dress for success

MIT Career Office http://web.mit.edu/career/www/guide/dress.html

"What am I going to wear?" We get asked this question nearly every day during the recruiting season. Basically, it's common sense. You can start by asking yourself 揥hat kind of company will I be interviewing with??If it is a Fortune 500 company, obviously you should wear a traditional suit. But maybe you will be seeing a funky, upbeat software company and you heard the recruiter showed up for interviews last year in a tie-dye shirt, sandals and beads. Use your own discretion but we suggest you dress the way you would if you were giving an important presentation at the company or attending a business meeting.

Men

Suits ?A traditional suit is preferred to a blazer. The color should either be a dark blue or gray in either a solid or invisible plaid with a pressed long-sleeved (even in summer!) white dress shirt. If you buy or borrow one, a conservative sports coat and dress slacks are best.

Shirts ?White shirts are always your first choice. Solid blue is an acceptable alternative. If you don抰 own either, you should really go buy one. Get plain or button down cotton material. Polyesters and nylon are out.

Grooming ?Avoid heavy cologne or aftershave.

Socks ?Dark, neat and preferably over the calf. White athletic socks are a big 搉o no?unless you are interviewing to be a summer camp counselor at a sports camp.

Shoes ?Clean and polished leather lace-up black or dark brown shoes are best. Avoid shoes with a run down heel.

Neckties ?Ties can definitely make a statement about who you are. If who you are includes a Bugs Bunny tie, then develop an alter ego for the interview. Conservative silk ties are best. Be sure the tie coordinates with the suit, is solid or has small neat patterns. Be sure the knot is neat and centered on your neck. The bottom of the tie should just reach your belt.

Belts ?Wear a black or brown belt, one inch wide, no large buckles.

Hair ?Clean well-groomed and professional looking. Remember, the choice to cut your hair is yours, but the choice to hire you is the interviewer抯. Be sure beards and mustaches are neat and trimmed.

Accessories ?No flashy cuff links, rings or gold chains. Wedding or college ring is fine. No earrings. Not even one small one. No visible body piercing.

Women

Suits ?Skirted suits are almost always preferable. A solid navy, grey or black suit with a solid or light colored blouse is recommended for most positions. Avoid brown, green or pastel suits. Business dresses are acceptable in fields that are less formal and less conservative. Avoid frilly collars and cuffs.

Shirts ?A light colored blouse is ideal.

Makeup ?Natural looking and conservative. Avoid bright colors. Use a neutral or clear nail polish on clean and manicured nails. Avoid heavy perfumes.

Hosiery ?Light, natural color, plain style (no patterns).

Shoes ?Should be conservative and compliment the color & style of the interview suit. Low to medium heels are ideal. Basic pumps, toes should be closed, no strappy shoes, and avoid multi-colored trim.

Hair ?should be freshly cleaned and neatly styled. Long hair should be worn as conservatively as possible.

Accessories ?One conservative, non-dangling earring per ear, one ring per hand. No dangling or distracting bracelets. Avoid purses of any size - carry a portfolio or briefcase instead. No visible body piercing beyond earrings.