Closet staples make up fashionable, appropriate business attire (2)

When you are being interviewed for a job, your appearance and what you wear is significant. The “don’t judge a book by its cover” rhetoric that we were spoon-fed in kindergarten does not apply. Rather, first impressions count, and the first thing a potential employer sees is your outward appearance.

In college, we are used to just rolling out of bed, throwing on a pair of sweats, one-arming the backpack and trudging to class. But as we all know, a job interview is not class, and your potential boss will never encourage pajama days.

So, what do you wear? Regardless of your interview type, there are some basic rules for entering the job market: Always iron your clothes, match your belt to your shoes and tuck your shirt into your pants. Interviews are not the place for edgy fashion, and it’s better to remain conservative and professional than flashy and out of line. Then, before you break out the suit collecting dust in your closet, consider what kind of job you are applying for.

If it’s an internship with PNC Bank, then yes, your no-longer dusty suit is probably the best choice. Jobs and internships at large-scale corporations require your most formal dresswear.

A tailored suit is probably your best bet. You are presenting yourself as a professional — as someone who comes to work on time and who is methodical in their work — and a suit will best represent these characteristics.

Men and women should stick to solid suits of dark blue, black or gray and wear simple-colored oxford shirts. For women who want to wear a “statement” piece, make it something small like a pin, silk scarf or nice watch. Even consider wearing a sparkly pair of earrings — but be careful not to over bling yourself.

In regard to shoes, women need to be careful to demonstrate that they are practical and sophisticated. If you’re applying to a job that requires significant action, don’t prance into your interview with stiletto heels. Instead, wear a more conservative pair of flats that demonstrate maturity and flexibility, or at least the ability to run out of the office at a minute’s notice.

Men, however, have less options to turn their drab outfits into a catwalk ensemble. Choose a decorative tie that helps to accent your suit color, but stick to classy choices that don’t set you apart in a bad way.

But if your interview is for a job creating art displays or working on graphic design, your suit may be better suited for your closet.

If you are interviewing for an artsy job that involves a more hands-on approach with creative coworkers, then — while you still want to look nice — you may be able to get away with a little more of an eclectic look. In these situations, a nice pair of black or gray slacks with a button-down shirt and cardigan are a good look for the ladies. Gentlemen can get away with a nice pair of dress pants or khakis, a long-sleeve oxford shirts and perhaps a sweater vest.

Consider expressing your creativity with a bright scarf or jeweled necklace. Positions that rely on self-expression deserve less-reserved interview attire, so make sure to liven up your wardrobe to publicly demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.

But it is important that you still look professional. No sneakers, no low-cut tops or miniskirts and nothing too flashy or ostentatious. And don’t break out your five-inch studded heels or glow-in-the-dark bowtie or your clothes will be raising more eyebrows than your resumé. No sane person is going to hire someone who comes in looking like they missed the memo on where the party is.

Write Grace at gak30@pitt.edu.