Men’s Interview Attire: Finishing Touches
What to wear to an interview involves more than putting on a suit and tie. You'll want to add a few finishing touches to create a polished, professional look.
Hair
Some workplaces have guidelines when it comes to the dress code, which can include hair length, color, and style. If you're interviewing at a more conservative company and your normal hair style is bright colors and wild styles, they might not think you fit the company’s culture.
Nails
Between handshakes and explanatory gestures, your hands will be fairly visible during an interview. Clean, well-kept nails can help with a polished presence. Give them a quick trim the morning of your interview. If you’re prone to dry hands, particularly in cold weather, it may be a good idea to put on some unscented hand lotion a few hours before as well.
Cologne
No one wants to be the person who puts people off because of the way they smell. While many colognes can smell good in moderation, too much can quickly overpower a room. In addition to your standard shower and deodorant regimen, one quick spritz of cologne or body spray is all you need.
Belt and Footwear
Even if your pants fit perfectly, a belt is a good accessory to help keep your shirt tucked in, and hide the button on your pants. For most colors of suit, black is the go-to option, and you’ll want to pick one that has a small, simple buckle. If you have a silver or gold watch that you’ll be wearing, consider matching your belt buckle to it.
Shoes should match your belt, and you’ll want to make sure they are in good condition. A quick polish should do the trick, and if your laces are fraying, you can pick up an extra set at most discount stores or shoe stores. Avoid wearing white socks, which will stand out immediately. If you're wearing black shoes that match your belt, keep it simple with black socks that blend in with your shoes.
Briefcase and Portfolio
To store your extra resume copies and a pad of paper and pen for notes, you’ll want to carry a briefcase or portfolio. Make sure it’s in good condition, and if you can, try to use a black one to match your other accessories. The key here is to use something that will keep your papers crisp, clean, and in good condition.
Remember these are just guidelines, but a good starting point. If your interviewer has different instructions on what to wear, those take priority. Now that you have some tips for how to dress, go out there and wow your interviewer!