Interview Grooming Tips for Men and Women

Grooming Tips for Men
Make sure your suit or shirt and pants are freshly laundered, neatly pressed, and well-coordinated. If you’re interviewing for a creative or fashion-oriented position, you might want to take the opportunity to express your personality with a more colorful ensemble, while still keeping it professional and smart.
- A solid-color suit either navy or dark gray, clean and pressed, is appropriate for a job interview
- Wear it with a long-sleeved white or light blue shirt and a silk tie in a solid color or simple prints
- The tie should be neatly tied so that it covers the collar joining and the short end lies well under the longer one
- Wear leather shoes with dark, mid-calf trouser socks that would not show skin when you sit. If you are wearing a brown belt, your leather shoes should be in the same shade of brown. If you are wearing a black belt, your leather shoes should be black as well
- Men should limit their accessories to a wedding band (if you are married) and a nice watch
- Shoes should be of black or dark brown color
- Should be properly polished before.
- The color of the socks should match the color of the trouser; preferably black socks should be worn.
- Laces should be tied neatly and avoid shoes without laces.
- Be sure that your hair is neatly trimmed and facial hair is well-groomed
- Fingernails must be clean and trimmed
- Make sure your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh
- Wear a light cologne; something not too overpowering
Dressing and personal grooming for an interview take some effort and preparation. The first impression you make on a potential employer is very important.
At the first meeting, your employers will form an assessment based on what you are wearing and how you carry yourself. Regardless of the work environment, it is important to dress professionally for a job interview. This will help guarantee that you make a great first impression
Grooming Tips for Women
Whether you’re opting for a pantsuit, a skirt suit, or a chic dress, remember to keep it businesslike. Stay away from plunging necklines, micro-mini skirts, and anything too revealing which might send out the wrong message. For tips on choosing the right color, check out our color guide for job interviews. Accessories should be avoided or kept to a minimum.
- A two-piece suit in a dark or neutral color is appropriate for an interview
- If you wear a skirt, check that it covers your thighs when you sit. Opt for skirts that are knee-length or slightly longer
- If you wear a pair of tailored pants, ensure it fits properly without being too tight and that the length is slightly beyond your ankle
- Your blouse under the suit jacket should be of coordinating colors
- For a dress, it is always important to ensure that both the neckline and hemline are appropriate: avoid short dresses and low-cut, revealing necklines. If you choose a bright-colored dress, it is important to ensure that the piece covers you appropriately
- Plain, conservative pumps are the best choice and ensure you can walk comfortably in them
- Your accessories should complement your clothing, however, do not overdo it. A simple necklace or choker is a classic choice. Avoid large dangling earrings and covering your wrist with too many bracelets
Don’t forget about appropriate footwear—wear shoes that look good but don’t leave you wincing with each step. Again, the exception to the rule here is if you’re interviewing for a creative or fashion-oriented position, in which case you’re allowed to inject some color and personality into your ensemble.
- Put on simple makeup such as a light foundation, blusher, and lip gloss
- Wear your hair in a simple, professional-looking style. If you have long hair, you can either tie it up neatly in a ponytail or let it down neatly. If you have short hair, ensure that it is neatly brushed. If you wish to color your hair, do ensure that the color is not unusual like bright pink, green or blue
- Avoid long nails with unusual colors
- Make sure your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh
- Wear a light fragrance or deodorant