Interviewing - Make a Good First Impression with the Right Look

It's interviewing season at the Ross School of Business. The BBSA leadership team is working on a series of workshops to help prepare the MBA Class of 2008 for summer internship interviewing. Additionally, the Office of Career Development and the online website have a plethora of resources to help you sharpen your interviewing skills. After you have finished practicing the C-A-R format for the toughest interview questions, don't forget the finishing touch - your appearance. Here is a quick reference for both men and women to ensure you make the right first impression.

Men:
Suit
1) Navy blue or gray
2) Wool or wool-blend
3) Solid color, with or without pinstripes
(solid is preferred)
4) Single-breasted
5) Single-vent suit jacket
Think conservative and make sure the suit fits
well.
Shirt
1) WHITE--you cannot go wrong!
2) Professionally laundered with light starch
Tie
1) Stylish and modern, but not wild!
2) Make sure the tie complements the suit
Shoes
1) Black or burgundy (Black is preferred)
2) Wing tips, Cap toe, or standard Oxford
style
3) Laced shoes are preferred to loafers
4) Be sure to polish shoes before each
interview
Socks
1) Match color of suit
2) Solid or conservatively patterned
Be sure to purchase dress socks that will not
sag or fall down during the interview. This
would be very distracting!

Women:
Suit
1) Navy blue, black, or gray
2) Two piece (Jacket and Skirt; avoid pant suits and
dresses)
3) Conservative yet stylish
(Accounting/Finance/Consulting- more conservative)
4) Solid color or pin stripes
(Accounting/Finance/Consulting - solid color)
5) Conservative buttons (Avoid large, flamboyant
buttons)
Skirt length should be at, or slightly above the knee
Blouse
1) White or cream
2) Cotton or silk
3) Avoid low cut styles
Hose
1) Wear them!!
2) Neutral tones or suit color
(Accounting/Finance/Consulting - neutral is
preferred)
3) Solid; no patterns or decorations
4) Check for runs
Shoes
1) Color should match that of suit
2) Medium heel
3) No sling-back or open-toed styles. The most
important thing is that your shoes are comfortable
Accessories
1) Small, conservative earrings (gold, silver, or pearl)
2) Pull back long hair with barrette (preferably the
color of your suit or blouse)
3) Do not wear perfume
4) Wear natural looking nail polish
Be careful on your selection of jewelry. Avoid wearing
distracting accessories such as multiple rings, large flashy
necklaces, and extravagant pins.