Career Management Center

The Job Search

Dress

For both on- and off-campus interviews, the appropriate dress is a suit, for both men and women. This includes interviews as well as receptions, dinners, etc., unless a different dress is indicated. If business or smart casual is indicated, appropriate dress would include khakis and a button down shirt for men, and a pants-suit or dress for women. Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tank-tops, etc. are NEVER appropriate. Darker colors are preferred; however, avoid green and brown. Pin stripes are certainly acceptable, but women are better off steering clear of them. Stay with natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, linen, and linen mixes. Natural fibers mixed with some polyester are O.K. and require less care. Shoes should be conservative: black or brown for men in either wing-tips or slip-ons, no penny loafers. Women should wear shoes in dark colors that complement their suits. Avoid spiked heels, sandals, sling backs, and open toes.

Try to observe what is appropriate dress for the industries in which you have an interest. The more conservative the industry, the more conservative the color and cut of your suit. Advertising, for instance, is more flexible and allows for the expression of personal flair to a greater degree than other industries. These differences are important to the people judging your suitability for their organization. They expect you to have invested the time and energy to learn what is appropriate for them. When in doubt, dress more conservatively than you believe is the norm for the firm and industry.

For women: Be sure that your jewelry accentuates your professional attire rather than detracting from it. Simplicity is the key. Avoid noise-making bracelets and more than one set of earrings. No dangling earrings.

Your hair should be your natural color, or at least look that way. If you color your hair, beware of dark roots. They can be detracting from your overall professional look. In business settings, shoulder length or shorter hair works best. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, consider wearing it pulled back or up in a professional style.

Light make-up is fine, but interviewers are known to be turned off by heavy make-up even if that is your normal way of doing things.

Do not wear perfume.

Dark hosiery adds a "finishing touch" when wearing a suit in a similar color. Always carry an extra pair in case of the "unexpected run." Skinned-toned hosiery gives the most conservative look. If you are meeting with an organization that is considered conservative, keep this point in mind.

For men: Shave your beards and randomly dispersed facial hairs. Neatly trimmed mustaches are acceptable in some organizations. Research the culture of the company.

When it comes to jewelry, earrings are taboo. The appropriateness of bracelets in the workplace are marginal. When in doubt, don't wear it.

Hair should be neatly trimmed and conservative. Hair color should look natural.

Learn how to tie a good knot in your tie.

Do not wear cologne.

For men and women: Remove all body piercings. Cover your tattoos. Shine and polish your shoes.

Following are additional things for you to consider when preparing for your job interview, as recently published by Ann Marie Sabath, Author of Business Etiquette in Brief:

• It takes 15 seconds to make a first impression, so make a good one.
• People who walk 10% faster are perceived as getting more done. So speed up your pace!
• The first 12 inches from your head down should feature impeccable grooming. Your hair, collar, tie/scarf and other accessories should be a reflection of the quality person you are.
• The last 12 inches from the floor to mid-calf should be very well-maintained. That includes shoes that are polished and look like new, even if they're not. It also means stockings that blend with your outfit, rather than detract from it. As George Frazier, columnist for THE BOSTON GLOBE puts it, "Wanna know if a person is well-dressed? Look down."