interview dress etiquette men

16
Exec Exec for the well dressed man REFERENCE GUIDE FOR INTERVIEW DRESS ETIQUETTE Revision 3.1 (November 2005) created by www.ExecStyle.com ExecStyle 5970 Cote-des-Neiges Road Suite 300 Montreal, Quebec, H3S 1Z5 1.877.393.2789

Upload: efren-baruela-jr

Post on 23-Sep-2014

27 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

Execfor the well dressed man

REFERENCE GUIDE FOR INTERVIEW DRESS ETIQUETTERevision 3.1 (November 2005)created by www.ExecStyle.com

ExecStyle5970 Cote-des-Neiges RoadSuite 300Montreal, Quebec, H3S 1Z51.877.393.2789

Page 2: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

2

I. Introduction

II. Rule 1: Research Ahead

III. Rule 2: Err Towards Formality

IV. The Look: Business versus Smart Casual i. Jackets and Pants ii. Shirts and Ties iii. Shoes, Socks and Belts iv. Accessories

V. Choosing The Right Suit i. Fabric ii. Style iii. Fitting

VI. Final Notes: Attention to Details

VII. Special ExecStyle Career Starter Coupon

3

4

5

678910

11121314

16

17

About The AuthorsThis guidebook was written by the expert staff at www.execstyle.com.

Serving business professionals for over 50 years, ExecStyle has become a valu-able source of expertise in men’s pro-fessional attire. ExecStyle offers a wide array of top-quality suits, shirts, jackets and accessories at exceptional prices. In addition, the site provides a fashion blog, an “ask-an-expert” column, a free hotline and many more resources to help men dress their best for every occasion.

ExecStyle is an indespensible tool for the well dressed man.

Page 3: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

3Have comments/questions? click here

IntroductionThey say your smile is the first thing the interviewer sees.

Your clothes are probably a close second.

From the moment you meet your interviewer, your appearance and body language are sending cues about the kind of worker you will be. Are you professional? Do you have good communications skills? Will you fit in well with the culture of the workplace?

The interviewer has limited time to make these difficult evaluations and must rely on the information available. If your clothes are wrinkled or you are dressed too casually, it may seem that you do not take the position seriously.

Though these impressions may be far from accurate, you will be fighting an uphill battle to prove otherwise. First impressions influence the way the interviewer perceives all subsequent information about a person.

This guidebook will help you make the best impression possible.

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 4: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

4Have comments/questions? click here

Check out the websiteMany corporate websites will show images of employees in their work routines. Use this as a clue. Also, review the career section for comments on interview etiquette.

Go to the sourceVisit ahead of time to observe the workers in context. If dress is casual, be sure that it’s not a dress down day such as Casual Friday. If you have any doubt call HR to ask what is expected. Many companies expect pro-fessional attire for interviews even though the office dress code is quite casual.

Consider the type of position you are applying for Creative positions such as advertising and design may allow for a more liberal look. Positions involving high-level consultations, or meetings with important clients may require a classical professional look. If you are un-sure of what standards to apply, ask a business dress expert:

www.ExecStyle.com/AskExpert.asp

Rule 1: Research Ahead Choosing the right interview attire is not alchemy. It’s a matter of knowing the corporate culture and the position’s demands.

Corporate Website: Career Section

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 5: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

5Have comments/questions? click here

Rule 2: Err Towards Formality It is harder to overcome being underdressed than being overdressedDress like a professional and you will feel like a professional

If you feel overdressed

If You feel underdressed

Don’t Panic: You’re sending a strong message about taking the position seriouslyPolitely tell the interviewer that the casual dress code gives the office a warm and familiar atmosphere that you would like to be a part ofIf you can, discretely remove your jacket and drape it over your chair

Maintain a professional demeanor, to compensate for informal attire Maintain an erect posture Speak formally (avoiding colloquialisms and words such as “like” and “you know”). Mention that you were misinformed about the dress code and you look forward to dressing more professionally

Never too late...“A guy came in to interview for a sales position at the boutique. He was a mess. Wild, curly hair down to his shoulders... unshaven... in a t-shirt and jeans.

