by Brenda Tavakoli
The phone rings. Apparently, all the résumés you sent out garnered employers' attention. Now the human-resources guru is telling you what time to show up for your interview at Dream Job Inc.
Your heart jumps with a mix of surprise, ecstasy and pride. You've worked hard for four-plus years - classes, jobs and networking. Just as you are about to pick up that phone again to tell your mom you landed your dream interview, your heart sinks.
Fear takes over as you wonder, "What will I wear to my interview?" You want to impress. You want the job. But most of all, you don't want to sell yourself short.
Inappropriate interview attire can damage, even dash, your prospects of landing a job. So do yourself a favor and put some thought into what you put on the day you go in for the interview.
The key word here is conservative. That may not sound so appealing after years of hopping around campus in super-casual duds or clubwear.
Yet err on the side of caution if you must err. It's much better to be overdressed for an interview than underdressed. At least the overdressed candidate appears to take the interview seriously.
Tips for men
(Many of these tips for men are taken from Steven Devadanam's Career Guide article last semester. He knows more about men's clothes than does the author of this article).
You can't go wrong with a suit. Pick a conservative cut and color. Think navy blue, charcoal, light pinstripes or maybe black. Go for lightweight wool. (Excessive perspiration is not professional, unless you are plan to operate a jackhammer all summer).
As for the single- or double-breasted question, pick single-breasted suits with two to three buttons. If applying to an engineering, law or oil firm, select two-button styles.
Pants should be cuffed in the standard inch-and-a-quarter length.
Make sure the suit fits perfectly. Have it taken in if you harbor any doubts. Many stores can take care of this for you; otherwise, consult a reputable tailor. If you are clueless as to how it should fit, ask an experienced retailer's advice.
Stick to standard white button-down dress shirts. Light blue can fly, but white is the safest option.
Avoid a major (but common) faux pas and match your belt to your shoes. Black lace-up shoes work best in most interview situations. Invest $5 to $10 in some classy socks that match your outfit.
Select a tie that's not too loud. Daffy Duck might be fine for giving a presentation to a class, but stripes, medallions and geometric patterns are classics that work well in interview situations. By all means, avoid obnoxious colors like lime green and fuschia.
Hints for women
Remember, this is a job interview, not a date. Tempting though it may be to break out the florals or clingy tops, resist the urge.
Sorry to say it, but women still have to fight to be taken seriously in the workplace. Donning no-nonsense clothing and a pleasant, polished attitude will help you fight negative stereotypes and rest easy that you were hired for your skills, not your looks.
Don't be a slave to the whims of fashion, lest you invite a reputation as a lightweight.
You, too, will have a hard time going wrong in a conservatively cut suit in a dark color. However, do not wear pants. Though this is the '90s, many men still find women in pants unprofessional. Save the classy slacks for until after you're hired, if ever.
Navy blue is the color for interview suits. It flatters many skin tones and suggests professionalism.
Keep your skirt no higher than just above the knee. Interview time is no time to show off those sexy gams, unless you are trying to work for the Men's Club.
Stockings should complement the tone of your suit or your own skin tone. Avoid cutesy patterned tights or bare legs. Both suggest a dearth of professionalism.
Keep jewelry to a minimum. Now is not the time to flash that hip new mood ring or that nose bangle you're sporting. Small metal earrings (silver, gold), an unobtrusive watch and maybe a slim gold necklace are all you need.
A perfect manicure is a must. Go with classics like the ever-popular French manicure, a tomato red or neutrals.
If your hair hangs far below your shoulders, consider twisting it up or braiding it. In any case, don't let it fall in your face, and avoid overstyling.
Makeup should flatter your face without calling attention to the colors you are sporting. Stick with colors that flatter your skin tone. Again, avoid looking overdone. No raccoon eyes, no blue eye shadow and no liver-colored lips.
Shoewise, pumps hold the most promise. Relegate open-toed styles to your days off or nights out. Keep heels low (three inches max). Embrace semi-block or classic heels; avoid stilettos, mules and kicky wedge-heeled styles.
Advice for all
Be neatly groomed. This includes investing in a haircut and shaving well.
Avoid colognes and perfumes. They are too personal and may offend the allergic. Plus, why risk smelling like someone's office arch-rival or ex-boyfriend?
Polish your shoes. There's nothing worse than an impeccable outfit with hideous-looking footwear.
Try your outfit ahead of time to make sure everything goes together. Sometimes pieces that we envision as looking great together actually look awful.
If at all possible, preview the company beforehand. See how others dress, especially those who are in positions similar to the one you are interviewing for.
And, for some further tips, read John T. Molloy's Dress for Success column in each Thursday's Houston Chronicle for the latest news and research on image and success.