Oregon State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 38
Dressing for an Interview
What is considered appropriate and normal in one organization may not be suitable in another. The range
is wide in di昀昀erent 昀椀elds, geographic regions and industries. Seek advice on how to dress from people in
the 昀椀eld, peers or professors.
There are typically two types of attire in the workplace: business casual and professional. When you attend
an interview, the rule is to dress a little more formally than people would dress on a daily basis at the organization. For example, if you are interviewing at a farm, khakis might be nicer than daily jeans. At a bank, a
suit might be the appropriate interview attire.
Business Casual: Often used for
Professional: Can be used for
daily workplace wear, with more
daily wear, but is often for
room for creativity and unique style. signi昀椀cant days or events.
» Pants or slacks.
» Darker, non-ripped jeans are sometimes
acceptable.
» A blazer or suit coat is usually
expected, often paired with slacks, a
skirt or a dress.
» Skirts or dresses that are just above the
knee or longer.
» Simple, solid fabrics in darker colors
are common.
» Button-up shirts, blouses, polo shirts and
sweaters are common.
» Ties are common with button-up
shirts.
» Tie or no tie.
» Closed-toe shoes.
» Typically no graphic tees.
» Typically no sneakers or athletic shoes.
EXPRESS YOUR IDENTITY
The Career Development Center encourages people to express their race, religion
and cultural background in interview dress. Examples include wearing hijab/
turbans and wearing hair naturally (curly, twists, braids). Under federal law, an
employer cannot discriminate in hiring based on an applicant’s race, national
origin, gender, pregnancy, age, disability or religion.
The decision of how to present yourself is entirely personal. Seek advice from
others in your community and industry and dress according to your values.
TATTOOS AND PIERCINGS
There is no right or wrong answer to showing or concealing your tattoos and
piercings during a job interview. Views on tattoos and piercings can vary from one
employer to another. Your decision comes down to your comfort level and your
understanding of the company’s culture. You can try to gain a better understanding
of the workplace culture, dress code and openness to body modi昀椀cations by
reviewing the company’s LinkedIn, website, and social media pages to learn about
the attire and appearance of employees.
37
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
INTERVIEW ATTIRE
TIPS
» Avoid strong perfumes or
scents that might a昀昀ect
people with chemical
sensitivities.
» Pay attention to
appropriate hygiene and
clean clothes.
» Regardless of the type
of interview, dress in
a way that makes you
comfortable and aligns
with your identity.
FOR CORVALLIS
CAMPUS STUDENTS
Benny’s Business Closet,
operated by the College of
Business, is an inexpensive
place to purchase
professional clothing.
instagram.com/
osubennysbusinesscloset.
