For Women:

• Shoes- Don’t wear shoes that have heels over two inches tall. Don’t wear hosiery and shoes that are darker than your outfit. Wear skin-colored hosiery when you’re wearing short sleeves in the summer.  

• Outfit– You can’t go wrong with a dark two- piece suit, but professional-looking dresses are also acceptable. Choose dark, solid colors and avoid pastels or printed fabrics. Invest in good-quality fabrics that hang well and don’t choose material that would be too clingy or sheer. Avoid blouses that are too low-cut. A skirt should not be shorter than two inches above your knees.

• Jewelry- This is a time to show restraint and use real jewelry if you have it. The amount of jewelry you wear should not exceed one ring per hand, small earrings, a watch, a bracelet, and a single-strand necklace. A pin is acceptable if it’s simple and not flashy or romantic-looking.  

• Makeup- Make sure to go light on the make-up and wear neutral tones. No blue eye shadow or eyeliner. You want to look conservative, so don’t wear the same amount of makeup you’d wear for a weekend out with friends. 

• Piercings and tattoos- Make sure that you don’t have any visible tattoos. Remove any jewelry from piercings except for an earring in each ear. 

• Accessories- Your handbag should match your shoes and belt if you’re wearing one.  

• Fingernails- Make sure your fingernails are immaculately clean and not too long. Nail polish should be very subtle and match the rest of your outfit.  

For Men:

• Suits- Wear a professionally pressed, two-piece suit in a dark color, with a long-sleeved, buttoned-down shirt that’s been dry-cleaned. Add a conservative silk tie with a small pattern or stripes. Always wear an undershirt under your dress shirts.

• Shoes- Wear all-leather dress shoes that match your belt. Casual loafers or boots are not dressy enough. Wear dark socks that cover your calves.  

• Limit yourself to a watch and a wedding band or single ring. Do not wear any earrings or bracelets. Make sure to adjust the settings on your watch if it chimes or makes noise. 

• Piercings and tattoos- Nothing in this category should be visible.  

• Fingernails- Make sure your fingernails are immaculately clean and trimmed.  

Rules for Everyone:

• Invest in a good haircut. For men this means short and neat. For women, something out of your face and neat.

• Remember that blue is the favorite color of the majority of Americans.  

• Polish your shoes. Make sure there are no scuffs and that shoes look as if they are new. 

• Go easy on the scents. Wear very light perfume or cologne or none at all. 

• Make sure to turn off your cell phone before entering the interview site. 

• Bring paper and a pen to take notes.  Consider investing in a portfolio to carry items.

• Dress for the job you want, not the job you’re applying for. Even if you’re too dressed up, you’ll show the interviewer that you take them seriously.