Basic Job Interview Attire

Charlie interviews are stressful enough experiences without having to worry about what to wear. So instead of spending your time agonizing over the perfect wardrobe choices focus on these key rules to help you make the right clothing decisions leaving you free to come up with the best interview answers.

Keep it Simple
An interview is not the time to show your personality through novelty clothing choices. Leave those ties your kids got you for Father’s Day at home and keep your wardrobe choices simple. The less complex your choice in wardrobe the better. Remember you want your interviewer focusing their attention on your qualifications and answers rather than your sense of fashion and style.

As far as colors go strongly consider a neutral palette of grays, navy blues, blacks and whites with color accents if you feel that a little bit of flash is appropriate. Pocket square and solid colored ties are a fantastic way to add a little bit of personality to a conservative wardrobe choice. As a general guideline: best are suits in either charcoal or dark navy blue, the best shirt is a freshly pressed solid white one, shoes should be black and polished, the best ties are navy and burgundy. Keep your necktie designs classic and simple. Best are fine foulard patterns, classic “business-stripes�, and solid color ties.

Dress Up
It doesn’t matter if you’re interviewing for a blue-collar position, white-collar position or gold collar positions; you want to dress for success. Nothing says hard-working employee better than a suit and tie. Under no circumstances should you show up for an interview in anything that resembles a casual dress outfit.

If you can’t afford a suit, or you feel that for whatever reason it would be far too dressy for the occasion; you can substitute the suit for a smartly pressed dress shirt and tie. This is generally considered acceptable for most blue-collar positions; though if you really want to stand out consider wearing a blazer with your dress shirt.

Be Tidy and Clean
It does without saying that you should practice good personal hygiene on interview day however keep in mind that cleanliness should extend to your cloths as well as your body. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothing well pressed and there are no visible frays exposed on any seams. In essence your clothing should appear perfect. The less distractions to your interviewer the more time he or she can focus on your qualifications. Keep in mind that you want to make a professional impression right of the bat. Usually it is those first impressions that will dictate the rest of the interview.

Related Topics:
Style Tips for Casual Fridays
The Perfect Interview Tie
Choosing the Right Neckties

Your Cheap-Neckties Team