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15 Interview Attire Put your best foot forward

PERSONAL APPEARANCE SHIRTS & BLOUSES Your personal appearance is of great importance Shirts and blouses generally should be a solid, to the job interview process. The image that you neutral . Men's shirts should be white or pale present through your personal appearance . Women's blouses should be white, beige, or creates an impression in the mind of the . For women's blouses, most solid, neutral interviewer. Dress, grooming, and hygiene will work. Make sure the fit is appropriate and that it determine your personal appearance. is not too tight, transparent or does not have gaps between the buttons. WHAT TO WEAR The phrase "Dress for Success" means that you ACCESSORIES project a professional and positive image by Red is the best color for men's ties. Tie patterns wearing appropriate attire to the job interview. should be subtle. Small even patterns or stripes that Regardless of your career field, appropriate coordinate with your suit will work best. The tip of interview outfits generally are conservative, the tie should barely touch the top of the belt buckle. understated, and business-like. Wear clothing that Women's neckwear is appropriate: a broach, pearls, is consistent with and will appeal to the culture of a pin, or necklace is fine. the company. Proper interview clothing is what Belts should match shoes. Black or cordovan can best be described as "corporate attire." () leather is best for men and women. How you dress for the interview will depend to Also, navy, , or deep for women. All some extent on the job for which you are applying. leather accessories should match. Accessories to Dress one step above what you would actually carry should be simple and compact. A leather wear on the job. You should neither under dress folder, portfolio, or small clutch purse is enough. or overdress for an interview. Generally, wedding Bring a good quality pen. Do not carry a briefcase. or prom attire is considered too dressy. Clothing should always be impeccably crisp, cleaned, Keep jewelry simple and to a minimum. One ring pressed, and in good condition. Fabrics should be and a watch. The watch should be of good quality. of a good quality. Women's earrings should be a simple stud type. No large dangling earrings or noisy bracelets. SUITABLE ATTIRE Both men and women should choose a simple, Shoes and socks should coordinate with your suit. conservative business suit. Women in certain Women should select dressy shoes with a 1 or 2 career fields (education, social work, and human inch heel in a shade that coordinates with the suit. services) may elect to wear a tailored dress. Good Women should always wear hosiery. Men should suit colors for men and women are navy, gray, wear mid-calf or over-the-calf socks the color of the charcoal, or black. Also taupe or pewter shades trousers. for women. Favor a classic, rather than trendy, look. Avoid sporty, cute, or casual looks. Solid, GROOMING dark colors are better than prints. Avoid pastel, Be fresh and clean. Avoid cologne, aftershave, or bold, or bright colors. Muted plaids or pin stripes perfume. Makeup should be light and natural. are acceptable. Skirts or dresses that reach the Fingernails should be cleaned and trimmed. Clear bottom of the knee or longer are appropriate. or no fingernail polish is best. Hair should be trimmed, clean, combed, and neatly styled. Long hair should not hand in your face.

∙CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER∙ University of Montevallo • Station 6262 • Montevallo, AL 35115 (205) 665-6262 • www.montevallo.edu/career