Suits

  • Choose a two-piece matching suit.
  • Stick to conservative colors like navy, charcoal or light gray.
  • Iron, press or steam pants so they are wrinkle free.
  • Dress/skirt length should be no shorter than 2-3″ above knee.
  • If needed, have suit tailored or hemmed to fit correctly.

Dress Shirts and Blouses

  • Wear a long-sleeved button down or straight collar shirt.
  • Wear a tailored blouse, good quality knit sweater or shell under your jacket.
  • White or light blue shirts are great colors for an interview.
  • Avoid low-cut and see-through attire.

Shoes + Pantyhose

  • Wear leather shoes in brown, black or navy.
  • Closed-toed shoes are preferred.
  • Socks should be long enough to not show any bare skin when you cross your legs or sit.
  • Never wear gym socks for an interview.
  • If wearing pantyhose, choose a neutral skin tone. Do not wear with open-toed shoes. Keep an extra pair with you in case of a “run.”

Accessories

  • Match your belt to your shoes.
  • Bring a purse or briefcase, not both.
  • Wear minimal jewelry; less is better.
  • Keep necklace and earrings conservative and professional.
  • If wearing makeup, subtle is key. Never appear overly made up.

Ties

  • Never wear a clip-on tie.
  • Ties should be conservative with a solid or stripe pattern. (Avoid characters and novelty prints.)
  • The color and pattern should complement the color of your shirt. Pick your shirt first and then match your tie.
  • When wearing a bright shirt, tone it down with a neutral or light colored tie and vice versa.
  • Regardless of your height, the tie should stop at your pant belt buckle.
  • If using a tie bar, position between the 3rd and 4th buttons of your dress shirt. It should never extend past the width of the tie. And, be sure to clip the tie and shirt together.
  • Want to learn a classic (or more elaborate) knot? Check out these options from ties.com.
    • Please note information regarding tie knots is offered as a service by Northcentral Technical College. NTC does not assume responsibility in helping with your choice, supporting these products or servicing them.

NTC’s Student Development Team including Student Life and Career Services can help you: prepare for job fairs and interviews, practice common interview questions, acquire networking skills, and more. Check out our online resources: studentlife.ntc.edu/soft-skills.