Tailor interview clothes to job

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Dear Joan:
My friends and I are getting ready to graduate in May and we are wondering what to wear to interviews. We are wondering if the rules are more relaxed today than they once were (blue suit). Also, one of my friends is going after a marketing job and I am after a job in finance. How should our clothes differ, if at all?

We don't want to spend a lot of money on interview clothes and have even considered wearing our parents' suits. Any advice?

Answer:
The rules aren't as relaxed as you might hope; the suit is still the uniform of choice for interviews. The field and company you are entering does play a role, however. For instance, a conservative, dark suit that is perfect for a finance job in an insurance company may come off as too formal for a finance job in a middle-sized company that makes outdoor equipment. In that case, you might wear separates in gray and navy, with a conservative tie. The idea is, you try to match what the employer will be wearing but err on the conservative side.

In the case of a marketing position, the same thing applies. Even though marketing isn't as conservative in nature as finance, you still must fit the company to which you are applying. The rule of thumb is the larger (and more conservative) the firm, the more conservative you dress.

Here are some guidelines for men:
Three-piece suits are out. Choose a suit that has a classic cut and make sure the lapels are not out of style. Pants that are too short also make a bad impression.

Studies show that interviewers react negatively to brown suits and plaids, so your best choice is a dark blue or dark gray.

Even though a tight budget is a problem, quality over quantity should be your guide. One great suit - made out of a fine all-season wool - is worth the money. Other good alternatives are blazers and slacks that can be mixed and matched, in case of multiple interviews with the same employer.

A white shirt is a safe bet, especially in conservative fields. Choose one that is crisply pressed and has long sleeves (even when it's hot outside). Socks should be over-the-calf.

Ties should come to the middle of the belt buckle. Wear polished dress shoes, not casual shoes; they give the impression that you don't pay attention to details.

A good hair cut and a clean shave will make a big difference. Beards and long hair get poor marks from interviewers, especially in conservative fields. Once you're hired, you'll be able to look around and see what's acceptable.

For women:
Suits and jacketed dresses are still the standard. Pants are unacceptable unless the job is in a field such as construction. Clean, classic lines and a top quality all-season wool are the standard for women as well as men.

Open toes look too casual and avoid heels that are too high-even if you are very short. Take the extra time to polish your shoes. Use a small purse or put everything in a simple briefcase.

Smooth, tamed or tied back hair will make you look more professional. And keep earrings simple-no danglers (and one earring per ear).

Long nails may send a message that you don't work very hard (even if you do) and bracelets tend to be distracting and noisy. Keep makeup simple and subtle.

Young interviewers who wear quality clothing will send a message of more maturity, however, if you borrow clothing, make sure you don't look like you're wearing someone else's clothes. They must fit well and you need to look your own age.

Even though your qualifications are the most important thing in an interview, the way you look sends signals about who you are and how well you'll fit into the organization. If you take care to look your best, you can forget your appearance and focus on who you are on the inside. 

Do you need answers to tough job hunting questions? Are you looking for some added punch to help you stand out from the crowd? Joan Lloyd’s has developed job hunting tools that can help you to maximize your job search: