Job Attire

Even if you would or could wear jeans on the job, or the work environment is outdoors and a very non-suit environment, wearing a suit to the interview shows you take the interview seriously as a professional meeting. Dressing well is a compliment to the person(s) with whom you meet. If you think the industry in which you're interviewing would frown on a suit, or the interview will involve going to a work site where a suit would be inappropriate, look for advice through professional organizations, your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or by asking the employer directly and politely. One alternative is to wear pressed pants (like khakis) and a dark jacket; less formal than a suit, but still business-appropriate for both men and women.

Whether you are attending an interview for a post of a copywriter in an advertising agency or applying for the post of a manager in a production company, remember that professionalism and maturity is a given requirement in both professions - and a business casual or a formal dressing is just an indication of your maturity and professionalism. Trust us on this one; you cannot go wrong with a formal dressing on your interview - even if you are being interviewed for the post of a clown in the local circus.

The interview attire should be more or less formal. Job interview attires are meant to be professional and they definitely should not be discussed once the interviewee has left the office.

The job interview is not a singles bar where you have to go dressed skimpily. For the guys as well as the girls, remember that you are in a professional environment and what might be ok in the open might be frowned upon in the professional space and may even end up with you being given the don't call us, we will call you line.

Therefore, girls should let go of those miniskirts and men should refrain from wearing badly crafted denims. In fact, denims should not be worn at the interview at all. Always plan ahead and have a good looking trouser ready. The job interview attire for women is basically something that makes them feel comfortable and does not expose their bodies in a way that they would look vulgar or cheap.

► Hair:

Should be clean and neat.

► Shoes:

Should be in polished condition. Make sure heels are not worn.

► Details:

No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.

► Hands:

Clean fingernails.

► Fit:

Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly.

► Smell:

Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. Remember that some people have allergies/sensitivities; you'd hate for that to derail an interview. No odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke.

► Padfolios / business bags:

Always wise for holding paper to take notes and to hold other documents you may need to bring and receive. Business-like totes or small briefcases are also appropriate. But if you have no reason to carry a large briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.

► Backpacks, book bags:

Not appropriate for an on-site interview at the employer's location. For an on-campus interview, you can leave it in the waiting area, or discreetly place it behind your chair. If you are graduating, invest in a business-like tote/bag, so that you don't need to bring your school backpack to interviews.

A business-like tote bag is ideal for interviews and other professional occasions. It can carry your pad folio, extra copies of your resume and any other papers you might need, and personal items can be concealed within. A structured tote that will stand up when you set it on the floor is preferable to one that flops over (and potentially spills its contents). If you also carry a purse, keep it small and simple (so that you are not carrying two large bags); you might place your smaller purse within your larger tote. Tote/purse color should coordinate with your overall attire; it does not have to match your shoes, but should not clash in style and color. Your tote/purse can be leather, faux leather, micro fiber or a fine woven material. Avoid purses that look like beach/pool totes, have bold prints, or are partyish or little-girlish.

Much of what you see in entertainment media that masquerades for professional attire is not appropriate for a work environment. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated. Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just make sure they are narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb stairs comfortably. Don't purchase a skirt or decide on a hem length until you sit in the skirt facing a mirror. That's what your interviewer will see, and what others will see when you are seated in a waiting area prior to your interview. Ask yourself whether it will be distracting or reinforce your image as a person who looks appropriate for a business environment or gathering. High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small center-back slit in a knee-length skirt is appropriate. On a calf-length skirt, a slit to the knee to facilitate walking and stair climbing is appropriate. Practice walking, climbing stairs, sitting, and standing in your skirt with the shoes you will wear. Make sure you don't have to adjust or tug your skirt into place when you move.