INTERVIEW ATTIRE

Choice of apparel matters as far as the interview is concerned. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Below are some widely accepted guidelines.

GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN
Two piece business suit: Dark blue or gray; dry cleaned and pressed; Tailored to fit well; Conservative in style, Not flashy; Skirt preferred over pants.

Closed toe shoes: Solid dark blue or black to match the suit; Conservative; heels 2.5” or less; Well polished; not noisy ; Leather; Avoid snake skin or textures; Good fitting.

White or ivory shirt: Conservative style; Lines of shirt collar or neck complements or coordinates with lines of jacket lapel or shape; Quality, natural fabric like silk or cotton; Dry cleaned and pressed; not sheer or revealing.

Sheer hosiery: Good fitting; not elephant ankles or snags; Skin colour, bring an extra, new pair in your briefcase; in case you run the hosiery, you can stop on the way to change.

Watch: Wear a conservative watch that is running and will not beep during the interview.

Simple make-up: Avoid bright or excessive make-up; Foundation close to natural skin tone; Soft shade of lipstick; Mascara – no false lashes; Subtle eye liner, if any, Natural toned eye shadow, if any; Subtle blush; Light powder.

Groomed nails; Clean neatly groomed nails and cuticles; Sheer pink or beige polish; No nail ornaments; reasonable in length.

Attractive hair style: Well styled hair, cut to complement face; no large hair clips or barrettes.


GUIDELINES FOR MEN

Two piece business suit: Dark blue or gray; dry cleaned and pressed; Tailored to fit well; Conservative in style, Not flashy dress. White dress shirt; 100% cotton; Button tabs or point collar, rather than button down; No stains or holes; Long sleeved only.

Dress shoes: Polished; good condition or new; Black or cordovan; Lace-up shoes are preferred to slip-ons; No tassels; Never wear loafers; If new, wear for at least one day to break them in.

Dark socks: Black over the calf socks that will not slide down.

Leather belt: Solid colour matching shoes; Metal buckle matching Jewelry; Conservative buckle; if you wear braces, don’t wear a belt.

Silk neck tie: Four in hand knot; bottom of tie to touch top of belt buckle; Conservative design; 100% silk; new or in good condition.

Attrative hairstyle: Well styled hair; Short cuts are better;p Clean; light gel or no gel; Cut one week before interview rather than one day before; Beareds and mustaches may be offensive to some employers.