QUESTION:

Do I really need to wear a suit to an interview? I can't really afford to buy one. I tend to be pretty casual and I don't really get why people wear suits to interviews if that isn't what they'd normally wear.

ANSWER:

Yikes. You're going to need to shift your attitude a bit if you want to be successful in the job market. As I'm sure you must know, the economy is the worst most of us have ever seen in our lifetimes (other than those who were around for the Great Depression).  In any economic time, you'd need to wear a suit for an interview, but especially now when an employer has his/her choice of countless qualified candidates to choose from.  I know I've written about this before, but men need to wear a nice suit (cotton or wool...no polyester)! Gray, navy blue or black work best here in the east. Small pinstripes are ok-large ones look like the Mafia. Shirts should be ironed - white or blue work best. I happen to like buttoned-down shirts for conservative/preppy DC. Comb your hair - if it's too long for a guy - I'm afraid you're going to need to get a haircut. Some employers don't like facial hair - I don't make the rules. Make sure your shoes are shined - no gym shoes/sneakers! Don't wear white socks - make sure they're long enough that you're not showing leg hair - not attractive. Women have a little more leeway. Back in the 1980s - women also needed to wear suits. Things are a bit more flexible now. You can wear a skirt suit, pant suit, nice dress - please no cleavage! Make sure your hair looks nice - if it's long - an updo works well. If you're wearing a dress - you must wear stockings. Again, I don't make the rules - D.C. is a really conservative town. Wear nice shoes - don't look like you're ready to go "club hopping".  If you're not sure - please ask me about specifics or email me a photo of what you plan to wear. Good luck.