Dressing for an Interview

Before you say a single word to the interviewer, you have already made an impression based on how you’re dressed. Dressing professionally shows respect for yourself, the interviewer, and the company. You may not have to dress like this every day, but you are more likely to be taken seriously when you present yourself in a professional manner and take the time to attend to details. If you don’t have the professional clothing you need, the UNT Suit Up Closet, sponsored by the Career Center, makes professional suits and business attire available for current students to rent for up to one week at no cost to the student for job interviews and other professional events.

Guidelines for Feminine and Masculine Dress:

• • Both:
    • Clean, neatly dressed clothes.
    • Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue, black, or gray is best).
    • Conservative long-sleeved blouse/shirt (white is best, pastel is next best).
    • Clean polished conservative shoes.
    • Well-groomed hairstyle.
    • Clean trimmed fingernails.
    • No cologne or perfume.
    • Empty pockets – no bulges or clanking coins.
    • No gum, candy, or cigarettes.
    • Light briefcase or portfolio case.
    • No visible body piercing (Nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.).
  • Feminine:
    • A suit with a knee-length skirt and a tailored blouse is most appropriate.
    • Closed toe shoes; 2-3 inches in height.
    • No tight clothing.
    • No cleavage or short skirts.
    • Minimal use of make-up.
    • Jewelry in moderation.
  • Masculine:
    • Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern.
    • Dark socks and shoes.
    • Belt color should match shoes.
    • Button jacket when standing.
    • Mustaches must be neat and trimmed.
    • No rings other than college and/or wedding ring.
    • No earrings.

If your day-to-day attire doesn’t conform to a traditional gender norm, your interview clothing doesn’t have to either. There should be no position that requires you to dress in a way that makes you uncomfortable. Regardless of how you identify, the key to appropriate dress is to find clothing that fits you properly and looks polished and professional. The most important thing you bring to an interview is confidence. What you wear and how you wear it helps convey that confidence. If you are not comfortable in your outfit, that will come across in an interview.