Clothing for Interviews

Different jobs require different styles of dress. However, there is basically one universal code of dress for a job interview. That is to dress conservatively. Traditional styles are most important for a job interview, regardless of the type of job that you are applying for. Following are some "dos and don’ts" for selecting the right type of interview outfit.

Formal Professional Wear: Do wear a simple tailored skirt, matching jacket and blouse. This is always the best choice. A tailored dress is acceptable if it is worn with a jacket, but it is still the second choice to a good suit.

Examples of Jobs

• Bank teller
  
• Computer operator
  
• Counselor officer
  
• Clerk
  
• Retail sales person

Informal Professional Wear: In jobs that are not so formal, like factory or maintenance work, plan to dress a few notches above the clothing you might normally wear on that job. A skirt, slacks and a blouse or a dress are the best choice.

Examples of Jobs

• Bus driver
  
• Childcare provider
  
• Fast food server
  
• Maintenance
  
• Nursing aid

Do’s and Don’ts for Interview Dress

• Do wear a skirt or dress whenever possible. Pants are not the best choice for a job interview, even in a casual working environment. If pants are worn, they should be slacks that have a crease. Never wear stretch, form fitting or denim pants.
  
• Don’t wear jeans, denim outfits, tank tops, shorts or other very casual clothing.
  
• Don’t wear it if you are in doubt about wearing it.
  
• Don’t wear anything too short, too tight or too sexy. If your clothing or lack of clothing distracts a business associate, they may have trouble taking you seriously. Skirt length should be no more
  than two inches above the knee.
  
• Don’t wear your skirt too short. Even if short is fashionable, you don’t want to draw attention to your thighs. Keep your skirt length at or below your knee. Sometimes opaque hose can mask a too short skirt.

Interview Tip: Avoid crossing your legs, especially if you are wearing a short skirt.

• Don’t show too much skin. This means cleavage as well as arms. So this means staying away from low-cut and sleeveless tops and also sheer fabrics.
  
• Do wear traditional daytime fabrics. Don’t wear satin, velvet, glittery or leather fabrics.
  
• Don’t wear iridescent or neon colors.
  
• Do wear pleasant colors – women have a wide choice in beautiful colors. Most are acceptable on interviews.
  

The best color choices for an interview outfit:

Grey or navy – An excellent color especially for conservative organizations.
Blue – A favored color especially if being interviewed by a male.
Black – Can be perceived as being "too strong" for an interview. If black is worn, soften the color by using white or pastel accents.

Accent colors:

White, cream, light grey or blue – Good neutral colors for blouse or shirt.
Yellow – Gives impression of a productive and creative person.
Red – A powerful color for small accents such as a scarf.
Orange – A good accent color encourages conversation.