"Long before I am near enough to talk to you on the street, in a meeting or at a party, you announce your sex, age, and class to me through what you are wearing – and very possibly give me important information (or misinformation) as to your occupation, origin, personality, opinions, tastes, sexual desires, and current mood.  By the time we meet and converse, we have already spoken to each other in an older and more universal tongue."

--Allison Lurie, author of the Language of Clothes

Create a polished professional image.

Prepare for the interview by giving thought to the professional image you want to project.

Your clothes, hair and body language make a statement about you.

Although you may not like the idea, dressing for an interview is essentially wearing an appropriate uniform.  You do not want to detract from your message, but rather use clothing to enhance your personal image.   Short-sleeved dresses and shirts, casual and sloppy clothes are unacceptable.  

You have just 30 seconds.

Project the image of being neat, conservative and clean.   Dressing for a job interview is not just a matter of personal opinion or style.   It is actually a science, based on research involving thousands of professionals.

Social psychologists studying the impact of image have determined that 30 seconds is how long it takes for someone meeting you to form a list of impressions about your character and abilities.  The list of impressions encompasses:

• Educational level
• Career competence and success
• Personality
• Level of sophistication
• Trustworthiness
• Sense of humor

Thirty seconds doesn't give you time to pull out your college transcript, showcase your resume, or present character references.  It doesn't allow any time to explain that you have talent, skills, training, and a substantial list of truly satisfied employers and customers.  In thirty seconds, people form all those different impressions based almost entirely on what they see – your clothes, hairstyle, smile and the rest of your nonverbal communications.   Appearances do count.

First Impressions, Lasting Impressions

Your image transmits a message about you all day every day.   There is no erase button.

Appearances count for career advancement, too.  Often times the decision on whether or not to promote to an advanced position depends on the professionalism of the candidate's appearance …his or her professional image.  In upper levels of business, where stellar job performance is the norm, the differentiating factors often can be image, polish and presence.  

Wardrobe and nonverbal communication, taken together, are your most visible credentials.  The encouraging truth is that you can control and change how these visual credentials are displayed and therefore manage them so they continue to contribute to your success.

Guidelines for Successful Interview Dress

Men and Women

• Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or gray is best)
• Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel next best)
• Clean, polished conservative shoes
• Well-groomed hairstyle
• Clean, trimmed fingernails
• Minimal cologne and perfume
• Empty pockets—no tinkling
• No gum, candy or cigarettes
• Light briefcase or portfolio case
• No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)

Men

• 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 usually fares best in interviews
• Watch the facial hair; if you wear a beard or mustache and will not shave it off, be sure it is neatly trimmed
• No rings other than a wedding ring or a college ring
• No earrings

Women

• Wear a suit that includes a jacket
• No high heels
• Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
• No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
• Nail polish – clear or conservative color
• Minimal use of makeup
• No more than one ring on each hand
• One set of earrings only

You may think these guidelines are too rigid and confining.   After all, shouldn’t a company be concerned with your skills and accomplishments?

"Remember, clothing always makes a statement…"

It is often the little things that make a difference in a successful interview.  This is not the time to have a chip on your shoulder that says, "I’ll dress any way I like." You will have the competitive edge if you present yourself in a neat, conservative, and professional way.  Dress any way you want on your own time.