Chapter 11: Paul & Dominic’s Guide to Getting a Quant Job 403
Dark blue is good as well.
Ties are best boring, novelty is bad.
Another reason for white shirts is that they don’t show
sweat, some colours do this terribly and it’s not the
image you want to project. A good shirt doesn’t crease
badly in wear.
Jewellery This will never help you get a job, no matter
how expensive or fashionable. Thus if you have any
doubt at all, don’t wear it. If you’re female and you
have some brooch or bracelet, that’s fine, but there’s
no upside for a man at all in bling. Cufflinks of course
are fine, as long as they are not ‘‘novelty’’ — you have
no idea as to the sense of humour your interviewer may
have; he may not have one at all. Some banking people
spend quite appalling amounts on their watches, so
don’t even try to compete.
Perfume and aftershave Feel free to smell nice, but make
sure that it’s not too strong.
Make-up The following is for women. If you’re a male
reader, you really should not be reading this paragraph
and we are rather concerned that you are. Unless you
really never wear make-up, a small amount is a good
idea. Again, this gives the impression that you are mak-
ing an effort and will possibly counter the deadening
effect of all the monochrome clothing you are wear-
ing. It should be discreet (i.e. no bright colours) and
presentable rather than intending to make you look
prettier. There are jobs that you can obtain by being
attractive, but they are rarely fun and never intellec-
tually rewarding. Any make-up should always be well
