Job Guide
 

The Interview: Appearance, Delivery and Substance

You completed an application, developed a professional resume and submitted a cover letter. It is now time to focus on what is most important during an interview. Did you know that 93% of what is most important during an in-person presentation is appearance and delivery; the other 7% accounts for your words.

You may be surprised to find out that it’s not what you say, but rather what you look like when you say it and how you say it. Below are appropriate interview appearance, outfit, fabric, color and accessory guidelines for men and women:

Men

Appearance

  • Well-groomed (haircut, clean-shaven, nails trimmed, soft hands)
  • Lightly apply cologne
  • Brush lint or hair from clothing after dressing

Outfit

  • Suit pant and suit jacket
  • Dress shirt
  • Tie
  • Belt
  • Dark socks
  • Dress shoes

Fabric

  • Wool
  • Linen
  • Cotton

Color

  • Solid colors for suit pant and suit jacket
  • Blue – perceived honesty and grey – perceived leadership

Accessories

  • Conservative cufflinks – nothing too flashy/distracting
  • Tie is focal point of outfit so choose a tie that isn’t too flashy – does your tie scream out confident, dependable and honest?
  • Don’t wear too many rings, chains or bracelets as it will take away from your overall professional appearance and delivery.

Women

Appearance

  • Apply light make-up
  • Pull hair back
  • Lightly apply perfume
  • Brush lint or hair from clothing after dressing

Outfit

  • Suit pant and suit jacket
  • Skirt and suit jacket
  • Dress (to knees) with blazer jacket
  • Blouse
  • Medium heeled pumps with closed toes.
  • Hosiery – skin tone.

Fabric

  • Wool
  • Linen
  • Cotton
  • Do not wear shiny, see-through or suede.

Color

  • Solid colors for suit pant and suit jacket
  • Blue – perceived honesty and grey – perceived leadership

Accessories

  • Conservative cufflinks – nothing too flashy/distracting
  • Necklace and pin is focal point of outfit so choose wisely – ensure that your necklace and pin do not take away from your overall professional appearance and delivery.
  • Don’t wear too many rings, necklaces or bracelets as it will take away from your overall professional appearance and delivery.

The above list is the conservative or normal approach to an interview. We encourage that you research about the company for which you will interview and present yourself most appropriate and acceptable to that company’s dress code and culture.

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