He took one look around, saw my suit and the formal atmosphere of the boutique and got up and said ‘can I come back in an hour?’

Sure enough, he came back an hour later. He had shaven, gotten a haircut, and put on a dress shirt and tie. He got the job.”

·

·

·

···

·

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 6: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

6Have comments/questions? click here

The LookBusiness Attire VS Smart Casual

“Business attire” is a full suit with matching pants, a dress shirt and tie. It differs from the type of outfit you might wear to a wedding or evening event. It is conservative, designed to be sharp but not flashy, and elegant but not overly formal. The idea is to showcase the individual, not the clothes.

“Smart casual” is a more relaxed, yet professional look. Pressed pants, a collared shirt, and clean, matching accessories. A sport coat will add a touch of class to a casual look. Avoid jeans, sneakers and T-shirts. You should never dress completely casual to an interview.

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 7: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

7Have comments/questions? click here

The Look: Jackets and PantsBusiness Attire VS Smart Casual

Mid to Dark colored suit

Pants: Must match jacket

Solid Navy or Grey are best, you can con-sider a subtle stripe.More prominent stripes are appropriate only for higher level executive positionsBlack suits are more formal and austere.If you do wear black, soften the look with a blue shirt.

Pleated pants have a more classical lookFlat front pants have a slimming, mod-ern look, but may look awkward on larger men.Suit pants and jacket MUST be tailored from identical fabric.

··

·

·

·

·

ConservativeNavy Suit Perfect for interviews

Khakis or slacks

Sport coat or blazer:

Always with a crisp creaseCotton, wool or micro-fiberDarker colors are dressierLighter colors are more casualAvoid jeans or cargo pants

·····

Makes a casual look a bit more formal Can be removed for a more casual lookChoose a jacket in a solid shade or a subtle design (no bold, bright patterns or colors)

···

ConservativeNavy Blazer, Blue Shirt & Beige Pants

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 8: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

8Have comments/questions? click here

The Look: Shirts and TiesBusiness Attire VS Smart Casual

Dress shirt:· Shades of light to mid blue are most effective. If you choose another color, pastels are safest.· Subtle patterns are fine · White shirts create a more formal look

Silk Tie: Keep it subtle· Should coordinate with suit and shirt· Patterns in your shirt, tie and suit will fight each other unless they are different designs and size

* Need help getting the right tie knots? Go to: www.ExecStyle.com/TieKnots.asp

Smart Casual ShirtsBusiness Dress Shirts

Casual Shirts:· Long-sleeved are more business oriented · Button-down is a neater look· Cotton or cotton-blend· Solid pastels or small subtle patterns subdued patterns· Crisp, clean and pressed · Avoid T-Shirts and black

Sweaters:· Sweater alone or under a sport coat is a great look · Never a sweatshirt

Tie:· Adds a touch of elegance

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 9: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

9Have comments/questions? click here

The Look: Shoes, Socks, BeltsBusiness Attire VS Smart Casual

Shoes· Clean, polished and black· Burgundy or brown are fashionable, but

a little risky for an interview· Stick to black unless your matching

skills are excellent.

Belt: · Should match shoe color· Avoid overly large or flashy belts

Socks: · Coordinate with suit· Same shade or a shade darker· Solid or with a subtle design· Never wear athletic socks.

Shoes· Clean, polished leather· Avoid sneakers and boots

Belt: · Coordinate with shoes· Avoid overly large or flashy belts

Socks: · No bright pastel colors· Use muted tones· Don’t be remembered for your socks!

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 10: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

10Have comments/questions? click here

The Look: AccessoriesComplete the professional look- Bring a conservative briefcase or leather binder Should put everything you need at easy access: Reference letters, resume copies, notepad- High quality pen: Simple, nice, not overly ornate

Avoid accessories associated with students- Backpacks- Overly colorful, branded or ornate notebooks and binders

Accessories should complement your professional look, but not distract the interviewer.

