Business Formal is the norm and standard for professional interviews regardless of whether the position is for an internship or full-time job upon graduation. Below are guidelines for dressing in business formal for an interview. In certain cases, the interviewer may encourage you to be casual due to the nature of the work or environment. Even in this case, it is conservative to follow the business casual guidelines outlined below.
Dressing appropriately for an interview demonstrates respect for the interviewer and the organization, your level of interest in the position, and an understanding of proper professional etiquette.
Business Formal Guidelines
Guidelines for appropriate business attire are being blurred by the switch to “business casual” styles at many organizations. There are, however, many occasions when you will be expected to adhere to standards for traditional business attire. To assist you, the following guidelines have been developed for business attire here in the U.S. These standards are the protocol for many on-campus recruiter interviews and other occasions.
How Women Should Dress
- Conservative suit: formal, dark colors. Pants versus skirts? A skirt is the safest choice although pants suits are acceptable.
- Shoes: Closed-toe and lower heel.
- Accessories: Minimal. No clunky jewelry.
- Make-up: Natural look is best.
- Perfume: if you wear perfume, use it sparingly.
How Men Should Dress
- Conservative dark suit preferably a single-breasted, two-piece suit (all wool is preferred).
- Shirt: should be starched, long-sleeved with no fraying at the collar or cuffs.
- Collar: spread collar or button-down Oxfords are suggested.
- Tie: should be small-patterned.
- Cologne: if you wear cologne, use it sparingly.
- Shoes: loafers or lace-ups with a low heel.
- Socks: should cover your entire calf - never wear white socks! Your socks should harmonize with the colors of your pants and shoes, not your tie or shirt.
- Accessories: tie pins or cuff links should not have insignia of groups, religions or organizations.
Please contact Career Development Office for assistance and advice.
Guidelines for Business Dress Casual Attire
Standards for what is accepted as business casual vary by organization. Some large institutions have gone to the effort of trying to define what is acceptable through detailed written guidelines. You will be able to determine what the norms are once you start to interact with people in these organizations.
The guideline is defined more by what is not acceptable - no shorts, jeans or athletic attire such as tank tops, jogging suits, tee shirts or ball caps. Most people will be wearing tailored slacks or skirts, shirts with some kind of collar and footwear with socks or hosiery. As always, you do not want to wear anything that will be disruptive to the proceedings or call undue attention to yourself. As in any business situation, how you present yourself is the first step in defining your potential for a successful interaction.