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What men should wear to an interview

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By glassvisage

http://www.eiu.edu/~careers/students/prof_dress.php
http://www.eiu.edu/~careers/students/prof_dress.php

There are a few rules men should keep in mind when going to a formal job interview:

Suit Colors: Navy blue or a darker gray are good. Some dark brown suits are ok but should generally be avoided. Earth tones aren't formal enough and shouldn't be worn. Black suits are plenty formal but are inappropriately flashy, like something you'd wear to a wedding. Blue suits are usually the favorite.

Pin Stripes?: Pin stripes are ok, but only if they are subtle. They add a touch of flair, show adventurousness and can liven up a gray suit.

Style: Stick to a two- or three-buttoned two-piece suit. Four-buttoned suits may be seen as too trendy and three-piece suits may be viewed as too much.

Fit: Suit jackets should fit so that they can be easily buttoned without any real tug marks across the fabric. The arms should be long enough so that about a ¼ inch of your dress shirt can be seen past the cuffs when your arms are relaxed at your side. If you have a "normal build" (a typical shoulders-to-waist ratio), then your ideal suit size is your chest size. If you have a "distinctive build," then you'll definitely want to get measured by a tailor.

Shirt Color and Collar: White shirts are the safest and most conservative. Cream, almond and pale-blue shirts are also fine as long as they are solid without stripes or patterns. Point collars are recommended for an interview, but spread collars are ok too. Avoid cotton-blend shirts, polyester or any shiny shirts. They should be 100% cotton.

Tie Color and Size: Wear a tie between 2 ¾ and 3 ½ inches wide. They should have a traditional pattern and be made of pure silk. No "trendy" ties or anything made of something besides 100% silk. Your tie should reach, but not exceed, the top of your belt buckle. Do not wear a bow-tie to an interview.

The Knot: Windsor knots are generally preferred at job interviews because they're considered the most conservative. Four-in-hand knots are fine as well. Knots should be neat and fit within the space created by your choice of collar. If you insist on wearing an alternative knot style, choose a white dress shirt with a spread collar that will accommodate it. Lettered tie-tacks are fine, but avoid any religious or political insignias.

Shoe Color and Style: Interviewees should wear black, oxblood or brown leather shoes. Black shoes are strongly recommended because they match almost with any suit and are easy to coordinate with a belt. Rubber soles are ok if they are low-profile (without noticeable treads). No loafers! And try to have them polished.

Belt: Your belt should always match your shoe color. Have suspenders but no belt buckles.

Socks: Socks should be dark and coordinate with your suit. They should be long enough so that no one can see your leg when you are seated.

Jewelry: Only wedding rings are universally permissible for men. You should remove all other jewelry, including earrings, for an interview. College rings are typically acceptable for younger interviewees. Cufflinks, provided that they are small and conservative, are fine.

Briefcases: A small leather briefcase or portfolio is recommended to carry your notebook and resume. Do not bring a large briefcase or bag with you.

Cologne: Use little cologne, or none at all. Don't smother them in smell.

Hair: Hair should be clean and well kept. Shorter hair is generally preferred. Facial hair is discouraged, although well-groomed mustaches are usually ok.


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Paul Edmondson profile image

Paul Edmondson  says:
2 years ago

Here in San Francisco, people show up for interviews over-dressed, especially if they are from out of the area. So, it's good to know the culture and the environment before you interview.

barryrutherford profile image

barryrutherford  says:
2 years ago

I agree with Paul; Although I usually dress the way you say. Which does require some effort. Personally i think shoes are are important. I also go for a swim before an interview..Good blog

02SmithA profile image

02SmithA  says:
17 months ago

Interesting post. I'll remember these next time!

WOTPN  says:
16 months ago

very good to have it all spelled out so that the fashionably challenged (ie, all men folk) can understand!

buhrandt profile image

buhrandt  says:
15 months ago

You got it right.

greathub profile image

greathub  says:
15 months ago

what should be done if temperature is about 90 degree fahrenheit and one has to take public bus(i.e. no airconditioning) to the office where interview is taking place?

glassvisage profile image

glassvisage  says:
15 months ago

Thanks everyone! Well, greathub, I've definitely had to take the bus while dressed to impress, and I like to take the little personal fans with me to help me cool off along the way :)

greathub profile image

greathub  says:
15 months ago

@ glassvisage

was that a joke?

glassvisage profile image

glassvisage  says:
15 months ago

Sadly no, although I know the image of me holding a little handheld fan on the bus on the way to an interview seems silly :P

the dentist  says:
15 months ago

Great tips. A first impression is everything.

l0wryda profile image

l0wryda  says:
15 months ago

I've gone through a fair amount of professional interviews this summer and this guide surely is accurate!

Sandilyn profile image

Sandilyn  says:
14 months ago

You are right on in this topic. Men need to read this. In my professional life I have seen it all. When it came to hiring men if they did not approach the interview in the attire that was suitable it was a direct signal to me regarding their take on how they would conduct themselves in their professional lives.

glassvisage profile image

glassvisage  says:
13 months ago

Thanks for commenting, everyone! I think it would be great to have a chance to conduct an interview someday, and wonder what kind of impressions I'll get from clothes alone :)

mapsandearth profile image

mapsandearth  says:
13 months ago

why dark color ? :-(

Refster  says:
12 months ago

I usually don't wear a white shirt and pinstripes are not me. Do a lot of the other things you stated.

expertqtp  says:
11 months ago

Thats a very nice article..

Richard Lockyer  says:
10 months ago

I agree a dark blue suit is important as that colour projects authority.

I interview lots of people and i always check to see if their shoes are polished as this says so much about people

livelovecoffee profile image

livelovecoffee  says:
10 months ago

This is great info. Thanks for the tips and keep up the quality hubs.

leeroper profile image

leeroper  says:
9 months ago

I still see quite a few people who do not ware a belt, even at interviews this can occur. A belt is important even if your trousers fit perfectly. The following part about a suits Fit is useful. I often struggle to find the right fit and although I have a normal build, I have a distinctive style. So maybe a tailor will be of use in the future, instead of traipsing around many stores!Thanks for the hub.

iMindMap  says:
8 months ago

Thanks for the tips to win an interview.

Erick Smart  says:
8 months ago

Nice hub! It should be a no brainer for men on what to wear to an interview but sadly it is not. And what you wear plays a huge part on how the business views who you are.

WordWielder profile image

WordWielder  says:
8 months ago

This was great! You obviously know your stuff. I will definitely keep that in mind. I think you should expound on your idea: "what should men wear to a business seminar? Casual or formal?" Also, "what should men wear in a corporate environment job where khakis and blue jeans are permitted". Just a thought! Thanks also for the nice comment you left on my hub. I haven't checked yet but I'd appreciate if you'd join my club if you haven't already, thanks!

ontheway profile image

ontheway  says:
7 months ago

What men should wear to an interview

well written, I come on , welcome to my hub

techie  says:
5 months ago

thanks , i will try it out in my next and first ever job interview

john  says:
3 months ago

Very well written hub .....

very much informative ......

Thank you very much for your great hub, for good advice, good wishes and support. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us.

creativeMind profile image

creativeMind  says:
3 months ago

informative and superb content..loved it..

StevenCavendish profile image

StevenCavendish  says:
2 months ago

Great tips. It definitely is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed in my opinion.

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