THE JOB INTERVIEWPress conservatively if there is the slightest doubt. For women,
dresses are suitable, but the safest clothes are tailored blouses,
skirts, and jackets. Suits can be fine, also. Don't wear pants.
They are just not appropriate at an interview. Once you're hired,
pants can be worn if other people on your level or higher wear
them.
Avoid bright colors and extremes. No matter what the current
style is, a miniskirt is ill advised and so are off-the-shoulder
blouses or anything too low-cut. Again, what you might wear on
the job is not what you should wear to the interview. Try for
muted colors and conservative styling.
Makeup, too, should be muted. Blushers should be played down
as much as possible. If lipstick is used, go for a pale shade.
Avoid too much eyeliner and mascara, and keep your fingernails
short with clear or pale-colored polish.
Jewelry should be minimal, not more than one ring, and a
wristwatch is preferable to a bracelet. If worn, earrings should
be simple. A necklace should be as plain as possible. You want
to project a subtext that says "I am not frivolous. I am a serious
worker, capable and sensible."
For men, the old standby of a gray or dark blue suit is best,
with dark gray preferable. Avoid black suits at the interview.
You should have some idea of your own coloring and what colors
are best for you. If you're bewildered about this, as many men
are, there are color consultants available, and for a fee you can
learn some worthwhile facts about how to dress.
For the interview, shirts should be white and ties pin-dot, rep
stripes, or refined foulard designs, the colors muted. Suspenders,
if worn, should match the tie in color and, preferably, be completely
covered by the jacket.