Q: I am a college senior and have begun the process of interviewing for jobs. The career counselors tell us we should “dress for success,” so I wore a black suit and a tie to my last interview, but I felt strangely overdressed. I am fortunate to own very nice suits, custom shirts and cuff links, yet while I sat in the room with the interviewers I felt as though my expensive clothes were giving the impression that I really didn’t need a job. Is there a fashion rule about this sort of thing? I want employers to see me as a serious applicant.

A: Keep your look simple. Don’t wear a black suit for an interview unless it’s an audition. It’s too severe. I would also avoid cuff links, monograms or anything else that could be perceived as distracting. Until you land a job, look smart, neat and unpretentious.

March 2002

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