Professional Interview Dress Code for Men and Women

      Here are some tips for a decent and professional attire to be worn during an Interview process. 

Men's Interview Attire

  § Suit- (solid color - Black for men was once considered severe or overly formal, and may still be considered so in very conservative industries, although it is commonly worn by many. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, or very high quality blends with natural fiber, are the only acceptable fabrics for a conservative men's suit)

  §  Long sleeve shirt- (Choose white or light blue solid, or conservative stripes or coordinated with the suit)

  §   Belt-Black or cordovan leather, to match your shoes.

  §   Tie-(Tie styles come and go. Select good quality silk ties. Avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews. Notice what men in your industry wear on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, when they meet with clients.)

  §   Dark socks, conservative leather shoes-Dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.

  §  Jewellery-Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewellery, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. For conservative industries, don't wear earrings. Observe other men in your industry to see what is acceptable.

  §   Neat, professional hairstyle

  §  Facial hair-If worn, should be well-groomed. Observe men in your industry if you are unsure what's appropriate or are considering changing your look

  §   Limit the aftershave

  §   Neatly trimmed nails

  §   Portfolio or briefcase

  §   Details-
      Everything should be clean and well pressed. Suits typically have tacking stitches to hold vents — on the jacket back and on sleeves — in place before the garment is purchased. Cut them off if your retailer / tailor doesn't. And that tag stitched on the outside of your sleeve is not meant to stay there like a Tommy Hilfiger label — cut it off! Carefully inspect clothes dangling threads, etc.

Women's Interview Attire

  §  Suit - (navy, black or dark grey)-Wear a two-piece matched suit. Tailored pants suits are  appropriate for women. Pants suits can be an excellent choice for site visits, particularly if the visit  involves getting in and out of vehicles and/or the site is (or includes) a manufacturing plant or  industrial facility. If you wear pants, they should be creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. If you  are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well dressed women in your industry  on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.

  §  Skirt lengths - Much of what you see on television shows that masquerades for professional attire is actually inappropriate for a work environment. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated. Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just make sure they are narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably. Don't purchase a skirt or decide on a hem length until you sit in the skirt facing a mirror. That's what your interviewer will see. Ask yourself whether it will be distracting or reinforce your image as a person who looks appropriate for a business environment or gathering. High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small back, center slit in a knee-length skirt is appropriate. On a calf length skirt, a slit to the knee to facilitate walking and stair climbing is appropriate. The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably

  §  Coordinated blouse - Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge, good quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket. Don't show cleavage.

  §  Conservative shoes - Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Shoe styles and heel heights come and go. Choose closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does not convey a professional appearance.

  §  Limited jewellery/accessories - (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets) No jewellery is better than cheap jewellery. Wear a conservative watch. Jewellery and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color

  §  Professional hairstyle

  §  Neutral pantyhose - Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer (not opaque), and in neutral colors complementing your suit. Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.

  §  Light on the perfume

  §  Cosmetics - Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.

  §  Neatly manicured clean nails

  §  Portfolio or briefcase - Pad folios - Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate. But if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.

  §  Purse / bag - If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a briefcase. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine woven's are also acceptable.

What Not to Bring to the Interview

•             Gum
•    Cell phone
•     iPod
•         Coffee or soda
•              Backpack

Grooming tips for everyone

 §  Hair:
Should be clean and neat.

 §  Shoes:
Should be in polished condition. Make sure heels are not worn.

 §  Details:
No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.

 §  Hands:
Clean fingernails.

 §  Fit:
Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly.

 §  Smell:
Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke.

 §  Pad-folios:
Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate. But if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.

 §  Bookbags:
Leave it at home for an on-site interview. For an on-campus interview, you can leave it in the waiting area.

A suit for both women and men is almost always appropriate for all types of interviews. Buy the best quality business suit you can afford. Make sure it fits well, is comfortable, and is pressed before you wear it.