INTERVIEW IMAGE TIPS

1. The way you look affects the way you think, the way you feel, the way you act or behave--then, the way others react or respond to you. In effect, you are responsible for how people treat you.
2. First and lasting impressions can be formed in the "blink of an eye."
3. Use your dress, grooming, and body language as a resource in the achievement of your goals.
4. It's better to be overdressed than underdressed. When in doubt, dress up on the Style Scale®.
5. The interview occasion is not the time to assert a cool, trendy, personal style.
6. Dress for interviews at Levels 4, 3, and 2 as appropriate, on the Personal/Professional Style Scale®.

Men
Tailored, matched suit or, slacks and sportcoat-Jacket in charcoal, navy, or gray
Classic dress shirt--white w/collar
Tie--silk in reds or blues, simple stripe or "understated" pattern
Leather belt in coordinated color, basic-classic style
Leather shoes in coordinated color, basic-classic style

Women
Tailored, matched or unmatched, skirt suit--black, charcoal, navy, teal; Jacket w/matching dress
Classic dress shirt or blouse w/collar
Jewelry coordinated, classic, simple
Leather belt in coordinated color, basic-classic style
Leather shoes in moderate height, classic pump

7. Invest in the best quality suit fabric and construction you can afford. If not affordable, borrow.
8. Spend the money on a professionally ironed shirt for the interview. It's well worth the dollar it costs to look sharp, like you know how to get things done.
9. Men: For a whiter looking white shirt, layer over a lightweight white undershirt.
10. Make sure there's plenty of ease in the fit of the shirt and jacket--"no gapping" between buttons or pulling over the chest or belly because it's too tight.
11. Men: A tie must look fresh--no pulled threads or wrinkles.
12. The belt must be in good condition, with a tie touching the belt--no space in between.
13. Men: Socks need to be the same color or blend with the color of slacks and shoes.
14. Women: Wear hosiery of appropriate length.
15. Clean, shined shoes in good repair. Recruiter comment, "I look at shoes. The shape the shoes are in tell a lot about the candidates attention to detail."
16. Carry a leather portfolio, briefcase or briefbag with pad and gold or silver color pen.
17. A good haircut, neat hairstyle. No "bed head." Style long hair in an updo, so not distracting.
18. No visible tattoos or body piercings.
19. Nails neatly trimmed or filed.
20. Women: Subtle, natural looking nail polish.
21. Minimal after-shave, cologne, or perfume.
22. Men: Leave earrings at home. They distract from the purpose of business.
23. Women: Modest attire, no "skin". It's distracting.
24. Women: Natural looking makeup. Avoid excess.
25. Women: Rely on moderate shoulder pads to increase visual presence and balance the figure.
26. Try on your interview outfit at least the day before the interview. Sit, bend, move.
27. Look in the mirror--front, back, side views. See what others will see. Eliminate distractions.
28. Stand and sit tall. Avoid distracting mannerisms. Maintain eye contact. Breathe and Smile!
29. If you are invited to a relatively business-casual occasion, dress at Level 3 on the Professional Style Scale®. Consider an outfit consisting of a coordinated shirt, slacks, and jacket, leather belt, trouser socks, and leather slip-ons. Tie and jewelry optional. Leather portfolio or bag.