There are a few simple rules of thumb to keep in mind when it comes to selecting the right clothes for that all-important job interview. Let's face it-People make all kinds of instinctive judgments about others based on first impressions, and the potential boss interviewing job candidate is no different. With so much riding on the first impression you present to a prospective employer, the question, "what to wear?" takes on greater significance than usual in a job interview.

When it comes time to pick a suit for the interview, here's the rule: Think conservative. A traditional dark blue or a dark gray suit with pinstripes is a great way to present an air of confidence and aptitude, without straying at all from the bounds of good taste. For upper- and middle-level executive positions, an accompany vest may very well be in order. Also, when picking a suit, consider the image you wish to present. According to men's fashion experts, a pinstripe suit makes you seem more authoritative, while a solid suit will make you more likable.



When it comes time to pick out a shirt, here's the rule: You can't go wrong with white. This is especially true if you are unsure about the personality of the person with whom you will be interviewing, as most candidates usually are. A white dress shirt makes sure you look properly business-like, without over dressing. If you feel you know you prospective employer well-enough that it would be appropriate to wear a shirt of light blue, or off-white, or even a shade of light green or pink, then you can certainly do so. Just remember to stick with solid-colors.

Finally, the tie you choose will help cement your image in the mind of the interviewer. Make sure you know how to tie a tie and also know the rules on ties: No cartoons. Hopefully, you already have a good selection of ties and among that collection a variety of ties that would be appropriate for a job interview, and unless your interview is in the fashion or music industry, you'll want to select a tie in a conservative color with a traditional pattern. And it is usually best to stay away from ties decorated with your favorite logo. Just imagine showing up at the job interview with your Red Sox tie around your neck only to see the signed Derek Jeter jersey on the office wall during the interview.

The most important thing during any job interview is presenting your self as a capable person, worthy of the job. The clothes you choose to wear go a long way in helping you get that point across.

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Now go out there and get that job!

shouldn't this be in fashion?

Moved to Fashion

That's good advice, but I think you should also take into consideration what kind of job you are planning on doing.

are you implying that only guys need to go out and get jobs...?

TSK

-removed for advertising

No advertising lame-o.


Doiink, if you want women to be included, do it yourself. Or move this to Boys Locker Room.

chill, not that serious.

Gents word of advice:

When you are going to interview for a business position i.e. wall streetish, wear a grey or a blue suit.

umm, I am chill. Just gave you a suggestion.

Gather 'round, let me tell you a little story.

Back in March, I had an interview for grad school. I didn't know what to wear. I didn't want to wear a nice suit and look like a total douche, but I didn't want to be too casual, either. I wanted to make a good impression. This place had the potential to pay me upwards of $1360/month. $1360! Shit, I should be so lucky! That's $16,320/year before taxes? How many college graduates do you know that are making $16,320/year? Yeah, that's what I thought. So naturally, I wanted to dress to impress.

But then I realized a very important point: I'm just more comfortable in every day clothes. It's a fact. Maybe it's a personality flaw, I don't know. So when I went to the interview, I wore my favorite Robot Dance Contest t-shirt with my faded bootcut Levi's and my World Industries sneakers (I'm not a skater, I just play one on TV). I had neglected to bring conditioner and my hotel had really hard water, so my shoulder-length locks were frizzy and unkempt. I also didn't feel like shaving, and hadn't felt like shaving in the past week, so my beard was in disarray, too.

You know what happened? I got an offer to join their Ph.D. program.

But that's because comp sci people just don't give a shit about clothes. They do give a shit about beards, though. That, and the chair of the department was wearing a t-shirt, cargo shorts, and sandals, and had an amazing beard. He pretty much looked like this:



So anyway, I'm not really sure what I'm trying to say. But I think the words of wisdom are: "Don't do what I did, unless you're getting an advanced degree in computer science."

Or because they know you're awesome. Congrats, by the way, if I haven't already told you that a hundred times.

Thanks.