Dress for success in your Interview
Clothes are the frontline to who you are when interviewing. The first thing your interviewer will see is what you're wearing. What you wear makes it's easy to get "classed" as a personality type that you're not, or even get eliminated from hiring contention.
It's funny to think about in some ways. The individuals interviewing you may never iron their clothes, may wear two different socks each day or have holes in their shirt. However, regardless of their attire, they'll have a certain expectation of how you should look. If you don't meet that expectation, they'll most likely become hyper critical about you and end up look for / finding your faults.
Clothes should be exactly what they are - clothes.
You want your clothes to be seen and not heard.
You're clothes shouldn't be a distraction. Your clothes shouldn't tell your interviewer who you are or what your personality might be. Only you should be telling the interviewer(s) who you are.
Many people (men and women) find the line between loud and distracting or being frumpy and boring, hard to decipher.
I've helped take the guess work out what to wear.
Below is a collection of both Women's and Men's clothes.
You can purchase these directly from this lens or use them as ideas. Either way, I've found inexpensive to moderately priced clothes that can help you get your new job. Each item has additional notes on fabric styles, fabric blends, colors or how the item can be used with other items.
Take a look and let me know what you think at the end! I'd love to hear your comments! Use the Table of Contents below to skip to what you're looking for. However, be sure to check out my other lenses for other great interview tips!
If this is helpful to you, it's probably going to be helpful to others. Use the email link on the right hand side to email it your friends!
8 Part Series - See Below
Whether you're looking to get a new job or advance your career, utilizing the Best Job Interview Questions and this unique way of presenting yourself will help. As you explore these concepts open your mind, challenge yourself and get excited.How you present yourself can be a determining factor of your success in an interview. Start your new job with a solid foundation so you can have a successful and long term relationship with your new company.
You can view lens #4 at: Pre-Interview Phone Call
You can view lens #5 at: Preparing For Your Interview
You can view lens #6 at: The Best Job Interview Questions!
You can view lens #8 at: Post Interview Follow-Up
Mark me in your favorites so you can get a Squid Cast when my next lens in this series is released!
What Dressing for Success is....
- Why should I Dress for Success?
- Men's Interview Dress Shirts
- Men's Interview Dress Pant
- Win the Race!
- Great Neckties for your Interview - stand out the right way!
- The shoes make the Man! Don't lose the interview because of bad shoes!
- The Dress for Success shoe twitter debate...
- Ideas on what Women can wear
- Women's Pant Suit - great for interviews!
- Women's Interview Blouses
- Women's Dress Slacks for your Interview - several great options
- Women's Blazers - the added touch
- The Pant Suit versus Dress Suit debate...
- Here's are some of the articles featured on my blog!!!
- Western business attire otherwise known as Informal attire by Wikipedia
- My favorite websites & lenses!!
- Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you!!!
Why should I Dress for Success?
Here's an expression I've heard many times, "What you wear is who you are".It may sound a bit objectionable, but bear with me. Despite our personal feelings there is some reality in the expression.
I say this because the reality is: It's not your perception that matters in an interview....it's theirs.
Food for thought:
Q: If you walk into an interview with a tie-dyed shirt, ripped pants and a beanie, how do you think you'll be perceived?
A: You're going to put on trial and given your sentancing before you ever have the opportunity to speak a word. (I have nothing against tie-dye or beanies. However, they're really meant for after work or weekends.)
Q: If you walk in with stains on your shirt, your hair unkempt and your socks don't match, how do you think you'll be perceived?
A: You'll look unorganized, unprofessional and possibly perceived as a liability for being late or absent.
Dress like you want the job. Business Professional should be the only applicable attire for an interview. It doesn't matter if you are applying for a manger position or a deep sea diver.
You want to present yourself with confidence and professionalism. Keep your style simple and appropriate. The last thing you want your interview(ers) focusing their attention to is your clothes...except for the fact you take this interview seriously and you're dressed appropriately.
The focus should be on you, your skills and what you bring to the table.
I'm not suggesting that you go out and get a $1000.00 wardrobe. Most people can't afford it and getting a job shouldn't break your bank.
Utilize discount stores that carry high quality merchandise. Local favorites to me are TJ-MAX, Ross, Crossroads and Target. They all carry professional attire for low cost. Even if you can only afford one business professional outfit, that's ok. It's an important investment for your future career.
Below I've found clothes below that are great examples & great buys from Amazon. I encourage you to look at the styles and figure out what works best for you.
