Dress To Get Hired: Attire Still Matters

Dressing down, business casual and the like, which are actual described as a benefit by some companies, do not set the tone for interviews.  In fact, most of the “rules” established nearly three decades ago in business literature still apply when it comes to interview attire and hiring decisions.  Whether attire should matter or not will not be addressed here.  Rather, it should be assumed by anyone interviewing for a job, whether newly minted college graduate or veteran to working world, proper attire still does matter for first impressions and hiring decisions. 

For men, the interview outfit has changed little over the years.

Suit: Traditional navy or gray two or three button.  Only button the top or middle button.  100% wool is best.  Make sure it is clean and pressed.

Shirt: white or light blue cotton.  Straight or button down collar.  No French cuffs (save those for the CEO and CFO).  Neatly pressed and clean.

Tie: striped, foulard or solid in silk.  Classic colors.  Traditional patterns.  Neatly tied and again, clean and not creased or wrinkled.  No tie tacks or clips.

Shoes: black or dark brown.  Classic style with laces are best but dress slip-ons are OK.  Save the clunky ones for the high school and college crowd.  Highly polished.

Belt: leather, understated, classic and same color as the shoes.

Socks: plain black or navy blue.

Jewelry: no earrings – ever, dress watch, no more than one ring per hand on ring finger, no lapel pins unless you are going to work at the White House – then an USA flag pin is OK. No bracelets or visible necklaces.

Hair – get a haircut a week before the interview and comb your hair prior to the interview.  If you have any facial hair, make certain it is trimmed and understated.

Personal grooming: bath, deodorize, no cologne, brush and floss your teeth, use mouthwash.  Check yourself over in the mirror before you leave for the interview.

Sources: Jos. A. Bank, Brooks Brothers, Lord & Taylor, J. Press and other classic men’s clothiers. 

For women, the task is definitely more challenging.  Fashion changes from season to season and from year to year.  Again, I am going to recommend the classics.  Traditional in cut, color and style.  If you think this is all wet, you probably belong in the fashion or other creative industries – or working for yourself.

Suit: Jacket and skirt OR trousers in black, navy or gray.  100% wool is best.  Make sure they are clean and pressed.

Blouse: white, ecru or pale blue.  Various fabrics and classic styles are acceptable.  Freshly dry cleaned.

Shoes: black, navy or dark brown depending on the suit color.  Classic style pumps are best but sling backs with closed toes are OK.  Make sure they are not scuffed and are polished.

Pantyhose or stockings: natural shade and no runs.  Knee highs with trousers.

Jewelry: no more than one earring per ear, simple and traditional.  A dress watch, no more than one ring per hand, again - no lapel pins unless you are going to work at the White House – then an USA flag pin is OK. A simple bracelet is OK.  As are either a simple necklace or string of pearls.  No ankle jewelry, no facial piercings.

Hair – the less said here the better.  Just make sure the hair is not distracting and the color is a natural looking one.

Make-up – make sure it is not distracting and looks natural.

Personal grooming: bath, deodorize, brush and floss your teeth, use mouthwash.  Check yourself over in the mirror before you leave for the interview.

Sources: Talbots, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Lord & Taylor, Banana Republic and other stores that offer more traditional quality women’s attire. 

Will wearing and doing these things get you the job?  Probably not.  But they will insure that the interviewers focus on you, your skills and how you speak and act rather than on some aspect of your attire (yes, I agree, it should not matter – but the fact is that it does).  

I look forward to your thoughts and comments on this topic. 

George F. Franks, III is the President and Principal Consultant of Franks Consulting Group, a business, career, leadership and nonprofit consulting practice.  You can contact George at franksconsultinggroup@gmail.com. Franks Consulting Group’s web site is:

www.franksconsultinggroup.com