How to Dress for an Interview

        tips for the job candidate – how to dress for a job interview

the job market is getting tougher, with more and more candidates vying for every job opening. first impressions are important and in most cases you won’t get a second chance to rectify a bad first impression. so in addition to the time and effort you put into your resume and interview preparation, it’s very important to make sure your attire is appropriate and precise. it should always be kept in mind that external appearance sends a message and is the business card you present to the company.

in the following guide osnat feingold, manager of marketing communications at the bagir group, קישור presents the accepted dress code. the dress code is the consensus of do’s and don’ts that determine what is “right” and what “looks good,” and is updated according to fashion trends. below we’ll present you with guidelines intended to help you get your dream job. tailored apparel is divided into three categories or levels of dress, each of which is based on a specific mode of dress: basic/casual, semi-formal and formal.

basic
basic wear is appropriate for professions in which it’s acceptable to dress young and informal, e.g. advertising, design, etc. even when dressing casual, it’s important to pay attention to the following:
pants: pressed cotton, without wrinkles or protruding pockets fits the bill just right. you can come to a job interview in jeans, too, but be sure they’re not faded, torn or with special embroidery.
shirt: it’s best to wear a button-down shirt, either short-sleeve or long-sleeve (and of course don’t forget to iron…)
polo shirts or quality tricot shirts are also fine, as long as there are no large words printed on them, and certainly not slogans.
shoes: sporty shoes are no problem, just not athletic shoes! brown or black is best. day-to-day shoes that look good and of course are polished.
sock and belt color is easy:
socks: simply match them with the color of your pants, shirt or shoes. never, ever wear white socks with dark pants.
belt: should match your shoes.

semi-formal:
this is the most common level of attire for interviews and is considered the broadest category which most people choose when dressing for work. the general idea: tailored pants and a button-down shirt. this level of attire is suitable for interviews for jobs as sales manager, finance personnel, marketing managers and any other managerial position that includes being presentable, attending meetings and wearing a “button-down look.”
pants: only tailored pants. be sure they’re pressed and the right length (pant legs should fall on the shoes, almost to the edge of the heel.
shirt: only button-down shirts. long-sleeve or short-sleeve, without crazy colors or loud patterns. despite the accepted “israeli-style” look, make sure to button all but the top button.
in case you’re wondering what the two buttons at the end of the shirt are for, they’re in case the sleeve is a bit too long.
always check to make sure there are no unraveled threads or missing buttons.
shoes: in general you should opt for black shoes that fit your overall look and match the color of your pants. choose quality leather, polished shoes.
socks: socks should match the color of your pants or shirt. under no circumstances should you wear white socks with dark pants.
belt: here, too, the above rule applies. the belt should match the color of your shoes and should close on the third hole, or the fourth at most, with a normal buckle without ornamentation, frilly designs or gleaming studs.
jacket: if you opt to add a jacket, forget about a blazer that’s the same color as your pants. always choose different colors.

formal
this category refers to suits and is intended for high-level positions such as ceo, vice president, senior sales manager, etc., who frequently take part in meetings and travel to conferences and exhibitions abroad.
suit: composed of a jacket and pants made from the exact same fabric. don’t bother buying one piece and looking all over for a match because there will always be differences in hue that are visible to the eye.
jacket: when you wear the jacket always button all but the bottom button.
jacket sleeves: the formula just sounds complicated. standing with your arms resting alongside your body, the sleeve should end 10 cm (4 inches) from the end of your thumb.
if the jacket is too long you can always have it shortened by a tailor. don’t forget to take off the label sewn onto the sleeve (even if you want everyone to see you bought a name brand).
outer pockets: they come sewn shut. in order to preserve the cut of the jacket it’s best to keep them that way and to overcome the temptation to put hands and miscellaneous items inside.
tie: the color of the tie should match the overall look. but when wearing a dark suit and a white shirt the tie color is unimportant. make sure to tie it in such a way that the end reaches your belt buckle.

unlike men, who have a clear dress code, for women the matter is a free-for-all. here are a few tips that will always be appropriate:
it’s always best to dress semi-formal.
skirt: problematic. skirts are a matter of debate because skirt length is meaningful.
a long skirt is liable to be perceived as conservative, while a short skirt is liable to be seen as provocative. therefore it’s best to opt for pants.

pants: black pants with a flattering, fashionable cut are the safest bet. make sure they fit just right (not too tight, no matter what fashion demands…). oversize pants may be seen as a sloppy look.
shirt: here is where the interviewee’s personality as well as the type of job offered come into play. the recommended choice varies from knitted to tailored. if you prefer a sporty, relaxed look a knitted shirt in season colors is a great solution. choose quieter shades: purple (not garish), gray or blue. if you’re interviewing for a high-level position, come to the interview in a tailored shirt; white or light blue are classic choices, but since it’s a tailored shirt you can be flexible regarding the color and pattern (stripes, decorations, etc.). just make sure the neckline is solid.
jacket: during the winter months you can add a jacket or vest, which adds to your look and expresses your personal taste.
shoes: closed shoes, even in summer (definitely avoid shoes that leave toes and toenail polish showing), since they’re considered more dignified. an ankle boot is a winning choice. make sure to wear quality, polished shoes, but that don’t draw too much attention.
accessories: here is the place to express your personality, but don’t get carried away. the look should be simple.
belts: there are belts galore – wide belts, narrow belts, belts worn outside the shirt and belts hidden from sight. make sure the belt matches your overall look – and of course your build.

properly implementing the dress code will help you achieve your goal. keep in mind that external appearance sends a message and serves as the business card you present to the company.

good luck!