Wadrobe Basics for Job Hunters

Dress for Successful Interviewing

Congratulations, you've snagged that important interview. After weeks of follow-up phone calls and endless e-mails the head of hiring has scheduled you for a 4:00 p.m. interview on Monday.

Today is Friday. You have the weekend to prep for the meeting and bone up on the company's performance. Before you go to sleep on Sunday night, secure in your knowledge that you now know everything about company XYZ; it's time to think fashion.

It's a good idea to call ahead of your interview and investigate the dress code at your dream company. With luck, you may know a friend or acquaintance that works there. If not, contact the Human Resource Department to find out what the dress standards are at the company.

Great, you've made the call and now you know the dress code. It's time to delve into your closet and get dressed for success.

For Men

Let's start from the bottom and work our way up. 

Shoes
They should be as clean as possible. Even at the most laid-back office, it is unacceptable to show up in flip flops and expect a job to be handed to you. For casual settings, a loafer will do nicely. For more formal offices, get out that shoe-shine kit your Dad gave you at high school graduation and give those wingtips a quick buff and polish.

Socks
Make sure there are no visible holes in your hosiery and yes, your socks should match.

Belts
Yes, please. No pants hanging off your hips. Try your best to match your belt to your shoes.

Bottoms
Skip the denim. Even in creative jobs you are better off interviewing in a less casual pant. Make sure your pants are properly hemmed and not dragging on the ground or flaunting your ankles.

Shirts
Polo shirts are fine for casual settings. Skip the large logos and opt for something clean and inconspicuous. For a more professional image, try a collared dress shirt. Solid colors can never get you into trouble.

Suiting up
For lawyers and other professionals, a suit may be the best option for interviews. Navy pinstripe is a classic choice and a good investment. Opt for a professional tailor to nip and tuck the suit (even if you purchased it for a steal at a discount retailer, fork over the cash for a good tailor).