12 Tips for Summer Interview Attire

(by Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor)
Selecting the perfect interview outfit can be difficult and complicated in today's business casual environment . . . especially in the summer with insanely high temperatures and stifling humidity. Surely the interviewer won't expect you to dress in a full business suit in the heat of summer, right? WRONG. Being appropriately dressed for a job interview - regardless of the weather - is essential! Here are some pointers that will lead you in the right direction before you head off to your summertime job interview.

Tip 1: Even if the company with which you are interviewing has a business casual dress code, do not assume this means you are welcome to dress in this manner. Remember you are not an employee and should not look like one during the interview process.

Tip 2: Regardless of the temperature outside, you must convey a professional appearance. Resist the urge to leave your suit jacket at home. You may want to keep it off while traveling to and from the interview, but be sure to wear it at all times during the interview.

Tip 3: Adhere to classic styles. Unless you are applying for a job in the entertainment or fashion industry, keep your clothing simple. "You need to be comfortable in what you are wearing so that the real you can come through during the interview," suggests Cyndi Sparacio, executive vice president of administration and human resources for West Coast Bancorp. "Also, remember to take off the tags of anything new you wear to an interview. One woman I interviewed got up from the seat she occupied throughout the interview when something got hung up on her chair. She was mortified to discover it was the sensor tag from the department store where she had purchased the new suit," laughs Sparacio.

Tip 4: Choose a dark or neutral color suit in a fabric that does not wrinkle. Beware of 100% linen. Women should combine their suits with soft colored blouses or sleeveless sweaters. Men should choose light colored dress shirts and conservative ties. Betsy Thompson, fashion spokesperson for Talbots suggests, "If you are just coming out of college and don't have a lot of money to spend on your wardrobe, I suggest that you buy the best possible quality for the budget you have by choosing items made of seasonless fabrics. When you buy quality clothing, you'll get years of wear out of them both for interviews and to wear on the job."

Tip 5: Choose accessories that accentuate your clothing. Accessories like scarves or jewelry for women are a great way to add personality to your outfit and may even set you apart from your fellow interviewees. Avoid items that clink and jingle. Keep in mind that your accessories should be tasteful and highlight your clothing - not overpower it. When choosing a watch to wear, make sure it is made of metal. Sports watches should be avoided.

Tip 6: Women should wear stockings and a medium heeled shoe that is clean and in good condition. Men should wear conservative shoes that are clean and polished. If you decide to ditch the hose, be sure your legs are clean shaven and minimally exposed with a knee length or longer skirt. "Depending on the climate where you are interviewing, women may want to call the company with which they are interviewing ahead of time and ask if they allow certain wardrobe components like open toe shoes," Thompson adds. "What may fly in Florida, may not in New York."

Tip 7: For women, understated, subtle makeup is best. This doesn't mean that you should go without, it means you should err on the side of conservative. Men should be clean-shaven. For those with facial hair, beards and/or mustaches should be impeccably trimmed and neat. The same is true for nose and ear hair.

Tip 8: Hair should look modern and stylish. Even on the hottest days when your hair may have a personality all its own, it's important to tame it as much as possible before the interview.

Tip 9: Make sure the accessories you carry, such as your briefcase and/or portfolio, are in excellent condition. "Be especially mindful of your outerwear. Suppose it's raining on the day of your job interview. Make sure you have appropriate rainwear. You may be wearing your outerwear when the interviewer greets you in the lobby. You want that crucial first impression to be positive," adds Thompson.

Tip 10: While you don't want to be mistaken as someone with poor personal hygiene given the temperature outside, don't overdue your fragrance either. Nothing is more uncomfortable than sitting in a closed office with someone who has too much perfume or aftershave on.

Tip 11: If there's someone whose appearance you admire, watch them more closely for the next few weeks. Jot down notes about how they combine colors, the accessories they use and their hairstyle. Take a trip to the shopping mall and try to emulate their clothing choices. Once you buy an interview suit, head to the department where accessories are sold and select those similar to the ones you've admired on your colleague.

Tip 12: Stay as cool and comfortable as possible on your way to the interview. Instead of taking the bus, hail a cab. Or, drive to the interview so that you can adjust the temperature accordingly. If you are prone to sweating, have a hanky handy and allow extra time in the lobby to cool down before the interview.

There's no more critical time to create a positive first impression than on a job interview. Make sure your attire says you are the right candidate for the job.