How to Dress For Interview SuccessTips for Military Men and Women Transitioning

Into Corporate America

IntroductionWhen transitioning out of the military, it is important to adequately prepare for every

interview. Though researching the company and preparing for behavioral/situational

interview questions is incredibly important, many military members often underestimate

the impact their appearance can have on attaining a job offer. In the following

presentation, I will share the dos and don’ts of interview attire.

Always Dress Like A Business Professional

Upon transitioning out of the military, and only having experience wearing a uniform to work, it can be difficult to know what is considered “business professional”. Here are the most important areas of focus:

Ensure clothes fit properly

Pick business appropriate shoes

Wear the right kind of accessories

Have a kempt appearance

Proper Fitting Suit (Men)

1. Shoulder pads end with your shoulders.

2. Flat hand should slip easily into your suit under the lapels when the top (or middle) button is fastened. If you put a fist in, the suit should pull at the button.

3. Top button of two-button suit – or middle button of a three-button suit- should not fall below your navel.

4. With your arms at your sides, your knuckles should be even with bottom of your jacket.

5. Jacket sleeves should fall where the base of your thumb meets your wrist.

6. Between a quarter and a half inch of shirt cuff should be visible.

7. One inch break.Original source for information/photo: http://bit.ly/1jo7eLy

Business Appropriate Shoes (Men)

Simple: black, brown or cordovan.

Match to your belt and outfit.

Clean and polished. Shoes should not look damaged or shabby.

Photo Source: http://bit.ly/1QwAwqF

Accessories (Men) Watch: Link or leather

wristband.

Belt: Leather with a plain buckle.

Tie: Standard width and length. Conservative, preferably silk, and striped with an authoritative color (i.e- red, blue, gray, or yellow).

Socks: Dark, and covering the calf. Match socks to pants. Original Location of Information: http://huff.to/1CvOdeA

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1SYSDGP

Grooming (Men) Ensure clothes are freshly pressed.

Cover tattoos.

Only wear well-fit/tailored clothes.

Never wear a tee-shirt under a sport coat to an interview.

Clean shave, fresh haircut, and trimmed nails.

Freshly brushed teeth (Use teeth whitening strips if you have badly stained teeth).

Only a small amount of cologne, or no cologne at all.

Side note: Always pack an extra suit, shirt, and tie for emergency situations (i.e- coffee or food stains).

Tie It All Together A dark, two-piece suit is your best option

when interviewing with a conservative company.

A sport coat and trouser may be more appropriate when the interviewer makes it a point to tell you to “dress casual”.

A white cotton shirt, worn with a dark suit and tie, makes a powerful entrance (*The darker the shirt, the less powerful the look. Steer clear from colors such as deep purple, chocolate brown or black.)

Minimize jewelry and statement pieces. Simple is best.

Original Source Of Information: http://huff.to/1CvOdeA

Great Looks (Men)

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1WzHtpw Image Source: http://bit.ly/215TNVi

Proper Fitting Suit (Women)1. Cropped Jackets: Should only be worn with a dress or

skirt, and must fall below the top of the skirt. Sleeves should fall below the elbow.

2. Regular length jackets: When your arms are at your sides, the bottom of your jacket should rest anywhere between your hip bone and knuckles. Sleeves should fall between your wrist and the top knuckle of your thumb.

3. Width: There should be enough room in the chest for you to give yourself a hug (jacket should feel snug). It is too tight if, when buttoned, the fabric pulls or puckers.

4. Shoulders: Shoulder pads should be thin and the same width of your shoulder.

5. Buttons: Should never fall below navel (top button of 2-button suit, middle button of 3-button suit).

6. Skirt Length: Skirts should be tailored to reach the middle/bottom of the knee cap.

7. Pants: Your pants should reveal the front and back of your shoes. They should not pool or bag at the bottom. Cropped pants should fall just above the ankle.

Original source of information/photo: http://bit.ly/

1SIoLhp

Business Appropriate Shoes (Women)

Polished and clean; shoes should not look old and shabby.

Do not wear highly fashionable or colored shoes.

Do wear flats or low to medium heels. Shoe color should be in classic colors (i.e.- black, brown, tan, navy, or burgundy).

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1RUlvhK

Accessories(Women) Jewelry

Watch: Link or leather wristband.

Necklace: Single stone/charm necklace, or pearls.

Earrings: Simple studs or pearls.

Belt: Simple with a plain buckle.

Tights/hose: When wearing a skirt or dress, nude colored tights or pantyhose are a must.

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1Q8nDBu

Grooming (Women)

Ensure clothes are freshly pressed.

Brush your teeth right before an interview (Use whitening strips if you have stained teeth)

Hair should be kempt. If you have long hair, pull it back and minimize “fly-away” hairs.

Makeup should be simple and natural.

Nails should be manicured, and polish should be natural in appearance.

Wear a subtle amount of perfume, or none at all.

Side note: If wearing nail polish, always bring nail polish remover in case of chipping. Always pack an additional outfit with pantyhose in case of an emergency situation (i.e- food or coffee stain, or a run in your hose).

Tie It All Together Ensure that your blouse is not too

revealing or sheer.

When dressing for an interview, choose a dark skirt, dress, or suit.

Suit layers: wear a modest and plain silk shirt, camisole, or button-down shirt underneath your jacket.

What to wear with a skirt: a plain, fitted button down shirt, or a blouse with a simple pattern. If wearing a skirt or dress, wear opaque tights/hose.

If you are wanting to make a statement, it is best to only make one statement with a top in an authoritative color (i.e- red, blue, or yellow) or a simple pattern. “Less is more”, when preparing for an interview. Image Source: http://bit.ly/1Rf05cY

Great Looks (Women)

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1oBVpFd

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1TsGng1