Job Seeker Services
Career Resource Center
Tips

Appearance, Grooming and Hygiene

The first personal communication between the interview and employer is nonverbal and occurs as eye contact is made. Your performance creates an important first impression which, depending on whether the impression is positive or negative, you must work to maintain or correct throughout the course of the employment interview. It should be noted that a negative first impression is next to impossible to turn around by the end of the interview. Remember to dress simply and appropriately (and conservatively!).

Your appearance is dependent on, among other things, good grooming habits. It's important that you pay attention to the small details that can enhance your overall appearance: hair should be neatly trimmed or you should be clean-shaven; teeth should be clean and breath non-offensive. Hygiene is an important element of your personal appearance. These details can either add to or detract from your appearance.

The rule of thumb is to dress for an interview one "level" above the everyday work clothing for the job.

Appearance Detractors to Avoid

• Unpolished shoes
• Gaudy or too much jewelry
• Wrinkled shirt or blouse
• Dirty fingernails or hair
• Unshaven
• Poor posture
• Saggy socks
• Tight revealing clothes
• Extreme hairstyles
• Designer (or No) nylons
• Poorly fitted clothing
• Colors that "clash"
  

Dress for Success (men and women)

• Clean and polished conservative dress shoes
• Well-groomed hairstyles
• Cleaned and trimmed fingernails
• Minimal cologne or perfume
• No visible body piercing beyond the conservative
• Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
• No gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth
• Minimal jewelry
• No body odor

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