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What is the proper way to dress for an interview?

I have had quite a few interviews in the past where I always wore a nice polo collard shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. It was never anything different. However, now that I am graduating and taking on a "real professional" interview I guess we should say, do I need to change up my attire? Do I now wear a suit and tie for every interview I get the privilege to attend? To my expectations the answer is yes, but I would just like to know from your point of view. #career #interviews #dress-for-success

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Daniela’s Answer

Hi Mitchel,


Don't worry - you don't have to spend a lot of money or pour through fashion magazines to figure out what to wear to your interview. Fortunately, men's fashion is relatively straightforward. Using a few basic pieces, it's easy to put together an outfit that is stylish, professional and tasteful.


While interviews at startup companies or for non-professional jobs signify a more casual look, if you're interviewing for a professional position, it's important that you stick with a formal look.



  • A well-fitting grey blazer or sportscoat works in both a business formal and business casual environment. Dressed up with a colorful button down and tie, and layered with a cardigan, the look is modern and stylish but still work-place appropriate.


Not sure if the company you're interviewing at requires a business casual, or business formal type of dress? Find the middle ground with a khaki blazer and coordinating pants.




  • A khaki blazer is less harsh than a black or grey suit coat. It's a great piece because it straddles the boundary between business casual and business formal.




  • Layer a sweater with a button down for the most dependable business casual look. A navy sweater is a good choice, as it matches many different shirt colors. Pair the layered top with khakis, grey chinos or even dark wash jeans (in a less formal environment, such as at a startup company) for an easy interview outfit.




  • Ties don't have to be boring. Although you should avoid anything too flashy, such as "novelty" ties with bizarre prints, don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected colors - like the burgundy ties here, for example. A "statement" tie like one of these works well with a button down sans blazer, which can be a good choice in a dressier business casual environment.




Much more tips in:


https://www.thebalance.com/interview-outfits-for-men-2061090


Have a good choice!
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Paul A’s Answer

Why not frame the picture and enhance its greatness! :-)

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Imane’s Answer

Hi Mitchell;
I would advise in general to wear a suit with a skirt or pants. it's is more secure to be conservative and formal.
You might want to choose a dark color so avoid bright colors, animal prints, or anything flashy or bright.
Be simple so keep your jewelry and hair accessories to a minimum :)
Finally, your clothing should always be neat and pressed, it will give a good impression to your interviewer.


Good Luck !


Imane
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John’s Answer

Mitchel,


Ask the interviewer or recruiter. This is a totally valid question to ask, and communicates to them that you are trying to properly prepare for their interview.


When I lived in D.C, the expectation was to wear a suit and tie for almost any type of interview. When I interviewed for my current job at Google, fortunately I asked, because their expectation was jeans and a collared shirt.

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Ken’s Answer

Hi Mitchell!


Here is some good advice from Michigan State University:
http://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs-internships/appearance-and-attire/dressing-for-interviews.html
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Veronica’s Answer

Before you pick out you job interview, there are things you need to consider. I went to job interviews where I wore a suit and did not get the job.

Veronica recommends the following next steps:

Research your industry. Unless you are trying to get a job in finance, government or law, do not wear a suit.
Research the company's culture. Some companies have a formal, conservative dress while others have more laid back dress code.
It always keep this in mind. No matter what you wear, much sure you outfit is clean, wrinkle-free, no holes, not too loose and not too tight.
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Keenan’s Answer

Mitchell, I definitely recommend having a nice suit(s) for your interviews, unless the prospective employer explicitly states that other attire is appropriate. While your dress is not the only one factor used in the hiring decision, it can have an impact on the interviewers overall impression of your professionalism. In some instances, this may be the first time the interviewer sees you, so your physical appearance will give the first impression. While most employers do not expect its candidates to have expensive or flashy dress attire, the employers do expect the candidate to be professionally presentable. So this would be apparel that is clean, ironed (not wrinkle), and preferably nice fit (not oversized clothing). I do realize that some students may not have the finances to afford nice new outfits. So you can always consider a second hand store or other options to find inexpensive clothing.
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