FAQs of Professional Dress

Q: Why are dark suits recommended for interviews?

Black and navy have traditionally been viewed as "power colors", or colors that help the wearer project an image of confidence and credibility.  Suits in lighter colors such as tan, green or brown are thought to deliver a weaker image.  Light-colored suits are appropriate for everyday office attire, but always make sure to wear a dark suite when you need to command attention.

Q: Should women wear pants or a skirt as part of a suit?

This is an issue that draws quite a bit of debate.  Most recruiters agree that either would be appropriate, as long as whichever option you choose is well tailored and matches your jacket.

Some argue that wearing a skirt to an interview may draw attention to your gender, which could have a positive or negative outcome.  Wearing a skirt is a good strategy because it may set you apart from other candidates, the majority of which will probably be wearing pantsuits.  However, if your skirt is shorter than knee-length, you may send the wrong message, warranting negative attention rather than positive.

Pants are a safe option if you are worried about the length or appropriateness of your skirt.  Just make sure pants are not tight-fitting, and that they match the material and color of your jacket.

Q: Why should I wear my long hair away from my face?

It is recommended that hair longer than shoulder-length be pulled away from the face for several reasons:

First, the focus during the interview should always be on your face.  This is the reason why interview attire is so plain and simple; it's almost like a uniform.  Dressing this way allows your skills and talents to be showcased rather than flashy accessories and outlandish hairstyles.  When you hair is pulled away from the face, the interviewer can focus on your face, rather than the hair that surrounds it.

Second, wearing you hair pulled back keeps you from having to constantly push it out of the way during the interview.  Many women nervously touch, twirl or smooth their hair during interviews.  Pulling it away from your face keeps you from engaging in those nervous habits that drive interviewers crazy!

Q: You say I should carry a briefcase- what should I carry in it?

One of the rules of interviewing is to never carry more than you need.  But also be aware that if you carry a briefcase, you must be prepared to answer if a forward interviewer asks what's in it!

Obviously, make sure that everything in your briefcase or portfolio pertains to the interview.  Avoid keeping magazines (unless they are related to your field), photographs, clothing or personal items in your briefcase.  The last thing you wsant is to open your briefcase and place your entire life on display at that same time.

Some items to carry in your briefcase include: extra copies of your resume, your portfolio, a legal pad or professioanl notebook, your planner, a lint brush, writing instrumentsand your eye glasses.  Avoid any items that involve your personal life.

Q: I will be working in a creative field.  What should my professional wardrobe look like?

There are a few career fields out there where self-expression is acceptable, or even encouraged.  For example, if you are planning to work in the area of fashion retail, you will probably want to showcase some of your knowledge of style through your professional wardrobe.  Likewise, showing individuality while pursuing employment in an art-related field will be much more accepted than if you are seeking employment as an accountant or lab scientist. 

If you are working in a field like retail, public relations, advertising and design, dressing with a certain amount of creativity will let employers know that you will fit into their energetic and innovative work environment.

However, interviews for creative fields still warrant a certain level of professionalism.  This is not the time to go all out with trends or colors; rather, you should express your creative side through small pieces and details.  For example, you may choose to wear a bold color underneath a traditional suit, or a tie or piece of jewelry that catches the eye.  But the same rules still apply- conservative neckline and skirt lengths.

Q: I will be pursuing a career in a casual field.  Should I still wear a suit to the interview?

Business suits seem out of place in areas like education, nursing, social work or technology.  People working in these fields generally dress slightly more casual than their business-related counterparts.  But avoid letting these assumptions guide you away from professional interview attire...

As mentioned before, interviews call for added effort.  Wearing a suit will show the employer that you take the opportunity seriously and that you are willing to do what it takes to make a good impression when needed.  Although you may wear casual clothing to work after getting the job, it is important for employers to realize that you will dress appropriately for more formal occasions that may arise in the future.

Play it on the safe side and wear expected interview attire to land the job first; then inquire about the dress code after the offer is made.

Q: Should I still wear a suit if it is hot outside?

Unfortunately, yes.  If you will be interviewing during the summer months, make sure to select a suit that is made of lightweight fabric (cotton, linen blends, etc.).  You may find that although you are hot outside, most offices are kept at a cool temperature.  You will be comfortable once inside.

Wearing a lighter shirt underneath your suit will help you to stay cool as well.  Hang your interview jacket in you car while driving to the interview.  You can make a stop at the restroom before the interview to put it on.

Q: Why is it recommended that I avoid wearing cologne?

It feels strange to get all dressed up and not to spray a little cologne or perfume.  But interview day is a good day to leave the bottle on the shelf.  Scent triggers emotions for some people, and can easily offend others.  Many people are also allergic or sensitive to strong scents.  Imagine wearing musk cologne to an interview when the interviewer despises the scent of musk!  No matter how impressive a candidate you are, the interviewer may not be able to get past the fact that he or she was miserable throughout the entire interview smelling that scent!  Don't risk it; it's not worth losing the job over.

Q: Why do I have to remove my facial piercing?  Aren't people supposed to look past physical appearance?

We grow up being taught to not focus on physical appearances and to judge people based in character.  For this reason, it is difficult for many college students to understand why their appearance makes such an impression on employers during the job search.

During college, it was acceptable t have multiple piercings, dyed hair and tattoos.  It probably wasn't difficult to blend in or find other students with piercings and body art.  But in the world of work, these little details can cost you a job or promotion.  Not everyone is able to look past appearances, and you must accept the fact that employers and colleagues will make judgments about your abilities within minutes of meeting you.  These judgments, unfortunately, will be based largely on what they see.

Most employers, when interviewing, are trying to picture the candidate in front of them as a member of their workforce.  If they are unable to visualize the candidate as an employee, the chances of the candidate getting an offer are slim.  For this reason, it is extremely important that you make every effort to present yourself as a responsible, mature and capable candidate.  Employers have the right to create policies regarding appearance, and you as an employee must adhere to them if you choose to work in a particular setting.