How to Dress for a Job Interview (Men)

You've already got the interview scheduled and should know what company it is for. You first must determine that company's corporate culture. A good place to start is the company's website. Look at pictures of any real employees the website may offer, a newsletter might be a good place to look. Are the people wearing business suits? Or jeans?

Even if it appears the culture is very relaxed, make sure you are dressing for the job you want to get up to, not the job you're interviewing for. If you are interviewing for a receptionist position but eventually want to be a manager, dress as if you're interviewing to be manager. Jeans are ALWAYS a no.

Men should wear a black or grey matching suit with a button down shirt and tie under. The jacket should fit you well, it should not bunch up at your shoulders and should allow free range of motion for your arms. The pants should not be too tight and should have a small "break" right at your ankles and hang around an inch off the ground. Your button down shirt should be a neutral color for a conservative job environment, for men white or light blue are great options. If the job is more creative, you can consider a brighter color, but stay away from any neons or crazy prints.

A tie is almost always appropriate. Holiday prints, even if you're interviewing on Halloween, are not a good plan. It's always good to invest in one classic tie to keep in your wardrobe. Ties with red in them instill confidence, that's why the president almost always wears a red tie! A light red/blue pattern on a tie is a good option. When tied, the end should hit the bottom of your belt buckle, just below the waist of your pants.

Your belt should be neutral with no big fancy belt buckles. Unless you are interviewing for the rodeo, big fancy western belt buckles are a no no! Same with any jewelry, men generally should not be wearing bracelets or earrings into interviews. While they may be ok to wear to work once you land the job, the interview is not the place to show off your personal style. A watch and wedding band should be it. Your neck won't be showing since you'll be wearing your well fitting button down and tie, so any necklaces you have under there probably aren't a big deal unless they show, in which case you should tuck them in or take them off.

Shoes should match your suit, usually black. Make sure they are scuff free and clean. Socks should also match, usually black or grey are a good bet. No sport socks.

Hair should be neat and well groomed. For men, consider getting a haircut at least 3 days before the interview. This is because it is plainly obvious to an interviewer if you've gotten your hair cut the day of the interview. Give it a few days to grow in. You don't want them thinking you normally look like a slob! Stay away from faux hawks or hair hanging over your forehead. Combed to the side is a safe bet and go light with the styling gels.

Cologne should be minimal if at all. You don't want someone not to hire you because they absolutely hate the Axe you put on this morning! Don't give them a reason to check you off their list! Smell clean, put on deodorant and you're good to go! Remember, if you land the job, you can pick up the women in the office later!

See my other articles for job and interview tips, good luck!