DRESS CODE
Proper appearance is important for the interview process. Your appearance makes an immediate first
impression on an interviewer. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression. The rule of
thumb regarding appropriate dress in an interview is to dress as you would if you were employed in the
position for which you are applying. Employment in a more conservative workplace such as a bank,
law firm, or accounting firm would dictate traditional business attire. A workplace that is more
creative or casual, such as an art studio, retail store, or hair salon would allow business casual dress. If
you are in doubt about what to wear, call the receptionist/secretary of the company to inquire before
you go to the interview.
Below are some guidelines for proper interview attire:
Traditional Business
Business Casual
Inappropriate
Male
Business suit
Dress shirt and necktie
Brown or black shoes
Male or Female
Blazer or sport coat
Collared shirt
Sweater or cardigan
Brown or black shoes
Any type of jeans
Sleeveless tops
T-shirts
Shorts/skorts
Female
Business dress or suit
-modest length & neckline,
-conservative color
Dress pants or skirt
Dressy top
-modest neckline
Dressy shoes
Khaki or dark pants
Capri pants
Athletic shoes/sneakers/
flip-flops
Strong perfume/cologne
White athletic socks
Visible tatoos
Females:
Nails should be modest in length and in color
Minimal jewelry should be worn
Undergarments should never be seen through, or sticking out from one’s outer clothing
Dresses or tops which are off the shoulder, with plunging necklines, or showing bare midriff are
inappropriate.
Make-up and perfume should be applied tastefully
Males
Nails clean and trimmed
Freshly shaven with hair style or beard similar to those worn by workers in department. Before your
interview inquire of the receptionist/secretary of the company about appropriate hair style.
Minimal jewelry: remove ear rings and other body piercings.
Sagging and low cut trousers are inappropriate. Undergarments should never be seen sticking out from
one’s outer clothing.
Questions An Interviewer Might Ask
It is important to rehearse for a job interview by considering the types of questions your interviewer
may have for you. In this way you become more familiar with your personality traits and your
qualifications and will be better prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. Below
are some examples, arranged in categories.
Personal Information
What can you tell me about yourself? Give me three adjectives that best describe you.
What one thing would you most like to change about yourself?
What one thing about yourself makes you happy?
What teacher influenced you the most? Why?
What would your teachers say about you?
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Give me an example of a crisis which affected you, and how you handled it.
What are some of your future goals?
Where do you hope to be in five years?
What courses did you like best/least in high school? Why?
What do you do in your spare time?
What are your hobbies?
Do you play sports? Which sports?
In what activities outside of school do you participate?
Name one thing that you would really like to do that you have never tried.
Are you fluent in another language?
Where else in the world would you like to live?
Your Qualifications & Employment Profile
Why should I hire you?
What qualifications do you have that relate to this position?
What are your best skills? What is your major weakness?
What skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
Give me an example from a previous job where you’ve shown initiative.
What can you do for us that someone else can’t do?
If I had to choose between five candidates, why should I choose you?
What can you tell me about your communication skills?
What can you tell me about your computer skills?
What is important to you in a job?
What motivates you in your work?
Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
What kind of people do you enjoy working with?
What qualities do you find important in a coworker?
Your Work Experience
Why did you leave your last job?
What have you learned from your past jobs?
What were your biggest responsibilities?
What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?
What did you like most/least about your last job?
Whom may we contact for references?
Have you ever been fired or asked to resign?
Your Career Goals
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
What are some of your future goals?
How will this job fit into your career plans?
What do you expect from this job?
How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?
Sample Questions to Ask During Your Job Interview
At most job interviews you will be invited to ask questions of your interviewer. This is an
important opportunity for you to learn more about the employer, and for the interviewer to
further evaluate you as a job candidate. It requires some advance preparation on your part.
Here are some guidelines for asking questions:
Prepare five good questions. Though you may not have the opportunity to ask all of
them, it is important to be ready to ask questions about the job, the company, and the
industry or profession. The fact that you have prepared indicates your interest and
determination to the interviewer. Be careful with questions that may raise red flags (“Would
I really have to work weekends?”) At the early part of the interview stay away from
questions about compensation, vacation, tuition reimbursement, etc.
Sample Questions
About the Company
Who are your customers? Who are your competitors?
What makes your organization different from its competitors?
In what ways do you position your products (or services) from those of your competitors?
How would you describe the organization’s culture/environment?
How would describe your organization’s personality and management style?
How is the work environment affected by the organization’s management style?
What industry-wide trends are likely to affect your organization’s strengths and weaknesses?
About the Job
What is a typical day like for a person who performs this job? Can you describe a typical
work week?
What other positions and/or departments will I interact with most?
To whom does this position report?
How much decision-making authority and autonomy are given to new employees?
How do the position and the department contribute to the overall company mission and goal
Orientation & Training
Can you describe the training program for this position?
When does training begin? How long does it last?
How is training structured?
Who conducts the training?
Once training begins, how soon would I be put on the job?
The Future
Once training has been completed, could I be expected to advance in the company?
What career paths have others generally followed after completing training?
Does your organization encourage its employees to pursue additional education?
What are the opportunities for advancement?
Can you please tell me how your career has developed at XYZ Corp.? Would someone
entering the firm today have similar opportunities?
What characteristics best describe individuals who are successful in this position?
How will my performance be evaluated?
How often are performance reviews given? By whom would I be reviewed?