INTERVIEW ATTIRE
DID YOU KNOW...
Your interview begins the moment you drive into the parking lot. You will be sized up
immediately by all who see you throughout the day. For each person you meet during
the process, including the office secretaries and the entire interview panel, consider
the following tips:
Always introduce yourself and greet other professionals
with a firm handshake, smile, and eye contact.
Bring with you a contagious excitement, enthusiasm, energy,
and passion for your field.
Be yourself: show you are poised and confident about your
skills through your body language, posture, and facial expressions.
Be knowledgeable about the company’s mission, vision, and values
and be able to communicate them effectively.
Follow these general rules in regards to interview attire:
Hair should be clean, well groomed, and away from the eyes (this
includes all facial hair, even in November!).
Tattoos and/or body piercings should not be visible.
Strong smells, including mints, perfumes, or aftershaves should
be avoided in excess.
Briefcases or portfolios provide an excellent outlet to store and
organize documents.
Clothing should fit properly. Wear a belt to hold your pants up and
avoid low necklines, short skirts, and heels higher than three inches.
Trendy clothing generally does not project the most professional image.
Crisp, clean, and well pressed is non-negotiable.
For any type of career-related event, fair, informational interview, conference, or job
shadow, always dress professionally based on your industry. Be sure to avoid:
Ripped jeans
Flip-flops
T-shirts
Wrinkled khakis
Short shorts and dresses
First Impressions, operated by the Career Services office, provides students with free
business attire for interviews, job fairs, and other professional events. Located in the
Bovee University Center, room 117, this resource helps students make a positive first
impression in both the classroom and the business world.
To apply for services with First Impressions, visit their website at cmich.edu/FirstImpressions
3939