What Is Proper Attire for an Interview for IT Technicians?

Dressing for an interview is not the same as dressing for a typical day of work. Even though, as an IT technician, you may dress more casually for work than in upper management jobs, dressing up for the interview shows that you are serious about the job. Conservative attire will ensure that the interviewer is not distracted by your clothing. You want to be remembered for what you say during the interview, not for what you wear.

Suit Up

A suit is always appropriate attire for a job interview. Even if you know that employees typically dress down and wear casual pants or even jeans to work, wearing a suit shows your interest in the job and respect for the interviewer. If the interview will take place on location, such as a plant or job site where a suit would be out of place, men may wear khaki pants and a dark jacket instead; women could wear a dark- or neutral-colored pantsuit.

Ideas for Men

Men should wear a two-piece suit in a dark color with no visible pattern. A small pattern that looks solid from across the room is acceptable too. Stick with navy or dark gray; black is a bit too severe. Natural fabrics are best, especially wool and wool blends. There are even lightweight wool suits that are ideal for warmer weather. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, even in the summer. Shirts should be white or conservatively coordinate with the suit. Stay away from bright colors. Ties should be conservative, either solid or in a subtle pattern. Wear a brown or black leather belt, dark socks that are long enough so your skin doesn't show when you sit down, and conservative leather shoes that are polished. Wear minimal jewelry -- preferably just a watch -- and remove earrings if your ears are pierced.

Ideas for Women

Women should wear a two-piece, matched suit -- a jacket with either a skirt or pants. Skirts should be knee-length, not too tight and not with a high slit. Before deciding on a skirt, sit in an office chair in front of a mirror to see how it will look to the interviewer. Solid colors in navy, dark gray, brown or black are good choices, or a subtle pattern that looks solid from across the room. Wear a tailored blouse under the jacket, in white or a conservative color. Stay away from bright colors and busy patterns, and do not show cleavage or skin through gaping buttons. Shoes should be conservative pumps with low heels and closed toes. Keep jewelry to a minimum; a watch and a conservative necklace are plenty. Wear minimal makeup and neutral pantyhose. Nails should be neat and clean, even, not too long, and either bare or painted a conservative color. Long red claws, low-cut pants and spike heels won't get you taken seriously.
Tips to Remember

Clothes should fit properly. Bulging pockets and stretched buttonholes, or a jacket so big it looks borrowed, are distracting. Clean and press clothing and avoid fabrics, such as linen, that wrinkle easily. Carry either a thin portfolio or a small briefcase. Women should carry either a portfolio/briefcase or a purse, but not both; purses should be structured and dark in color. Hair should be neatly groomed. Shoes should be freshly polished so scuffs don't show.

source:chron.com