Dress

Men

  • Suit
    • Solid colors (navy or charcoal gray). Avoid black and light colors.
    • 100% wool is preferred. Single breasted (2 or 3 buttons). No vests.
    • Flat or pleated front pant, cuffed or uncuffed are both acceptable.
    • Fit is important.
  • Shirt
    • White, long sleeve, cotton.
    • Iron and starched professionally.
  • Tie
    • Pure silk.
    • Width of tie should match width of your lapels.
    • Compliment the suit with color but avoid polka dots, pictures of animals, or sport symbols.
    • Length of tie should extend to your trouser belt.
    • The smaller the knot the better!
    • No bow ties.
  • Shoes
    • Black or brown leather only.
    • Lace-up wing tips or slip on dress styles only.
  • Socks
    • Same color as the suit.
    • Long enough to cross your legs without showing bare skin.
    • Elastic-reinforced, over the calf socks are the best choice.
  • Accessories
    • No matching pocket squares, carry a white handkerchief in back pocket.
    • If carrying a briefcase use a traditional brown or burgundy leather.
    • No "logo" belt buckles and your belt should match the color of your shoes.
    • Blue or gray suits should be accessorized with black belt and shoes.
  • Jewelry
    • Wedding band only - nothing else.
  • Overcoat
    • Avoid if possible.
    • Only beige or blue if you need to wear one.

Women

  • Suit
    • A 2-piece suit (skirt/jacket) or a suit dress with matching jacket is preferred.
    • Stay with traditional lengths, no more than 2" above the knee.
    • Solid and subtle colors (charcoal, medium gray, steel gray, navy blue). Plaids in these colors are fine.
    • Stay away from polyester blends. Wool and wool/gabardine are acceptable.
  • Blouses
    • Long sleeve.
    • Solid colors (white, cream, pale pink, soft yellow, light blue) in cotton or silk.
    • No front bows. Soft collar or button down only.
    • Modesty is needed here.
  • Scarves
    • Only wear one if it enhances the outfit.
    • Pure silk and small print.
  • Shoes
    • Leather.
    • Same color or darker than the suit (black, brown, navy, burgundy, forest green).
    • No two tones.
    • 2 1/2" heel maximum.
  • Hosiery
    • Neutral skin tones only, and keep a spare pair with you due to runs.
    • Never wear black hosiery.
  • Accessories
    • Purse or briefcase, never both.
    • Belts should match or complement the shoes, but as a functional item and shouldn't stand out.
  • Jewelry
    • Less is better.
    • Wedding or engagement rings only.
    • Necklaces and earrings should be subdued and professional-looking.
    • Single bracelet around the wrist is fine. No ankle bracelets, dangling earrings, jewelry with initials on it, big or fake looking styles.
  • Makeup
    • The more natural, the better.
    • Subtle eye makeup.
    • Use subdued colors sparingly to avoid paleness or washed-out looks.

Hygiene (Men and Women)

  • Bad breath, dandruff, body odor, and/or unmanicured/unclean nails can undo all your efforts in dressing appropriately.
  • Avoid colognes/perfumes.

Behavior and Demeanor

  • Take the lead from your interviewer; be assertive and dynamic but not overwhelming.
  • Firm handshake - one only.
  • Make eye contact and smile.
  • Say: "Hello Mr Jones, I am (Your Name), I have been looking forward to meeting you."
  • Never use first names unless they direct you to.
  • Never smoke.
  • Never sit down until invited.
  • Never look at watch, act bored.
  • Never ask about salary, vacation, or benefits (on first interview).
  • Never discuss religion, equal rights, sex, or race.

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