What to know

You should look your best when you go to a job interview. Dress one-step above the dress required for the job. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one. Remember, first impressions are formed when the interviewer first sees and greets you. You need to look professional, confident, and competent.

To help you decide what to wear to an interview, you might decide to visit the company and notice what people are wearing. This is very important because you want to make sure your interview clothes are appropriate for the job your are applying for and its location. Do not wear a suit to an interview at a construction site, and do not wear jeans and a sport coat to an office setting. You will find differences in the way people dress depending on the industry. It is always better to find yourself over-dressed than under-dressed for an interview.

 

Try to think ahead to the interview. There is a real possibility that you will be required to perform a task, so make sure you are prepared. For instance, if you are applying for a job as a welder, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills on the spot. You should have your work clothes and tools available.

 

GUIDELINES

 

Dress for Men

Use the following list to check yourself prior to an interview. You may want to seek an opinion from someone in the field, for which you are interviewing.

  • Hair should be trimmed, neat and clean. Have a clean shave. If you wear a beard or mustache, be sure to trim it neatly.
  • Wear glasses with clear lenses. Do not wear sunglasses with dark tint or mirrors.
  • Wear no more than one ring on each hand and a watch. Cover or remove any body piercings.
  • Depending on the position you are applying for, wear:
    • Collared shirt and casual pants; or
    • Dark jacket; coordinating slacks; white or light color dress shirt and coordinating tie; or
    • Button down dress shirt and conservative tie; coordinating dress pants; or
    • Collared shirt; coordinating slacks; or
    • A dark color suite, white or a light color dress shirt and a coordinating tie.
    • The tip of the tie should come to the center of the belt buckle.
    • Nails should be clean, cut short, and filed.
    • Clean and polished conservative dress shoes with dark socks. Work boots may be appropriate for some job interviews.
    • Minimal or no aftershave, perfume, cologne, or strong smelling deodorants, and no smoking.
    • Avoid chewing gum and candy.
    • You can carry a portfolio or slim briefcase.

 

Dress for Women

Use the following list to check yourself prior to an interview. You may also want to seek an opinion from someone in the field in which you are interviewing.

  • Hair should be clean, out of your face, or tied back, and professional.
  • Makeup should be simple – avoid bright colors or too heavy application.
  • Wear glasses with clear lenses. Do not wear sunglasses with dark tints or mirrors.
  • Wear simple earrings and minimal jewelry; remove any other facial piercings; no more than one ring per hand; no more than one bracelet.
  • Depending upon the position you are applying for, wear;
    • A blouse, preferably with long sleeves, in white, cream, or a pastel; coordinating skirt in an appropriate length or trousers in a solid color or conservative print or pattern; or
    • A jacket in a solid color or conservative pattern; coordinating blouse and skirt in an appropriate length, or trousers; or
    • A seasonal business suit in a solid color or conservative pattern with a skirt, or trousers; blouse in a solid color or a pastel; skirt should come to the knee.
    • Nails should be short to medium length; manicured with light or clear polish.
    • Medium heels.
    • Avoid open toes or back shoes.
    • Avoid strong smelling deodorant, perfume, or cologne; no smoking.
    • Avoid chewing gum or candy.
    • Carry either a portfolio or purse – not both.

    Go to www.TADPGS.com, click on the “Looking for People” tab, then view “Veterans Solutions” to see more for information on our Veterans Solutions for Employers. Please feel free to join our LinkedIn group, Veterans Hiring Solutions for Veterans and Companies at http://linkd.in/Sg346w. If you have specific questions about hiring veterans or the incentives for doing so, contact me at Ben.Marich@Adeccona.com.