Monday, March 25, 2013

What to Wear on an Interview

The University of Illinois Extension states that 55 percent of  employer's first impression is based on the appearance and body language of the prospective employee.

Three clothing styles exist for men: formal business, informal business and casual wear. If the dress code of the company is formal business, a suit is preferred. A suit jacket with matching slacks will pass as formal dress. wool or wool-blend fabrics in neutral conservative colors, such as navy, tan, gray and black are recommended. Wear a quality silk tie against a white, solid-colored or conservatively striped shirt. Your tie should not be flashy or have characters on it. Match dark mid-calf length socks, leather slip-on or laced shoes and a leather belt to complement your suit. Your belt and shoes should match in color. Eliminate all jewelry except a watch. Informal business wear includes a sport coat or blazer with a pair of wool slacks. Slacks with a dress shirt and tie are also acceptable. For companies where casual wear is worn, such as maintenance or construction jobs, wear a collared shirt with khakis. Never wear jeans or sport shoes for a job interview.

Grooming Tips
Don't forget the details. Clean, neat hair and manicured fingernails are essential. Clothing should fit well and be clean and pressed. Odors in clothing, such as perfume, cologne or smoke may be disagreeable to the interviewer. Limit their use. Cover tattoos with clothing and remove piercings. Avoid unnatural hair colors or hairstyle that fall into your face. Polish your shoes and check clothing for missing buttons or tags before the day of your interview.