What to Wear on an Interview

So I just went to a career fair hosted by Drexel University. Besides walking away with a new aresenal of clicky pens, I didn't get much out of it. But what truly baffled me was the inability of the fairs attendees to properly dress themselves for such an event. From loose tie knots to wide-striped gangsta suits to wrinkles shirts and coats, it seemed like I was at a northern pa community college career fair. Offended and embarrassed, I have decided to start a blog series on what to wear, and more importantly, what not to wear, on a job interview. My hopes are that someday some poor soul from that job fair will see this and have his life drastically changed. So, my fashionably challenged job seeker, this blog is for you!
First and foremost, wear a suit. This seems like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many people think khakis and a blazer constitutes a suit. I saw one too many kids like this at the fair.
Now, what kind of suit to wear, you ask? Good question. Let’s start with what to avoid. Pinstripes. Unless you plan on lighting up a stogie with your interviewer and chit chatting about the latest episode of Growing up Gotti (is that show still on?), stay away from the wide pinstripes. But if you insist on the verticals, make sure they’re only noticeable from 10 feet away or less. Those 10 feet are the threshold between confidence and cocky. The safe bets, in the business world, are plain black or navy suits – both timeless classics. You can’t go wrong with these. But I’d recommend either a grey or a charcoal color suit, both of which are expected to be big players in offices across the northeast this fall (according to the bible..er GQ). Combined with a light blue dress shirt and a dark red tie, you’ll be looking quite qualified. The Men’s Wearhouse in center city has some decently priced suits (just avoid the tailor with the khaki suspenders; he tried to put that measuring tape in places that did not need measuring).
Next, we have the tie. Put one on. A suit without a tie is like Andre 3000 without Big Boi, Angelina without Brad, the Eagles without B-Dawk – oh wait. The only time period friendly to foregoing the tie was the late 1980s, thanks to the hit TV series Miami Vice. Judging from the measly $15 million the remake made in 2006, I think it’s safe to say ties are presently a must. For an interview, keep the tie somewhat simple. Anything too crazy and the interviewer is going to think you’re making up for something else. In terms of the knot, I’d recommend the half Windsor. A skinny knot has no place in an interview room and a fat, thick knot says you think you’re the one in charge. Yes, we all are impressed with Ari Gold’s signature double Windsor knot, but you’re not Vinny Chase’s agent and you sure as hell can’t come up with those tantalizingly witty one-liners. For those that have issues with hand-eye coordination, or if you are just one of those kids that still needs his roommate to tie his tie, here’s a step to step guide for the half Windsor - http://www.tie-a-tie.net/halfwindsor.html.
So we've just covered the two essentials to the interview attire, the suit and the tie. Keep an eye out for the next blog in this series - shoes.