[heathcliff]

that states that I am competent to do the job

Aves

[dana3262]

any color that gives you confidence. I am reponsible for hiring people and i think the best thing someone can wear is confidence and a great attitude. Good luck!

[robandjulie]

what kind of job is it? I was on the academic job market last year and wore a basic black suit everywhere but had a few shirts. My basic shirt was a pink/black/white striped thing (a lot more professional than it sound) which I felt like added a little "pop" to my otherwise basic uniform. But, when I interviewed someplace that had a school color I could work with, I added a touch of their school color if I had the shirt.

[Alexismandyjr]

Navy blue suit with a red shirt!!! Trust me on this one!

[kelceesmom]

Red states you are confident. So, something red in your attire.

[beverlyanderic]

i've done plenty of interviewing and hiring of all types of roles. as dana said, wear whatever makes you confident. even though the interviewer can't legally make a decision based on appearance obviously, there are still things in the back (or sometimes front) of their minds they're aware of. the recruiters and hiring managers i've worked with just wanted the person to look professional.

good luck!

[SKL]

I was doing my law degree and MBA at the same time. The MBA career advice was that you MUST wear black because it makes you look powerful. The law career advice was that you MUST NOT wear black because it makes you look arrogant, but blue is both professional enough and subservient enough to please nasty old lawyers. Every time we had "interview day" I was surrounded by either blue suits or black suits. Personally I wore a brown suit as a compromise. (And because I was too poor to have more than one suit.) I didn't get a job during campus interviews, but I got a great job in a different setting where I felt more comfortable. Be yourself (but maybe avoid brown). Good luck!

[amyfk]

I am now a SAHM, but when I was interviewing I most likely had a navy blue or a black interview suit. I also once had a dark purple(mauve?) suit as well. I think it's good to keep the colors dark. You may want to speak with a career counselor. IF you are in an artsy field, then I think things are more liberal and there is more leeway in how you can dress. Otherwise I would go with conservative. It never hurts.
Amy K NJ

[CurlysGirly]

Red! I agree that you should bring your confidence along as well. You need them to remember you (in a good way...lol) if they are going to be comparing you to others.

This does however depend on what the job is for.

[Saya]

I think it very much depends on your field, but I think sticking with a neutral color is best. If you want a "pop" of color, save it for a small accessory. But I think even more then the color is making sure everything fits well, that things aren't mis-matched, and that you look generally professional and well put together.

That said - SKL, when I was getting my law degree and it was early interview week, I TOTALLY remember being surrounded by the sea of identical looking black and navy blue suits! And then one woman was there in a perfectly tailored mauve pants suit - and she looked great! And I remember thinking, wow I wished I'd had the guts to do that! (I was in navy. . .) BUT it was still a dark mauve and served a "neutral" role - it wasn't bright purple or anything. . .

[CEB]

I do a lot of interviewing for a law firm and have to say that unless the person is wearing something inappropriate or really different, I do not notice what candidates are wearing. Law is a conservative profession - so I just want people to look professional. If you are interviewing in the entertainment or advertising field, the advice might be different. And good luck!

[specialk4b]

A lot depends on the field in which you're interviewing. If the field requires that you be creative, you might want to go with color, if the field requires that you be conservative, stick with black/blue.

Overall, as long as you dress professionally and appropriately for the industry, you should be fine.

[cjrogers]

I hire people - both for creative and business operational positions.

My advice is to wear something conservative. Navy, black or grey - pant suit. I like the idea of something that "pops" like a nice brightly colored shirt, but I've never noticed that. I always notice messy hair and nails - it doesn't impact my decision but it might impact my first impression.

I've had people interview who came in with slacks and a blouse or slacks and a shirt w/o tie - and people without a suit have easily won out based on their knowledge and good attitude.

The best? Clean cut, conservative with your confidence and a smile. Make your interviewer at ease... interviewing is a hard job too!!!

[asauer]

I used to be a recruiter- I'd say wear something fairly conservative that you feel comfortable/confident in- color doesn't really matter, just don't go too bright. A nice color shirt with a pants suit always makes people look put together. Also- please remember the rule of 7. No more than 7 accessories- that includes each earring, wedding ring, watch etc. It's so distracting to interview someone with necklaces, braclets and any number of items flashing you in the face. Good Luck!!!

[JustBarbara]

Clean cut, conservative, I usually go with a navy blue suit. No jangling bracelets, no overwhelming perfume. Clean hands, scrubbed nails, shoes in good shape. As others have said, depends on the industry you're interviewing for. I had people come into the corporate world interviews wearing extreme business casual - not a good idea - always best to be dressed 'up' than 'down'. If you're a graphic designer or more artsy you can certainly bring in more color and creativity but you really want the interview to concentrate on you not your outfit. Bring confidence, energy and a can-do attitude and remember to prepare 4-5 questions for the interviewer. Good luck.