Dressing for a Job Interview

Dressing for a job interview has a lot in common with the way a politician dresses for a public appearance. Since different companies have different styles, you need to do some homework to learn the customs of a potential employer. If the interview site is local to you, go there and observe what the people are wearing. You should also call the human resources department and ask about the daily dress in the department you'll be talking to. Don't worry about what the HR person might think of you. S/he is a professional and will be happy that a candidate is doing his homework.

Once you know how to look like you're already a member of the team, put what you've learned into practice. As a rule, it is best to dress one level more formally than the people you would be working with. In other words, show respect without going overboard.

If your interviewers will be wearing suits, men should wear a conservatively cut two-piece in dark gray wool. Pair it with a light blue cotton broadcloth long-sleeved dress shirt with button cuffs and a point or button-down collar, a navy blue silk twill necktie, and polished black dress shoes (with a matching belt if you wear belts). Women should substitute an ivory or light blue top for the shirt and skip the necktie.

If the people you'll be meeting don't wear suits, a navy jacket and either gray flannel or khaki cotton trousers is a step towards male informality. Pair them with a well pressed button-down collar shirt, brown slip-on shoes and a matching belt. Once again, women wear a top instead of a shirt.

Like your clothes, your grooming should be clean but unremarkable. Have your hair cut a couple of days before the meeting, trim your fingernails, and do not wear any scent. It goes without saying that your clothes should be clean and freshly pressed. Limit your jewelry to a dress wristwatch, a wedding band if you wear one, and discreet cufflinks for men or a necklace or pin for women.

When the first meeting is a success and you're asked to return, you can loosen up just a touch. That could mean a pinstripe suit instead of a solid, and dark brown shoes instead of black, but don't deviate very far from plain, conservative dress. If you wore a navy blazer to the first interview you could wear a patterned jacket to the second. Stick to city colors, such as a small black and white check. If the environment is appropriate, men could substitute a black mock turtleneck sweater for the dress shirt and necktie this time.

Remember, your objective is to impress people with your qualifications rather than your dress. You'll have plenty of opportunities to express yourself with your clothes after you're hired.

Will speaks to groups on business dress and works with corporate human resources departments to help professional men and women build appropriate business wardrobes. He publishes the web's most popular blog covering classic men's clothing and style, A Suitable Wardrobe.