What (not) to Wear

So now you've got your interview selections and you're practicing and prepping for interviews.  Here's the easy part: getting dressed. We put out a list like this every year to make sure you know what the working world expects.  But I want to stress that you need to feel good about yourself when you walk into an interview room.  That means wearing clothes and accessories that are professional but fit your sense of style.

What to Wear

• Dark suit (i.e. black, charcoal, navy, gray)
• Hair: tidy and not overly sprayed/gelled. 
• Shoes: shined.  For women, moderate heels.  (I saw a woman at a career fair last fall wearing a lovely dark suit and 3-inch ivory heels.  She could barely make it down the escalator.  Please leave your Carrie Bradshaw heels behind on OGI days!)
• Men, socks must cover your lower calves.  No bare legs peeking out under pants.
• Women, if you wear a skirt suit you must wear pantyhose.  We recommend nude or sheer colors – not tights.
• Jewelry: keep it to a minimum.  Save the huge hoops and chandelier earrings for the weekends.
• You know that little tag on the sleeve of your new suit?  Cut it off.
• Remove the threads from pleats and pockets of new suits.
• Clean shaves or trimmed facial hair.
• Fingernails: trimmed and clean.

Do’s and Don’t Do's.

• Do knock (2-3 raps) on the interview door when it’s time for your interview.  Make sure it’s loud enough to be heard, but not so loud your interview thinks you’re the fire marshal ready to break down the door.
• Do bring a copy of your resume and cover letter, and any references if requested.
• DON'T bring your 30-pound law school backpack, Greenberry’s mug, or cell phone that plays your favorite Beyonce song every time you get a text.  Leave them in your locker. 

Relax and try to have fun while you’re interviewing.  The more you enjoy yourself, the more your interviewer can do the same.