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Men’s Interview Attire
While many work environments have shifted to business casual as the workday standard, business suits are still the standard for interviews. Although looks and appearances aren’t everything, first impressions can count for a lot. It’s very difficult to overcome a poor first impression, regardless of your knowledge or years of expertise in the field. When in doubt about what to wear, it is best to stay conservative and dress one or two levels higher than the job that you’re going for.
For those of you, who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines for successful men’s interview attire:
A good choice for men’s suits is one that is made of 100% wool blend in dark colors, such as blues, grays and blacks. Avoid wearing suits that are made of 100% synthetic fiber and are in brown because this will make your image look cheap and weak.
Keep in mind when you are standing and walking, you should have all the buttons fasten on single-breasted jacket or double breasted jacket. In the case, you wear a single-breasted jacket (which is the most preferred choice) fasten the top of 2 buttons or the middle button (if there is an odd number of buttons on your suit). With double breasted jacket, all the buttons should be fastened. Never wear a sports coat to an interview.
Underneath the suit jacket, wear a good quality, particularly 100% cotton long sleeve shirt. Wearing a short-sleeve shirt for any job interview or for any business purpose will destroy your executive image. White shirts are more formal, while colored shirts, especially in shades of blue shirts give off a more causal appearance. Also, wear an undershirt to keep a dress shirt from feeling itchy against the skin, to preserve the shirt from perspiration and to give body to a dress shirt.
If you are unsure about the industry’s fashion culture, you could inquire about the dress code while setting up the interview. An Armani coat and tie may not be required if you discover the dress code is causal, then you might be able to wear a nice and high quality cable-knit sweater.
The tie is your opportunity to show your personality within limits. Choose a silk tie with a conservative pattern that will complement and enhance your attire. Avoid wearing a tie with graphic images or patterns in extreme colors. Remember that your tie should reach the top of your belt.
Invest in a good pair if black leather lace-up shoes rather than wearing an ordinary pair of slip-on loafers. Lace-ups adds a bit more authority to your attire, while slip-on can make an entire outfit look very causal. Also don’t make the common mistake of wearing white socks with shoes— avoid this at all costs! Wear dark color socks, particularly in blue, black or gray; socks should be long enough for you to cross your legs without showing off bare skin.
Generally, men should always wear a belt with their suit. It should be 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches wide and should be the same color as your shoes.
Leave your chains, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pinky rings at home. Wedding rings are the only jewelry allowed for a man to wear in many cases. Also, stay away from bulky sports watches, digital watches, and watches with cheap metal bands. Bring a high quality pen to finish off your polished image.
It’s a good idea to get a short haircut with short sideburns before an interview. Most companies, particularly in the medical field have specific guidelines regarding the accepted length of men’s hair around the collar.
Since some people may dislike facial hair, it is best to shave before your interview. Also pay attention to trimming any nose or ear hairs too!
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