Dress for Success


First impressions can make a difference in getting or not getting the job! The way you are dressed and carry yourself are the first image employers have of you as you walk in the room for an interview. Good attire, grooming, and positive body language tell prospective employers that you are confident and serious about working for their company.

Clothing Choices

Men

  • Navy, dark gray, or black suit
  • White shirt for 1st interview
  • May wear the same suit for 2nd interview with colored shirt-(blue is best) and different tie
  • Hang suit on a good quality hanger
  • Minimize the number of times suit is dry cleaned. Ruins the shoulder pads. Better to spot clean and hang outside to air
  • Tie should be belt length
  • Belt and shoe color should match
  • Dark socks that match suit
  • Dress shoes
  • 3 button suit coat-button top 2 buttons
  • If you don't have a suit navy blazer with cuffed olive, taupe, dark gray or khaki slacks
  • Tie should pick up color from slacks and shirt

Women

  • Best to wear a skirted suit for 1st interview-black, navy, dark gray, forest green.
  • Skirt length-no shorter than a 3” above the knee. Knee-length or longer is better
  • Best to wear heels with a suit, but practice walking in them if you don't wear heals often. 2-2 1/2" heels are best-should be closed toe and closed heel
  • Conservative neckline for blouse
  • Neutral color hosiery
  • Best to wear only 1 or 2 rings
  • For 2nd interview may wear skirt and blazer or pant suit, if appropriate for business. Observe what people are wearing during first interview to determine most appropriate dress for 2nd interview

Other Interview Tips

  • Be on time -10 minutes early, but don't arrive too early
  • 4 for Hello: Smile, Firm handshake, Direct eye contact, Hello and self introduction
  • No body piercing other than earrings-no more than 2 per ear for women
  • Cover tattoos
  • If you have long hair, wear it so that it doesn't fall in face-tie all or part of it back
  • Turn your cell phones off or leave them in your car
  • Don't wear bright red nail polish
  • Women if you cross legs, cross them at the ankles, not the knees

Selected Online Resources

 

(NOTE: Links to non-UNI Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement)