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Human Resources: Job Interview Dressing Tips for Men

Here are some job interview dressing suggestions for men, to help you get ready for an interview and make that critical first impression. These suggestions are generally appropriate for nost office or retail environments.

General Suggestions:

• Dress for an interview as if you are showing up for work. Dress as good as the boss/manager does (or almost as good).
• If the dress environment is "casual" it is better to slightly overdress for the interview.

Attire Suggestions:

• Have your suit pressed and cleaned, your shirt ironed, a wear a tasteful tie (depending on the job or industry the tie can be conservative or flamboyant) that is knotted straight and the correct length (bottom of tip touches bottom of belt buckle)
• Polish your shoes (including the backs, and edges of the sole). Do not wear sneakers, sandals, cloth or suede shoes to an interview.
• Do not wear visible jewelry except a wedding ring. Do not wear chains over your shirt (even if it is a cross), or metal (or other) bracelets. If you have pierced ears or other face parts remove what you can. For men, body adornment and [obvious] make-up does not suit corporate culture.
• Cover your tattoos as much as possible.
• For tradesman positions (i.e., construction) dress like you would for starting that day (in other words, ditch the suit and tie advice). You may be asked to prove your skills before being hired.
• Do a final mirror-check. Ask yourself, does this look like someone you'd hire?

Hygiene & Personal Appearance You'd be amazed... some people still miss these basics:

• Bathe, in order look and smell clean.
• Use a deodorant (unscented if possible), brush your teeth and use a mouthwash (eat a mint just before going the interview, just in case)
• Use after-shave or cologne sparingly. It's a job interview, not a date
• Check your nose and ear hairs (gross!)and make sure your nails are clipped short
• Generally short hair is better, but long hair is acceptable in some work areas if it is clean and styled so that it is not in your face. If your hairline is receding do not try a "comb-over"(there's no more effective way to say "living in the past")
• Do not smoke at least one hour prior to the interview. The stink will likely offend the 70% of Canadians who don't smoke (and not just your breath; your clothes!). Also, if it is a non-smoking workplace, you may not be hired, since you may be perceived as needing too many smoke breaks.

If in doubt, check out the company a day or so before your interview. Either scope out the office's reception area, peek in the store window.