The mixture of excitement and anxiety that come with a graduate's first job interview typically gives way to concerns about how well they will do in the interview. Graduates submit their applications and CV to employers outlining their career goals, employment history, and education. However, human resources personnel and hiring managers are only looking partially at the application materials in the interview. Professional interviews are about demeanor, professionalism, and industry appropriate appearance. While graduates with a great personality may do well in their first professional interview, dressing appropriately for the interview can help pave the way for professional success.



Graduates should first figure out how the professional staff at the hiring company dress on a daily basis. By taking a tour of the company, graduates can see professionals in action wearing the appropriate attire of the workplace. As well, taking a look at the public image of the company and its public representatives can help graduates figure out what to wear at their interview. However, graduates who want to get the details straight from the source should not be afraid to ask their contact with the company. Hiring managers and interviewers do not want graduates to worry about appearance while interviewing and will think highly of the initiative shown by the graduate.

For men, the typical interview attire consists of a nice button down shirt, plain color neck tie, nice black or brown shoes, and a pair of simple pants with matching belt. While some industries, like banking or finance, often require a suit coat during work, most interviews do not require a coat or jacket. Male graduates should have simple color shirts and ties, without complicated patterns or flashy colors. Typically, a blue, dark red, or white dress shirt with a tie of the same color but different shade will show interviewers that the graduate can represent the company in a positive light.

Female graduates have similar interview requirements, with a pants suit or blouse-skirt combination of simple colors standard interview fare. Women who go into the interview environment should consider a simple brown, black, or blue color combination in order to show that they are relaxed and professional in the interview. Radical color combinations and clothing that may be a bit too revealing is discouraged because interview clothing should show the even keel and temperament of the graduate being interviewed. For graduates both male and female, it is advisable to have several interview outfits that are comfortable and stylish. In this way, graduates can go into different interview environments with confidence in their appearance and qualifications.