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Interviewing Tips: What to Wear
Preparation |
What to Wear | During
the Interview | Follow-Up
Sample Questions | UCS Interviewing Resources
Win Points with a Positive Image
Appearance is the first thing you communicate to others. Before you have
a chance to speak, others notice how you dress and draw conclusions about
you accordingly. Appropriate dress is one of the most important factors
in your job search. Your dress creates an impression that can complement
your credentials and give you an extra edge over a field of other qualified
competent individuals.
There are standards of professional dress in all career fields. Some industries are more traditional, such as banking, consulting and business. Let the dress standards in the field(s) in which you are interviewing be a guide to what you wear for your interview. Attire in fields such as advertising, the arts, fashion, communications and entertainment is generally less conservative, so the rules are a bit more relaxed.
Rule of the Game
Business dress
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.
For Men
- Colors: The best colors of business dress for men are charcoal gray and dark blue. Pin stripes are acceptable, as are muted plaids and chalk stripes.
- Shoes and Socks: Shoes and socks should be in a color that complements the suit and that are not too casual. Leather lace-up shoes are best for men.
- Shirt and Tie: A white shirt is safest, with sleeves that extend one-quarter inch beyond the jacket sleeve. There is room for some variation in ties, but conservative patterns and colors are most appropriate.
For Women
For women, business
dress has relaxed somewhat. However, there are several rules which
still apply:
- Hose: Always wear hose
- Shoes: Do not wear shoes that are open (e.g. open toe pumps, sandals). The most appropriate shoe to wear with a business suit is a classic pump with closed mid-height heel and toe with little or no decoration.
- Tops, Dresses, Suits: Do not wear sleeveless tops or sleeveless dresses. A skirted business suit (same color jacket and skirt) is the best choice for most interviews for women. A classic suit style is best, and your suit should be well-styled and well-fitting. Avoid a trendy look unless appropriate for your field of interest.
- Colors: The best colors for women's business suits are gray, medium or dark blue, burgundy, camel or black. A very small conservative check or plaid is also acceptable.
- Jewelry and Make-Up: Make sure your jewelry is not too casual or flashy, your wristwatch included. Earrings should be business-like, not long or dangling. Low-key make-up is advised; go easy on the eye make-up, and nail polish should be light or neutral.
- Handbags and Attache Cases: You may choose to carry a purse or attache case, but not both at the same time.
General Rules
Err on the side of formality rather
than informality, and keep your outfit simple
instead of showy.
Fragance: Go easy on your fragrance - do not let too much perfume, cologne, or aftershave be overwhelming
Semi-casual attire for women is a dress or a skirt and blouse with or without a jacket. For men it is a sport coat and dress slacks, with a tie. A navy blue blazer is a good addition to your wardrobe for both men and women.
Casual dress in a business setting may be khakis or similarly styled pants and a collared sport shirt or sweater for men. For women, a dress or a skirt and blouse or sweater is acceptable. In some business settings, pants are acceptable (although pants are not advised for interviews). Casual dress shoes (e.g., small heels or flats for women; loafers for men) may be worn.
What to Wear When
For most interviews, business dress is the best choice.
Remember that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression!
Even the best clothes in the perfect color will not look good if they
are wrinkled or dirty. Make sure your suit and shirt/blouse are freshly
pressed and your shoes are polished.
Traveling to an On-Site Interview
While
traveling to an on-site interview, semi-casual attire or business dress
(see above), is best. You may meet someone when traveling or be
met upon arrival by someone who will have a part in the hiring process.
Evening Events
If
you are attending an evening reception or dinner as part of your interview
process, business dress is most suitable unless otherwise specified in
the invitation.
Employer Presentation/Receptions
For employer presentations/receptions
on-campus (Hanes Hall or other campus locations), semi-casual or casual
dress is
acceptable, while business
dress is most appropriate for presentations or receptions at the Carolina
Inn. (See UCS handout, Guide to Employer Presentations.)
Career
Fairs
For career fairs, business dress is best if you are
prospecting for job leads. If you are looking for internship leads, semi-casual
or
casual
attire is suitable.
Picking Up / Dropping Off Resumes/Applications
For picking up or dropping
off a resume or application at an employer's office, it is suggested
that
you
wear
semi-casual
dress.
Questions, comments? Email us
at ucs@unc.edu
919-962-6507
Campus Recruiting & Job Listings
Networking: It's Easier than You Think
Diversity in the Career Search: Resources for Specific Populations
