Professional Dress Code for Men

(This handout was originally intended to help ECE students prepare for interviews. The majority of the tips are applicable for presentations, so you’ll find this handout helpful as you prepare for the PDR.)

• Coat and tie are considered appropriate, even if you are going to work at a company renowned for its casual dress code for employees. Choose a dark jacket or suit. Wear a white or pastel shirt with a spread or button-down collar. Select a tie that is neither too bold or too old and worn. Small- to medium-width stripes and muted print ties are your best option. Avoid “loud” or novelty ties, and if the tie has a stain—even if it’s your “lucky tie”—forget it. Do not slip a jacket over a t-shirt; it will never be dressy enough for an interview.
• Jeans or cargo pants should not be paired with jackets, even if you are wearing a tie. Denim and pants with many pockets are too casual. Regular khakis are great with a coat and tie. Just remember to press them. No wrinkled clothes should ever be worn to an interview. If you don’t have an iron, take your clothes to a dry cleaner; they will press them for you.
• Shoes must be shined and accompanied by dark socks. Obviously, athletic shoes or sandals of any type are to be avoided. Avoid boots. Lace-up oxfords or leather loafers work well. Shined shoes show your attention to detail. People interviewing you really notice everything about a candidate. You may select black socks, socks that match your shoes, or socks that match your pants. That’s an individual style choice. Shoe color should match your belt.
• Caps and hats are off-limits for interviews. Also, do not attend an interview with wet or heavily gelled hair, or go unshaven, even if you think you look good with “five o’clock shadow.” Remove any earrings or other ornamentation. Confine your jewelry to a watch and ring, at most. Avoid heavy cologne.
• All personal electronic devices should be left in your car. Avoid carrying your cell phone, even if it’s turned off. By bringing it with you, you possibly show an interviewer your personal phone calls matter more than the interview. Likewise, carrying your PDA is inappropriate. IPods should never be taken in, even if you must wait a long period for your interview.

If you are unsure about your clothing selection, or you need to purchase the right interview outfit, visit the men’s department of any better department store. Salespeople are trained to help you make selections. You can ask for tips, or be shown which tie works with what shirt. Explain what your needs are. Bring your suit or sport coat with you. You will be better equipped to select the shirt and tie.

A few days before your interview or presentation…

· Lay out your clothing and try it on.

· Check for missing buttons or wrinkles.

· Practice tying your tie.

· Check the shine on your shoes

· Rehearse your smile in the mirror.

· Remind yourself to establish and maintain eye contact throughout the interview.

· Work on your handshake with friends. It should be firm, but not vice-like.