Dress for interview success

For those of you who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines for successful interview dress:

Men and Women

* Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
* Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
* Clean, polished conservative shoes
* Well-groomed hairstyle
* Clean, trimmed fingernails
* Minimal cologne or perfume
* Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins
* 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 always fares best in interviews
* No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!)
* Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat and trimmed
* No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
* No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

Women

* Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses
* Shoes with conservative heels
* Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
* No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
* If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color
* Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable)
* No more than one ring on each hand
* One set of earrings only

If you are still unsure about the specifics, check out a copy of John Molloy's New Dress for Success or New Women's Dress for Success. While these books may seem to have a rather conservative slant, it is the norm in most of the professional marketplace. It is almost always better to be higher than the standard than lower.