The document provides guidelines for appropriate interview attire. It recommends that both men and women wear conservative, dark-colored suits and avoid visible piercings, tattoos, or bulges in pockets. Specific recommendations include slacks or skirts for women without dresses, conservative shoes and makeup, and short hair for men without facial hair or visible jewelry beyond a wedding ring. The attire should be professional to show respect and make a good first impression, even if the company dress code is more casual.

1. Interview Attire

2. Why is this presentation important?
Before you say a single word to the interviewer, you have already made an impression based on how
you’re dressed. The guidelines given here are commonly accepted as appropriate for interviewing. Every
company has a different dress code; how you dress at the job may have very little to do with how you
dress for an interview.
This may sound like a lot of rules, but these are the generally acceptable guidelines you should follow
when deciding what to wear to an interview. Dressing professionally shows respect for yourself, the
interviewer, and the company.
Michigan State University Career Services Network (2016). Dressing for interviews. Retrieved from http://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs-
internships/appearance-and-attire/dressing-for-interviews.html.

3. Women Do’s & Dont’s
Wear a suit with a jacket and skirt or slacks; no dresses (dresses are more likely to rise)
Shoes with conservative heels
Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase or portfolio instead
If you wear nail polish, use clear or a conservative color
Keep your makeup simple and natural (it should not be too noticeable)
No more than one ring on each hand
One set of earrings only
Hair should be pulled back out of your face
College Grad (2016) "Dressing for interview success. Retrieved from https://collegegrad.com/jobsearch/competitive-interview-
prep/dressing-for-interview-success

4. Men Do’s & Dont’s
Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
Dark socks (black is best)
Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
Fresh shave; mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed
No beards (you can grow it back after you get the job, but having one now could keep you from getting
the job)
No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)
College Grad (2016) "Dressing for interview success. Retrieved from https://collegegrad.com/jobsearch/competitive-interview-
prep/dressing-for-interview-success

5. Both Men and Women
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
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.) or tattoos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USnK7uvHUaI
College Grad (2016) "Dressing for interview success. Retrieved from https://collegegrad.com/jobsearch/competitive-interview-
prep/dressing-for-interview-success

6. General Reminders
The appropriate interview attire depends on the industry in which you’ll be interviewing, as well as the geographic
location and time of year.
Spend time on the Internet researching the company, industry and competitors to determine suitable interview outfits.
Still not sure? Call the company’s HR department and ask what they recommend you wear.
When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly overdressed, rather than show up looking too casual.
Don’t have an appropriate outfit? Go to a large department store like Nordstrom or Macy’s and ask for help from a
personal shopper or hire a personal stylist.
Ensure that your clothes are cleaned and pressed.
Quast, L. (2014). 8 Tips for Interview Success. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/01/27/8-tips-to-
dress-for-interview-success/#15f27d2772f9

7. Visuals
DON’T

8. References
Michigan State University Career Services Network (2016). Dressing for interviews. Retrieved from http://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs-
internships/appearance-and-attire/dressing-for-interviews.html.
Quast, L. (2014). 8 Tips for interview success. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/01/27/8-tips-to-
dress-for-interview-success/#15f27d2772f9
College Grad (2016) "Dressing for interview success. Retrieved from https://collegegrad.com/jobsearch/competitive-interview-
prep/dressing-for-interview-success