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 11: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

11 Have comments/questions? click here

Choosing The Right SuitThe suit is the anchor of a professional man’s wardrobe.

A great interview suit is crisp and tasteful, never flashy and does not make its own statement but showcases the individual wearing it. A suit is memorable to the interviewer when it is inappropriate; wrinkled, dirty, overly flashy, poorly fitted and coordinated, etc. A professional look will help you give a great first im-pression that your skills and personality can build on.

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 12: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected]

Execfor the well dressed man

12Have comments/questions? click here

Choosing The Right Suit: FabricWoolA quality wool is the most appropriate fabric for your interview. Wool is resilient, crease resistant, drapes well and is relatively long wearing. Wool breathes, is comfortable in a wider range of temperatures and has an elegance that cannot be duplicated.

Other FabricsFabrics such as silks, linen, rayon have their place in a less formal environment where one wishes to make a fashion statement.

Polyester on its own or blended with wool can be presentable but may feel like you are wearing a plastic bag. It is also likely to pill.

A quality microfiber, a fine fiber woven from polyester or a polyester blend, can be woven to breathe reasonably well but does not have the elegance of wool.

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 13: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

13Have comments/questions? click here

Choosing The Right Suit: Style

Color / Pattern· For entry or mid-level positions, dark grey and navy suits are best.· Black is more formal and austere.· Solid colored suits are best. Subtle stripes are fine. Avoid flashy patterns.· Strong stripes convey authority and are appropriate for higher level positions.

Single vs. Double Breasted Choose a 2 or 3 button single breasted suit. Double breasted suits will look sloppy worn open, and are not considered main stream in the corporate climate.

Buttons· 3-button suits will look best on a taller, slimmer man.· 2-Button suits will have a slimming effect on a shorter, stockier man.

Double Breasted Suit

Single Breasted Suit

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 14: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected]

Execfor the well dressed man

14Have comments/questions? click here

Choosing The Right Suit: Fitting

Jacket:

Jacket Length · Should just cover crotch and seat of pants. Can hang 1-2” longer

Collar · Should fit snuggly against back of neck. Allow ¼ - ½” of shirt collar to show· Back of jacket should lie flat against back below the collar

Body of Jacket · Should not be overly tight. Allow for some play when jacket is buttoned· A slight break on the back beside the armhole is fine, allowing for movement Sleeve Length · Sleeve should come to the base of the palm when arms are at your sides· Shirt cuffs should show ¼ - ½”

Note: It is very common for arms to be different lengths. Sleeves should betailored to fit each arm.

Single Breasted 2-Button Single Breasted 3-Button

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 15: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

15Have comments/questions? click here

Choosing The Right Suit: Fitting

Suit Pants:· Pant should sit comfortably on the waist, just above the hips.

· Pleats should not open. If pants are flat front, watch that pockets do not gape. These are both indications that the pant is tight on the seat.

· Pant length should reach the heel in back or up to ½” shorter. Allow for a small break in the front.

· Pleated pants can be worn with or without cuffs. · Flat front pants should be finished with plain bottoms.

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates

Page 16: Interview Dress Etiquette MEN

Exe

c

1-877-ExecStyle1.877.393.2789

[email protected] the well dressed man

16Have comments/questions? click here

Final NotesAttention to detail is critical:

1) Clean and polished dress shoes.

2) Suit, shirt and tie clean and pressed. 3) Well-groomed hairstyle.

4) Cleaned and trimmed fingernails. 5) Avoid cologne or perfume (some people are allergic).

6) Avoid flashy jewelry and watches. Keep it simple. 7) Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath. 8) Finally, check your attire in the rest room just before your interview. Make sure your tie is straight, your hair is combed and you are ready for the moment.

Experience is wealth. Share the wealth.Check out our business fashion blog. Share your opinions and experiences and learn from those of others.

Benefit from 50 years of professional experience. You don’t want to be in the dark when you’re getting dressed.www.execstyle.com/fashionblog.asp

Click here to receive ExecStyle updates