Managing the First Twenty Seconds of the InterviewTies Conservative: black, brown, navy, or red. A solid color or a
simple pattern is best. Avoid ties that are too wide or too narrow.
No potentially distracting artsy or modern patterns. No pastels
or flashy colors. No bow ties.
Suits Matching business suits are best. If you do not have a tai-
lored, well-fitting business suit in gray, black, navy blue, or
brown, you may, as a second choice, wear pants (other than jeans)
with a shirt, tie, and complementary jacket.
Shirts The only type of shirt that is acceptable for men at a job
interview, in my opinion, is a button-down shirt with a collar.
White or light blue, or a shirt with very narrow and light pin-
stripes is best. T-shirts and turtlenecks are too casual, however
tempting it may be to wear them.
Jewelry Avoid wearing more than one ring per hand. Don’t
wear a pinky ring. If you happen to express your own style by
wearing piercings on your lips, tongue, ears, or any other place
that would be visible to the interviewer, I suggest that, just for
now, you take them out. Wait until after you have the job offer
and have put in a few weeks at the job. Then, you can decide
whether piercings seem to be acceptable in your workplace.
Scents Other than the soap from your shower and (prefer-
ably) unscented deodorant, do not wear any colognes or after-
shaves. It’s surprising what a strong reaction people have to
scents! They either love them or hate them. Don’t take the
chance that you might be wearing the same cologne as her ex-
husband!
Hair Again, the rule of thumb is conservative. No matter what
the length or style of your hair, it’s worth investing a few bucks
for a haircut before stepping into the competitive world of inter-
viewing. Do not wear a hat.
If you have long hair, tie it back neatly, or consider, for now,
having it cut. I’m not trying to tell you how to express your own
personal sense of style. I am simply conveying what is true about
hiring trends in the marketplace today. Interviewers prefer less
rather than more hair on both your head and your face.