interview attire

Dressing for the Interview

Career Development Center

Interview Attire for Women

• Matching two piece skirt or pant suit in a conservative color (black, navy or grey)

• Skirt at the knee or below (NEVER mid thigh)

• Unpatterned blouse with conservative neckline

• Sheer and conservative pantyhose. Trouser socks should be worn with shoes

• Basic, understated heels or flats are great (no platforms, straps or open toes!)

• Remove body piercings and wear only one pair of simple earrings

• Minimal make up or perfume

• Padfolio/briefcase for copies of your resume

• Small purse

**Many clothing closets and consignment shops have great suits that you can have altered!**

WOMEN:Business Formal is Expected!

Business Formal Business Casual

Interview Attire for Men!

• Matching two piece suit in a conservative color (black, navy or grey). A vest is not necessary.

• Simple tie that matches suit and shirt (no clip on—watch a YouTube tutorial if you don’t know how!)

• Plain button down dress shirt (white or blue are the most professional/conservative).

• Dark polished dress shoes that match your suit (absolutely NO WHITE socks!) and a dark belt.

• Remove all facial piercings and earrings.

• Clean shaven face and clean trimmed nails.

• Minimal cologne/no cologne.

• Leather bound padfolio or briefcase.

**Many clothing closets and consignment shops have great suits that you can have altered!

**

MEN:Business Formal is Expected!

Business Formal Business Casual

WOMEN: What NOT to wear!

MEN: What NOT to Wear!

Professional Shoes

Keep your appearance professional!

Hair: Keep it simple Makeup: Less is more

Nails? Tattoos?

Your nails should be clean.

A man's nails should be kept short and a woman's nails shouldn't be excessively long and should be bare or polished in a neutral color.

Tattoos should be covered!

Perfume or Cologne?

• Go easy! You don’t want to offend your interviewer, he or she may even be allergic.

Do I have to buy a new suit?

As long as your suit is in good condition and not outdated, you don't have to buy a new one.

If you decide to purchase a new suit, make sure you don't get anything too trendy!

You want your investment to last.

Expensive - $280.00 Macys

Moderate - $110.00 JC Penny's

Consignment - $50-$80

Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t look professional!

Short on funds?

Not sure where to

shop?

Remember: The goal is to

find something that fits you

and gives off a professional appearance!

What should I carry to an interview?

• Don’t forget extra copies of your resume, pen, pad of paper and the list of your references

• You want to look professional. Leave the backpack at home and keep the cell phone turned off!

• Carry a purse? Make sure it is a small to medium-sized professional-looking handbag.

• Don’t forget your padfolio? You’ll need it to take notes! Make sure it is clean and conservative in color.

What NOT to bring to an interview

Gum iPod Coffee or any other beverage Facial piercings Flashy jewelry

If you are still not sure, contact us:

Career Development Center

Cleveland Hall 306

www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc

askcdc@buffalostate.edu

716-878-5811

BuffState Career Development

Buffalo State Career Development Center (CDC)