What to Wear for Men – The Job Interview
Pressure's On! You Got the Interview... Now What Clothes to Choose?
Oct 11, 2008
Applying for employment can be very stressful, and the most difficult part of the process for many people is the dreaded interview – the face-to-face that surely determines whether or not you will land the position.
To Suit Up, or Not to Suit Up?
The wardrobe you will be wearing to your interview will vary, obviously, depending on the context of the position you are applying for. The best rule of thumb that one can remember for all interviews is to dress one step up from whatever the dress code may be for those employees already on payroll at the workplace in question. If the job is for a position in an office where neckties and dress shirts are de rigeur, absolutely wear a full suit to the interview. However, if the position is for a job at a local fast food establishment, a nice collared shirt and pair of casual pants might be more appropriate. Gents, make sure to tuck in your shirt – this isn't the place for experimentation with convention in this regard.
What Kind of Ensemble is Best?
Assuming that you will be wearing a suit to your interview, the best policy is to dress according to the position itself.
For sales and marketing types – a bold pinstriped suit with a power tie is definitely in order. For example, a navy two-buttoned suit with a chalkstripe paired with a sky blue shirt and striped or paisley gold tie would be a very powerful and confident corporate look.
For human resources and other internal divisions, a more reserved look might be in order – perhaps a tan or taupe suit matched alongside an ivory shirt and a chocolate or bronze patterned tie. This is a more conservative or mature look, a more youthful approach might be to substitute a navy suit in lieu of the taupe in this instance.
Executives and managerial positions dictate a black suit, with a preferably white or french blue dress shirt, with the tie left to one's imagination. There is a little less wiggle room in these types of interviews given that the position one is applying for is typically more serious.
Be sure in all of the above cases that the suit is well-tailored. This point cannot be stressed enough as an ill-fitting suit promotes a slovenly image. It is better to have one suit of quality than three that look like assorted bits and pieces!
For the Less Formal Interview
Interviews for positions in most trades as well as in the service industries are fairly informal, although this is no excuse to slouch! At the very least, all interviews dictate a well-pressed collared shirt and a pair of dress or dress-casual pants. Jeans paired with a sportshirt and blazer can also be a very effective and youthful statement – a navy blazer is usually best as it works well with denim and is a tad less formal than jet black, and a tan blazer may seem a bit out of place on younger men unless it is worn with authority and confidence.
Putting the Right Foot Forward
Sneakers are completely out of the question in any interview situation, no matter what the context. Dress shoes or boots should be worn with all of the aforementioned garments, from denim jeans to full suits – and should be treated with beeswax (in the case of leather) to remove scuffs and to keep the leather full and supple. Shoddy shoes, shoddy appearance.
Put the right foot forward, speak clearly, think about any questions you need time to answer before speaking, do not rush into an answer without considering it first. Answering questions off-the-cuff or carelessly can lead to follow-up questions that you are simply not prepared for.
The best and final piece of advice is to simply be yourself, sell yourself based on your merits and your demeanour – and above all be friendly and polite!
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