• First impressions count. Project a professional image. You are trying to sell yourself!
• Your main task is to choose clothing and accessories that will not take the interviewer's attention from you and your qualifications. Stick to the accepted "corporate" standard interview to be safe.
• Make sure the interview clothes you have chosen enable you to feel comfortable, confident and secure!

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

• Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
• Absolutely no gum, candy, or cigarettes. Never smoke before an interview, the odor will linger on clothes, hands and breath.
• Good hygiene is essential-shower, use deodorant, brush your teeth, comb you hair and shave.
• Avoid overpowering aftershave, cologne or perfume.
• Nails should be neat and clean.
• Wear a dress watch. Your belt should always match the color of your shoes.
• Clothing, shoes and accessories should be neat, clean and ironed. Clothes should be new or at least in very good condition.
• Arrive early, go to the restroom and check the mirror in the Career Center for your appearance.
• Clothing for internship/co-op interviews can be a bit more relaxed. Wear dress pants with a wool or wool/polyester blend sport coat or dress jacket. Wear solid, high-quality cotton shirts. Preferably white or off white.

BUILDING A WARDROBE:

• Give yourself enough time to shop for the suit and other interview attire.
• Go to a good clothing store and try on the best suit there that you like. Notice the details of construction, including material, lapels, lining, stitching, pocket placement and vents.
• Once you know what a top-of-the-line suit looks and feels like, go to a store with clothing you can afford. Try to find a suit that has some of the features found on an expensive suit.
• Opt for good-quality, classic clothing to get the best value for your money.
• Shop at a store with a good reputation. Often the Sales Associate will be able to give you good advice on fit and accessories. Have the suit altered by the store if necessary.

Guidelines for Men

GUIDELINES FOR PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE:

• Conservative, well-fitted, two-piece business suit (navy, gray, black, green, pinstriped or solid, avoid solid black if possible. It is sometimes viewed as too somber and/or severe).
• Suit sleeve length should fall between the wrist and top knuckle on your thumb.
• Long-sleeved, ironed, lightly starched dress shirt of 100% cotton, in white-off white or pale blue. Long sleeves give the impression of authority and professionalism (no stripes or short sleeves).
• Wear a white undershirt underneath your dress shirt. Wear underwear.
• Matching silk tie that extends just below the belt line. If possible find a tie that has a pattern accenting the company color and coordinates with the color of your suit.
• To build a basic corporate wardrobe, buy a good suit in a dark color. Add items as you can afford them. Purchase a blue sports jacket (not a sport coat) and two additional pairs of pants to go with the suit and sport jacket. Buy two good-quality white or off-white cotton shirts and one light-blue shirt. Purchase three silk ties, one with a conservative pattern. Buy black wing tip shoes or other dress shoes with a black belt. If you opt for a dark-brown suit (less formal), buy brown or cordovan shoes with a matching belt.

ACCESSORIES, HAIR, NAILS:

• Mid-calf dark socks with polished lace-up dress shoes in black or cordovan (no loafers or tassels). If new, wear at least one day to break in. When you are seated the sock should be above pants cuff.
• Carry a leather portfolio, leather-like or a briefcase.
• Keep hair neat and clean. Short hair is expected.
• No facial hair is most conservative. If you have facial hair, trim it neatly.
• Remove visible body piercings, including earrings, and cover tattoos.
• No casual clothing (jeans, t-shirts, sport tube socks).

Guidelines for Women

GUIDELINES FOR PERSONAL ATTIRE:

• Conservative, well-fitted suit (navy, gray, black-dark colors are best). Stylish, professional pantsuits are acceptable with many employers. When in doubt, wear a skirt suit (the hem should be no shorter than 2" above the knee, wear appropriate undergarments).
• Blouse of 100% cotton or silk, carefully ironed, in white, ivory, pale blue, gray, or light pink. Should not be too tight, sheer or revealing. Remember, no plunging scoop necklines.
• Don't wear anything considered sexy!
• Hair should be trimmed, neatly arranged and clean.
• Avoid or use sparingly colognes or perfumes. Your scent should not linger after you leave.
• To build a basic wardrobe, buy a good suit in navy, black, gray, olive, camel, or wine. Then purchase a white or ivory shell or blouse (silk, polyester, rayon, cotton, acrylic/cotton blend), black pants, knit top, print blouse, and fine gauge sweater top. All items should go well together. Add pieces to match your basics, and you will have many professional alternatives.

ACCESSORIES: HAIR, MAKE-UP, NAILS:

• Neutral, non-patterned pantyhose in skin tone. Bring an extra pair in case of runs.
• Polished, closed toe, low-heeled (2.5" or less) pumps or flats in black, navy, brown, or burgundy.
• Carry either a purse or a briefcase, not both.
• No dangling earrings, no more than two earrings per ear and no more than one ring per hand. Remove visible piercing and cover tattoos.
• No deep necklines, no frilly dresses, no casual clothing (jeans, t-shirts).
• Keep hair neat and clean, without obvious dark roots. If hair is long, pull it back or keep away from forehead and eyes.
• Make-up should be minimal and look natural.
• Nails should be neat and clean. Use natural, or a complementing color, if desired.

Business Casual Guidelines

If involved in other interviewing activity-relaxed dress may be acceptable. Business casual is defined by a geographic region, industry, and individual employers. The best way to determine a employer standard is to conduct research or ask a company's representative. As always, when in doubt, dress conservatively, in formal interview attire

Men

• Not expected to wear ties
• Cotton dockers
• Business or sports jacket is appropriate
• Good sweater
• Stylish, solid or striped dark shirt
• Dark socks
• Matching belt and shoes

Women

• Business skirt or pants
• Conservative blouse or sweater
• Dress jacket or sport coat
• Flat or low heels
• Neutral hosiery
• Understated belt, scarf, and accessories

Last but not least, do a pre-interview dress rehearsal. Think about the message you want to send and make sure it is conveyed in your professional attire. Visit http://www.seekingsuccess.com/ (click on Articles and Guides) for more career search tips.