Another consideration is the part of the country in which you work. California and Texas dress norms are different from those in New York and Boston. It is better to err on the conservative side when it comes to clothes. For example, in professions such as publishing, advertising, and the arts, a sports jacket and slacks are acceptable, but for mature professionals a suit is recommended for all interviews.
Says Marsha Fox, Drake Beam Morin vice president, "I think the older worker needs to look as young as possible. It's one thing to sell maturity, it's another thing to look as if you are lacking vitality. The older worker needs to buy a really nice suit for a job interview. There can be nothing tattered or weary about the self-image presented. There has to be energy exuded. No one wants to hire someone who seems tired or lethargic. Buying new shoes, or polishing your shoes, and a new suit that's really spiffy and fits, these things are important."
It's important to remember that fashions, like the rest of the world, have changed. In the current era it's not necessary to dress as if your clothes were designed from a corporate cookie-cutter pattern. Confidence in your appearance is a must. A neat, tailored suit or dress with appropriate accessories will portray an image of a professional, self-assured job hunter. Proper fit and quality tailoring are a must in the clothes you wear.
The Tailored Woman
For women, suits and separates can be coordinated with tasteful accessories to convey an up-to-date look. Women have broken away from the man-tailored suit to create a more individual image. In addition to traditional colors such as navy blue, black, gray, shades of maroon, green, and camel can be coordinated into your wardrobe.
Dresses should be in muted colors. Suits and blazers should be in plain or neutral colors. Plunging necklines are taboo, as are slit skirts that reveal too much leg. Skirts can be pleated, straight, or dirndl, worn slightly below the knee. Shoes should be pumps with a low or medium heel, and polished.
Accessories can add color and flair to give you a stylish look and the chance to display your individuality. For example, a colorful scarf, stud earrings in gold or pearl, with a simple pearl necklace can create a simple and elegant image. Don't wear dangling earrings or an armful of bracelets; they can be distracting during the interview. You want the interviewer to concentrate on you, not on your dangling earrings or clanging bracelets. Stockings should be plain, with no patterns. Belt, shoes, and purse should also be coordinated with your outfit.
The Well-Dressed Male
Navy blue or gray suits in solid or pinstripe combined with a dress shirt in solid colors such as white, light blue, gray, or soft yellow are appropriate. Large and flashy cufflinks and rings should be avoided. Single-breasted suits with a vest can be worn with a collar-pin shirt if you want a more formal look. Double-breasted suits are also popular and acceptable attire for interviews.
Ties should be in muted colors, solids, pinstripes, or small patterns. Red, or a tie with a combination of red, is preferred. Hose should be calf-length, preferably in dark colors to match the suit. Hose with a small pattern are acceptable. Avoid wearing firehouse-red hose to an interview. Belts should be black or blue leather.
Shoes should be black or dark brown, depending on the color of the suit. Wingtips or cap toes are preferred, although dress loafers with tassels are acceptable for most interviews, except in ultraconservative companies. Shoes should always be highly polished.
Grooming is an important part of the interview. Hair should be clean and neat. The trend today is toward shorter hair for both men and women. Men should be clean shaven. If a beard or mustache is worn (some companies still frown on both hirsute growths) they must be clean and neatly trimmed. Nails must also be clean and well manicured. Nail polish should be subtle - a clear or pale shade is best.
Your overall look should present the unique you. When you walk into an interviewer's office you have fewer than 10 seconds to make an impression. This first image you create is crucial to the interview. Looking good, being comfortable with yourself, knowing that you present a confident, self-assured appearance will do wonders for your self-esteem. So lavish great care and attention on both your wardrobe and your grooming. Send a signal that you are a person with a winning personality, one to be taken seriously, certainly one to be considered for the job at hand.
