What Should I Wear?—Tips for Professional Dress

What should I wear to a job interview? A job and internship fair?

For job interviews, job and internship fairs, and professional networking events it is always best to dress in professional attire in order to make a great first impression on potential employers. Here’s how:

Men

• A two-piece dark colored suit
• Appropriate colors: Black, blue, gray
• Generally solid or very light conservative stripes
• Men’s suits are offered as both single breasted and double–breasted. Select the style that best fits your industry or personal style.
• A crisp white or blue tailored shirt
• A conservative tie that reaches mid belt
• Polished shoes that match the color of your belt
• Dark socks (blue, black, grey or brown – that match your suit)—never wear white socks
• Remove body piercings, earrings and any obnoxious/flashy jewelry
• Use cologne sparingly
• Carry a portfolio folder or professional bag. If you generally use a backpack, consider leaving it at home or in a locker and remove what you need for the interview.

Women

• A two–piece dark colored pants or skirt suit
  • Skirt length should be about knee–length
  • Wear neutral colored panty hose or dark tights if wearing a skirt
• A crisp white or blue blouse, tailored shirt, or shell with conservative neckline
• Polished, closed toe shoes with a low to moderate heel—try to avoid shoes with very high heels
• No multiple earrings or gaudy jewelry
• Use perfume and makeup sparingly
• Nail polish should be a neutral color
• Carry a portfolio folder, professional bag, or simple, conservative purse. If you generally use a backpack, consider leaving it at home or in a locker and remove what you need for the interview.

Things to Remember

• Dress professionally even if the position you are interviewing for does not require professional attire. It is always best to err on the side of professional during an interview or when you will be meeting with professionals.
• Make sure that the color of your dress shoes matches your belt color. Additionally, polish your shoes! Some people place a lot of importance on polished shoes! No open–toed, high heels or strappy sandals.
• Never wear white socks! Socks should be dark colored and match your suit. They should also be high enough to not reveal skin, even when you are sitting.
• If you are wearing hosiery, make sure that there are no runs.
• Keep accessories to a minimum and absolutely no body piercings! And don’t bring a backpack. Instead, carry a portfolio folder, a professional bag or conservative purse.
• Be clean. Make sure you and your clothes are clean. Additionally your clothes should be pressed. Take some time to groom your fingernails beforehand. Nails if polished should be neutral in color. If you wear perfume or cologne, use minimally. And it is never a bad idea to use a breath mint before meeting with a potential employer.