While you're at it, save yourself some time and just pick out your interview outfit while you're here! You may pay for shipping but you're saving on gas and time. As an added bonush, you're clothes are delivered to your front door. All while you just finished sending out 15 more resumes....
(I've added additional info to each item that talks about the fabrics blends, how each style can lend to another, etc. Pay attention to the notes!)
Men's Interview Dress Shirts
Recommendation: Wear a long sleeved shirt so your arms stay hidden.
Long sleeve shirts are more professional looking then short sleeve shirts. Also, if you're a man with lots of arm hair, a long sleeve shirt will keep your arms from being a distraction. In addition, if you have tattoos on your arms they'll be nicely covered up. It's just one more way of keeping the focus off of your clothes and keeping on your interview.
If you perspire a lot or have chest hair be sure to wear an undershirt. A relaxed fitting long sleeve shirt with an undershirt can hide perspiration from others. If you can't stop the perspiration then you may want to wear a suit jacket to keep your underarm perspiration hidden.
Van Heusen Men's Long Sleeve Easy Care Pinpoint Oxford Solid Shirt
This shirt has a nice blend with 60% cotton and 40% polyester. The Polyester gives it a slight shine looking classy but not overstated. In addition is has button's for the collar which gives you a nice look when wearing a tie. The light blue or white are the 2 options for this selection.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010) 
Arrow Men's Wrinkle Free Fitted Herringbone Long Sleeve
I would use the white version of this shirt for "informal" interviews. Informal interviews are rare and can be tricky. If you're not sure if it's informal or not then always wear a tie. However, this shirt has a light ribbing to it giving it a more dressy feel while although casual - not good for wearing a tie though.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Geoffrey Beene Men's French Cuffed Long Sleeve Wrinkle Free Full Cut Broadcloth Solid Shirt
This shirt offers a nice Frenched Cuffed long sleeve with a 55% cotton, 45% Polyester blend. The Polyester gives it a slight shine looking classy but not overstated. The Frenched Cuffed collar adds an additional sophistication to your look. In addition you can add your own cufflinks if you want to set yourself apart without drawing unwanted attention. It shows attention to detail....
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Geoffrey Beene Men's Long Sleeve Wrinkle Free Fitted Broadcloth Solid Shirt
A classic look of white with 55% cotton and 45% Polyester. This is a nicely constructed shirt with a front pocket. The Polyester gives it a slight shine looking classy but not overstated.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Men's Interview Dress Pant
IZOD Men's American Chino Pleated Metrix Fit Pant
This is a 100% Cotton Blend pant with pleats and a small cuff at the bottom. Although it's 100% cotton it has a nice look to it. The Decaf Coffee color would work well with a variety of neck ties or shirts.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Wool/Cashmere Plain Front Trouser
Tailored in fine wool with a touch of cashmere for added softness and a noticeably fluid drape. Much more refined than flannel, perfect with a sport coat or sweater. Half-lined to the knee. Unfinished bottoms for altering ease - Dry clean only. These pants are sure to stand out as High Quality, but you have to pay for the quality. If you're looking for one nice pair of slacks for special events, it's worth the purchase. You have them hemmed to your length so they're always perfect for an event.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Comfort Stretch Wrinkle Resistant Merino Wool Men's Dress Pants, Two Pleats
These are my favorite pants in the bunch for the price and look. They are a meticulously tailored Super Merino Two Ply Worsted Wool blend, Hopsack Mens Dress Pant. They're made with comfort in mind, with a Comfort Stretch Wool Fabric. These mens dress slack are half lined to the knee; the seat and fly seams are taped and have the added benefit of a crotch shield guard. These tailored men's dress trousers have a superb drape; they will retain their crisp look and have wrinkle resistant properties. Wool is a very class look and these are a great price at under $30.00. They will need to be hemmed, but for the right look the extra time and $4.00 to get it hemmed is worth it. Definitely check these out! I'd suggest Dark Brown, Bankers Grey or Khaki Brown.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Win the Race!
Your attire can help you win the race. Don't let your clothes be a distraction, don't get classified in a stereotype because of what you're wearing. Give yourself the opportunity to shine. Let your personality and attitude do the talking.
Be aware of the reflection that your clothes could have on you when going into an interview!
Great Neckties for your Interview - stand out the right way!
Wearing a "funny" tie is a big no, unless you're interviewing to be a comedian. I suggest strong power colors with a classy defined patter. Be sure that the pattern you pick doesn't overwhelm people or make them dizzy!
