Job interview dress code: Men, Part 2 of a 2-part series
Job interview dress code: Men, Part 2 of a 2-part series
Last week we visited the do’s and don’ts of interview attire for women. While it may seem that women have more room for error than men simply because of the array of fashion choices, men can flub an interview based on appearance just as easily. With some preparation, though, your attire can accentuate your polished professional image as soon as you walk through the door of a prospective employer.
Suit or sport coat
The job and position for which you are applying sets the tone for how you dress. Joyce Richman, a career coach and columnist for Triad Careers, says it’s usually safe to wear slacks and a sport coat instead of a suit. If you are interviewing for an executive position, however, a suit is the more appropriate choice.
“Your image conveys the job you will do,” Richman says. “You can’t hurt yourself by dressing too conservatively. If you make a mistake, you want to make it more in that direction. If you go too casual, it could hurt your chances.”
Kimberly Lee, an image consultant and owner of All About Image in Gibsonville, says to dress more conservatively no matter what the job. She recommends single-breasted suits as opposed to the double-breasted style.
“The idea for today is more business casual, but you don’t want to dress down. I recommend a suit even if applying at a company (whose employees dress) more as if they are going golfing every day,” she says.
No matter which option you choose, you want your ensemble to be clean, neat and pressed. Who cares if you are wearing a name-brand suit if it is rumpled and smells musty?
Shoes
Scuffed shoes signal you didn’t put a lot of time into preparing for your interview. New shoes can be expensive, but while thrift shops are an ideal place to find dress shoes for much less, they typically need elbow grease and shoe polish to get them looking new again and in good repair. Shoes should be neutral in color and style, and should match the belt.
Socks
Try on your outfit before the interview. Sit down in front of a mirror. Do the legs of your pants ride up and expose a strip of hairy flesh between the bottom of the pants and your sock line? If so, make sure to wear a pair of socks that stays over your calves.
Ties
You don’t want to distract, so opt for a more conservative look. Lee says to stay away from flashy or large-patterned ties. “Patterns are OK, but they should be subdued or small,” she says. “If you are going for a managerial position, a muted red tie conveys being in control.”
While you do not have to purchase a new tie, do make sure your tie is the appropriate width and doesn’t look like something taken from a vintage clothes collection. Lee notes that a tie that is too thin, too long or too wide can emphasize any paunch you may have. A tie clip is an antiquated accessory, so keep that out of your ensemble.
Cologne and general hygiene
While you want to smell good, try to refrain from overdosing with heavy cologne. Eat bland meals before an interview so that the garlic bread you love doesn’t leave evidence later. Check for dandruff. Trim your beard or facial hair. Body odor, which can intensify with nerves, can be a killer. Carry a lint brush in your car and give yourself a once-over before entering the appointment. Use a dissolvable breath mint right before entering the interview. But don’t chew gum.
Tattoos can be a distraction for some. If you wish to highlight yours, Richman says, focus your job search on more progressive companies where tattoos are celebrated and welcomed.
Briefcase
Streamline by carrying everything in one slender folio, Richman advises. Bulky briefcases increase the odds that you’ll fumble around to find what you need — not exactly a sign of a capable, organized professional.
What colors convey
Color choices speak volumes, so let your clothing enhance your image, not dull it, says image consultant Kimberly Lee of All About Image in Gibsonville. Here are her guidelines for how certain colors can be perceived:
■ Brown: Demonstrates that the job candidate is friendly, open and at ease with people.
■ Black or dark navy blue: Shows that you mean business, that you are in control, especially for men when paired with a red tie. The higher the position, the darker the suit, Lee recommends.
■ Charcoal gray: Comes across as passive but still professional.
■ Hunter green or other colored outfits: Not taken seriously.
