Interview Dress guide

Male and Female

• Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best) 
• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best) 
• Clean, polished conservative shoes 
• Well-groomed hairstyle 
• Clean, trimmed fingernails 
• Minimal cologne or perfume 
• Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins 
• No gum, candy or cigarettes 
• Light briefcase or portfolio case
• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) 
• No tattoos – please cover them!

Male

• Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern 
• Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best) 
• Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews 
• If you have a beard, make sure that it is neatly trimmed
• Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed 
• No rings other than wedding ring 
• No earrings/body piercing (if you normally wear one – take it out!)

Female

• Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses 
• No high heels (stilettos!)
• Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!) 
• If you can’t carry a briefcase try a small handbag
• If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color 
• Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable) 
• No more than one ring on each hand 
• One set of earrings only 

One final note on interview dress: while it goes without saying that your interview clothes should be neat and clean, very few interviewees give the same time and attention to their shoes. Shoes? Yes, shoes. I am aware of at least one Corporate Recruiter who forms first impressions based solely (pardon the pun) on shoes. This person does not have a shoe fetish--he subjectively judges that those who pay attention to details like their shoes are also likely to be diligent in their work life. And it is not just that person's opinion. Many have said that you can judge a person by their shoes. You will find that many ex-military officers (many of whom have found their way into management positions) are especially aware of a person's shoes. It is not enough to be clean, pressed, and ironed. Make sure your shoes are conservative, clean, and polished. 

Please follow this guide in order to reflect the highest possible standard for yourself