Extra long brown squares silk neckties for men
This has a very nice classy pattern but stands out with refined distinction. It would work well with dark brown pants, dark grey pants or black pants.
This is an extra long tie for the guys who are over 6' tall.
Amazon Price: $31.99 (as of 01/03/2010)
Brand New B. Boss Navy White Checkers Silk Mens Neck Tie Zl1090
An elegant blue and gray pattern that has a strong power to it. This type of blue is definitely a power color. This would work well with a white shirt and dark grey slacks. Throw in a black belt and black shoes and you're looking good for your interview!
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Jerry Garcia Tie Collection 47 Lizard Board
For those of you who like something a little more simpler this is a great tie. Its pattern is whimsical yet defined enough for you to stand strong. Wear it with a white shirt and black pants for the best effect. If you have a 'power' blue shirt and lighter style brown pants, it'd probably work well.
Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 01/03/2010)
The shoes make the Man! Don't lose the interview because of bad shoes!
Don't get me wrong. They'll look at your tie and they'll take note of your clothes - but in the end, the shoes make the first impression.
Think about it this way: When you walk up to someone to shake their hand, where do most people initially look?
They glance at the ground to make sure they have a clear path to the person their greeting - or - when reaching to shake their hand they look to make sure their hand is connecting to yours. When they look at the ground for the clear path they see your shoes. When they shake your hand what's immediately in the background?...your shoes.
It doesn't matter how well your dressed if you wear bad shoes. Let your shoes do the talking and give you that first good impression.
Get them shined right out of the box. Yes, I understand their brand new. However, there's nothing that will take a pair of shoes and make them out stand the right way like a good shoe shining.
Deer Stags Men's Sanderson Bicycle Toe Oxford
A moderately priced show with a very modern but classy look. The lines give it an upscale look that's contemporary, making them great for wearing with jeans (once you're done interviewing). With these shoes you can take care of your interview and then move straight to celebrating when you've got your new job!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Men's Merona® Teddy Cap-Toe Dress Shoes - Black
A great shoe for a great price!! These shoes will shine up nice. If you care for them properly you'll get plenty of wear from them. They're designed to be comfortable and wearable, yet fashionable. Once you get them, to spice them up for your interview, take them to Nordstrom's for a $2.50 shoe shine. Even an inexpensive pair of shoes will look like a million dollars with a good shoe shine.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Bostonian Men's Akron Oxford
Bostonian's are a great high quality dress shoe. I have a pair that I purchased over 12 years ago that still look fantastic. The soles can be replaced when worn. With the ability to replace the soles you'll save money in the long run, because you won't have to replace the entire shoe - only the soles. They're available in black & brown and for a great price on Amazon. Typically they'll range easily in the $110 range or higher.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
The Dress for Success shoe twitter debate...
Do a Man's shoes make the Man? Let me know what you think...!!!
I say...
What others are saying...
Ideas on what Women can wear
A woman has such diversity on what they can wear compared to men. Men are tied down to relatively set standard of clothes. However, women can diversify with colors, styles and attitude.What women should realize is that with that diversity can come trouble. You're going into an interview, not a fashion show. The important aspect to remember is that you shine, not your clothes.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting you wear a gunny sack. Nor am I suggesting you wear a prom dress (or less). A woman can be both confident and business professional with a little attention to detail.
Women's Pant Suit - great for interviews!
Women's Interview Blouses
Premium Ladies three-quarter sleeve stretch poplin blouse (DP625W)
Here's a ladies three-quarter sleeve stretch poplin blouse. The blouse is distinguished by clean lines and modern styling, topped off by a quality and flattering fit. It has fine stitching throughout with delicate personalized buttons on front placket. In addition it has a three-quarter sleeve with fold-up cuff detail. It's a great business professional blouse while it still retains the essence of being a woman with its flattering lines. This blouse is ranked number 8 in popularity on Amazon.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Premium Ladies long sleeve stretch sateen blouse (DP630W)
This blouse is made of sateen giving it a light shine. It's also very soft and nice to wear. It has pearlized buttons with front and back princess seams. This blouse will be a nice addition to any dress slacks, as long as they are the appropriate colors. Black, white and blue are appropriate colors for this blouse that won't overwhelm your interviewer.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Legwork
Do a little leg work and you can find excellent deals. When you know exactly what you're looking for it makes it quick and easy to get in and out of stores. Hit the mall and check every clearance section. At the end if you still can't find what you're looking for then start looking full price.
