Men – we couldn’t end fashion week and not give you a few pointers on dressing for the interview.
So getting a haircut and a clean shave should be a given. However, these are not the only considerations when prepping for an interview. Remember, your interview is most likely your first formal visual impression – so you have to make it count. Detailed below are five tips to consider when preparing the most handsomest (yes handsomest) interview outfit.
1. Two Words – Suit & Tie
It is important to learn the culture of the group with which you will be interviewing. To understand the culture is to have the ability to show that you can fit right into the culture of the company’s professional atmosphere. Nevertheless – Men you will never go wrong with a Suit & Tie – whether it’s McDonald’s might be overdressed BUT you show leadership and growth potential or the White House, you will seldom fail with a suit and tie.
A simple black, navy or gray suit is generally acceptable. If you cannot help but to scream personality, a subtle pin stripe suit is certainly acceptable. The suit must be well fitted – not too loose where jacket fastenings look bulky and untidy, and not to close where your jackets are so tight that they have stretch marks. The arms of the a man’s suit blazer should be long enough to where about a ¼ to a ½ inch of his dress shirt is visible beyond the cuffs when his arms are at ease.
Solid color shirts are the most common worn shirts for the interview, thus the most acceptable. However, other soft solid colors are also acceptable such as soft yellow, pale or sky blue, off white and other simple colors. You should always, always, always press your shirt and your color must be pressed and stiff. Your shirt should be tucked in and complimented with a flattering solid color or basic stripe silk tie that is about 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches in size. The appropriate knots are the (click on words to see examples from tiefighter.net)
1Windsor Knot ; 2Half Winsor Knot ; 3Four-In-Hand Knot ; 4Pratt Knot
2. Polished Black or Brown Shoes…don’t forget the matching belt
No alligator-skinned lace-ups or pointy Aladdin-kick-&-stab loafer shoes. No scuffed, beat up, holey shoes or government boots. Non – Notta – Not Never. A simple pair of polished, laced-up or flat loafers matching your ensemble will be suitable unless the creative or fashionable atmosphere of your prospective company requires your Sunday’s best. Socks in addition, should be clean and black.
3. Briefcase or Portfolio
A leather (or look-a-like) or vinyl briefcase is certainly acceptable. The briefcase should appropriately match the color of your shoes and belt but in some circumstances, if it works, make it happen! Briefcase colors should not take away from you but simply complement your ensemble.
If this is a traditional interview, keep it simple. Avoid backpacks and duffel bags and you can do without the murses (men purses).
4. Accessories
Cufflinks, watches, a wedding band or class rings and a few other acceptable other pieces of jewelry are appropriate (depends on the “professional” you).
As for the list of No’s:
No sun shades (please – not even if you’re interviewing with Diddy, not even a bouncer job), no earrings, no chains (ok – maybe a small sign of the cross chain for luck but tuck it in), no bracelets or anything else that can be perceived as loud jewelry, no phone or Bluetooth ear pieces. Just don’t do it.
5. What’s that smell?
This question can have different meaning depending on who is asking it. Smelling good is often times a plus but in an interview; however you do not get to choose the interviewer so cologne scents must be tasteful and moderate. You should have men and women wishing they can either have the smell or smell you more. Your scent should be sophisticated and faint and should not overpower a room, nor make the interviewer suffocate (also shouldn’t remind the interview of an ex but hey if it’s too mind-boggling, Irish Spring Soap and great smelling laundry softener always does the trick).
Follow these five basic steps, and you would be sure to be your professional handsomest. The rest is up to you!
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By Q’tyashia Arrington
TheSocialClimb, LLC's Blog 
Very good read. One thing i must say, i learned about 3 new names to tie knots.
I will work on my tie knots for the next interview