This page provides general tips specifically for men, about how to dress for a job interview. If you haven't yet, first read Job Interview Dress Tips for Men and Women on page 2.

Job Interview Dress Tips for Men

As previously mentioned, the photos displayed below are just a few examples of how to dress for a job interview; they're not set in concrete.

Clothing

Wear a sport coat over a long-sleeve, no-frills, solid-white or solid-pastel dress shirt tucked into your slacks and with a conservative tie; or the same type of dress shirt and tie without a sport coat; or a sport coat over the same type of dress shirt with an open collar (leave only the top-most button unbuttoned).

In cool weather, wearing a color-coordinated, solid-color sweater over a shirt and tie or open-collar shirt is appropriate for an interview, though it might be a tad too casual. To make it less casual, wear a color-coordinated sport coat over it.

A pullover sweater is typically dressier looking than a button sweater, particularly when worn under a sport coat. Wearing a sweater over a shirt with the open collar or tie knot showing an inch or two above the sweater neck, is spiffier than just a sweater alone; add a sport coat over it all and you'll be even more spiffy.

Wear dress slacks that are color coordinated with the rest of your outfit. Slacks like the Dockers brand are okay for casual business dress; but, for an interview, you might want to go a step dressier than cotton khakis.

Regardless, don't try to match the color of your slacks with that of your sport coat, as it rarely works well; instead, wear contrasting but coordinated colors, such a navy-blue sport coat with medium- to dark-gray slacks.

Alternately, particularly for "higher-up" or conservative jobs (or if it's what you'd ordinarily wear to work), wear a business suit to interviews with the dress shirt and tie described above. More about choosing a tie is mentioned below.

Earrings

If you ordinarily wear one or more earrings, remove them before interviews.

Grooming

Get a haircut before interviews; short, well-groomed hair is best. If you can't stand the thought of cutting your long hair for interviews, comb it back or tie it in a ponytail with an inconspicuous tie.

Clean-shaven is the best way to go too. If you have a beard or moustache, shave it off for interviews; if you just can't, at least make sure it's well-groomed.

Accessories

If you wear a tie, silk makes a smaller, much nicer knot than most other tie fabrics. If you can't afford 100-percent silk, consider a silk blend. Wear a conservative tie clip or pin to keep your tie from flopping around.

Wear low-heeled, conservative dress shoes that are color coordinated with your clothing. (For example, don't wear brown shoes with navy-blue or gray slacks; wear black.) Some say that laced shoes are dressier than loafers; but that's a minor detail, as long as either are appropriate for interviews.

Also wear calf-length dress socks (not crew or tube socks) that are color coordinated with your slacks and shoes. Calf-length socks will keep your legs covered when your trouser legs ride up from sitting. Dark socks are best; if in doubt, wear black socks with the navy-blue or medium- to dark-gray slacks previously recommended.

If you wear slacks with belt loops, also wear a dress belt that matches your shoes (e.g., black with black) or one that is conservatively color coordinated with the rest of your clothing.

Though men have few, other accessories are up to you; but choose conservatively and use good judgment.