Women's Dress Slacks for your Interview - several great options
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Heidi Straight-Leg Pant
Here are some nice Ralph Lauren straight-leg dress pants. They are a little higher price because of the Ralph Lauren name. They are a good example of a nice Wool and Elastane blend. Wool Blends are very classy looking and are great for interviews. These pants are dry clean only.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Sanctuary Pants - Black Jolie Trousers Women No Pockets SALE
These are top of the line pants with no pockets and side zipper closure. They have black and gold decorative buttons for a little extra flair. They're very high quality 97% cotton and 3% Spandex blend. They will look and feel like they're Polyester and Spandex because of their quality.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Jones New York Stretch Plain Front Pant
These are a nice stretch dress pant. They're made with Polyester, Viscose and Elastane. They will have a very similar look to the Polyester, Rayon and Spandex pants from Alfani below. Jones New York is a reputable company and these are also moderately priced.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Alfani Flared Classic Dress Pants
This is a nice classic dress pant made of Polyester, Rayon and Spandex. These pants are great for interviews as they would be comfortable yet stylish. They have a light sheen because of the polyester and rayon. They're moderately priced but will last long with proper care.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Women's Blazers - the added touch
Chadwicks Linen-Blend Blazer
This is a nice linen, rayon, cotton and polyester blend. With the variety in the blend it'll work with most pants and blouses with ease. It's dry clean only but worth it. Stay away from the red though. Black or Flax would work well with most outfits. White is nice, but way to prone to getting stains. You wouldn't want to drop your pen by accident and leave a nice black mark down the front of your white blazer.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
Spiegel Signature Daytime Satin Collection: Blazer
A little pricier, but it's a nice business casual blazer. The color options are limited, the suggestion is black. The blazer has flap besom pockets and a single button front. The back tab and princess seams create a tailored fit. The blazer has a silky satin cotton / polyester with spandex stretch. Dry clean only and it's fully lined.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/03/2010)
The Pant Suit versus Dress Suit debate...
Most women and men will have their idea on what's more professional. I'd like to hear both sides of the debate!
What's more business professional looking, a Woman's Pant Suit - or - a Woman's Dress Suit?
I say...
What others are saying...
Here's are some of the articles featured on my blog!!!
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWestern business attire otherwise known as Informal attire by Wikipedia
Check out what Wikipedia has to say about Business Attire for Men & Women. It's also referred to as Informal Attire.
You'll need to read the rest of the article to get the details....
Informal attire, also called International business attire or Western business attire is a dress code, typified by a suit and necktie, for men. On the scale of formality, informal attire is more formal than casual but less formal than semi-formal. It is more presentational than semi-casual, but offers more room for personal expression than semi-formal dress. Informal should not be confused with casual, not even smart casual ? in loose common usage, many people refer to informal dress as formal and formal dress (in the technical sense ? that is, white tie, black tie, and similar) as very formal; this usage is not accepted by authorities on dress codes.Cracking...
My favorite websites & lenses!!
- Pre-Interview Phone Call - #4 in the Series
- This is a link to my third lens, which is #4 out of the series of 8 that I'm completing.
- Preparing For Your Interview - #5 in the Series
- This is a link to the 5th lens in the series.
- The Best Job Interview Questions - #6 in the series
- This is a link to first lens, which is #6 out of the series of 8 that I'm completing. (Yes, I know I'm going out of order.)
- Post Interview Follow-Up - #8 in the series
- This is a link to second lens, which is #8 out of the series of 8 that I'm completing.
- RK Howard Enterprises - Technology and Virtual Solutions
- Here's a link to my website - take a look and learn more about me!
- How to become a Virtual Assistant!
- From high heels to slippers - learn about Angelina Howard by reading her lens!
- Where I teach my Interview Training Class!
- This is a link to my church in Roseville, CA - where I teach my Employment Interview Preparation and Training class. The class has been beneficial for my Church and the community!
Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you!!!
Give me some feedback, post your questions or just leave a comment!
-
Reply
- Brookelorren Brookelorren May 21, 2009 @ 2:28 am
- Good job! I have to add, some tech jobs are completely casual... especially if they don't see clients at their site and they are run by younger people. My current boss told me to dress casually to the interview. But for many jobs, especially if they are not in the geek sector ;-), you'll want to dress just like your lens says.
by Aaron_Howard
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