and hanging threads. The outfit should match in color, avoid patterns, i.e. polka dots and strips, its recommend to wear solid, dark colors , avoid fluorescent or any colors that would appear flashy( unless the interview is for clown school) Hair should be clean and look professional Men should be freshly shaven and women should avoid wearing excess jewelry , makeup and perfume; men should also avoid excess cologne, all persons should avoid smoking before the interview Personal appearance is most important but it is also recommend to arrive in a clean vehicle, exterior and interior. Jenny Bailey How To Prepare For A Job Interview

13. My information was obtained from msnbc: see the link attached . I have always been taught that the first impression is the most important, I am confident, if the stated guidelines are followed, one should appear professional and perceived as a notable applicant for future employment opportunities. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/29241014/ns/today-money/t/dress-success-next-job-interview/#.Tx-iKoH4m8A Jenny Bailey Work Cited