Deborah OConnor April 14, 2014

By Deborah O’Connor
April 14, 2014



With graduation coming up, there are interviews going on in virtually every sector. This is the time to hone your interviewing skills. I received a pertinent question this week that can help many of you prepare for what may be the most important interview you may ever have.

Dear Ms. O’Connor:
I am graduating in May and I am about to start the interviewing process. I am confused about proper attire for interviewing. Can you help me?
~ About to graduate and nervous

Dear about to graduate:

I can certainly help you regarding attire for interviews. The proper attire can make the difference between getting the job and not even being considered. Here is a guideline for both men and women.

Women’s Interview Attire

• Two-piece skirt suit, a dress with jacket, or a pants suit. This should be sharp, conservative, with a hemline to the knee. Keep the color conservative, black, navy, or burgundy.
• Blouse or top underneath, nothing tight or revealing or trendy.
• One to two-inch heels, preferably matching your suit. Pumps are preferable, do not show your toes or wear platform shoes.
• Keep jewelry to a minimum, pearl earrings, pearls or a simple gold necklace is appropriate. This is not the time to wear trendy, large jewelry. If you have any piercings, take them out. Only one earring in each ear, please. Cover any tattoos you may have.
• A conservative handbag that matches your shoes and a briefcase are appropriate. Never, ever bring a backpack.
• Keep make-up to a minimum, conservative and modest.
• Make sure your hair is clean, neat and pulled back in a ponytail or knot at the base of your neck if it is long.
• You want to shine in your interview, not your attire. You want to appear dressed for business and give your interviewer the impression that you know how to dress in an office.

Men’s Interview Attire

• Conservative suit that has been tailored. Do not wear a sports coat, it is too casual for an interview. Keep the color to navy, black, or charcoal grey.
• A crisp, white, freshly laundered 100% cotton shirt is always the best choice. Do not wear a button-downed collar; it is too casual for an interview. Make sure the sleeves are not too long or too short. Do not wear an undershirt, it is tacky and can be seen through your dress shirt.
• Use your tie to show your personality, but do keep it conservative and do not tie a fancy, over-sized knot. Buy a silk tie and make sure it comes to the middle of your belt. A too-short tie looks like it belongs to your kid brother and an overlong tie looks like it is the wrong size.
• Shoes need to be black and laced. You always wear laced shoes with a suit and loafers with a sport coat.  Make sure they are clean and polished.
• Your belt should be leather and match your shoes. The buckle should be conservative gold or silver, nothing ostentatious or gaudy.
• Socks should match your pants and should be knee-high. A properly attired businessman always wears knee-high socks so that his leg never shows.
• Briefcase should be black and leather if possible (a great graduation gift).
• Do not wear any jewelry except for a watch and a school ring if you have one. If you have piercings, take them out and make sure that all tattoos are covered.
• Make sure your nails are clean and clipped and well groomed.
• Get a good haircut and make sure your hair is clean and non-greasy.
• Be clean-shaven for your interview, it makes a huge difference.
• Pop a mint in your mouth before you enter the building. Bad breath lingers on, long after the interview.

Remember, there are thousands of applicants out there interviewing for jobs. Don’t let your attire raise any red flags. I always recommend being on the conservative side so that your attire is never an issue. You want to shine through with your personality, your resume, and your education.

Please feel free to send questions to [email protected]. I will answer them in my weekly column.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at: [email protected]  www.successfulimage.biz


Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz