DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

Career Development subscribes to the "safe" theory of interviewing attire. This conservative approach will ensure that your attire will never be the cause of rejection. If you dress in a style too conservative for a potential employer’s taste it will never be held against you. The converse is not true. Being memorable is an important part of interviewing, but that memory should not be based on what you wore. Not only is a cheap or inappropriate suit a mistake, but so is a suit which is overly expensive or high-fashion. Below are some guidelines on interviewing attire. 

MEN

Suit - A two piece classic/conservative business suit. Dark shades of blue or gray are best, in wool or a wool blend. Subtle stripes or patterns are acceptable.

Shirt - Long sleeved, all cotton or cotton blend, in solid white, starched and pressed. The collar can be button-down, spread or classic.

Tie - Should be 100% silk, knotted Windsor or half Windsor, with red, burgundy or navy background. Patterns can include Foulard print or Regimental stripe.

Shoes/Socks - Tied, leather dress shoes in black or cordovan. Socks should be nylon, wool, or wool blend, and worn over the calf.

Accessories - Not more than one ring per hand. A business watch should be worn. Attaché, briefcase or portfolio is optional. Avoid pocket squares, bulky briefcases, diamond jewelry, tie chains and military insignia.

Grooming - A short, conservative, recently cut hairstyle. Mustaches are acceptable if neatly trimmed; beards are not recommended.

WOMEN

Suit - A tailored, dark colored, two piece pant or skirted suit in a classic style. Fabric can be wool, wool blend, silk blend, cotton blend or rayon. Any pattern should be subtle.

Blouse - Cotton, silk or blends in a variety of styles are acceptable, but should be conservative.

Neckwear - Classic 100% silk scarf with a subtle pattern or no neckwear at all.

Shoes/Stockings - Basic leather pump in a dark color to match the suit. Stockings or panty hose should be nylon or silk, in a neutral or complimentary color, with no pattern or texture.

Accessories - Small earrings, minimal bracelets and necklaces. Choose either a purse, an attaché, a briefcase or a portfolio if you need to carry something. Do not carry more than one.

Grooming - Well-groomed recently styled hair, worn up if long. Makeup should be classic and complimentary. Fingernails should be manicured or cut; polish is optional.

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