A suit to last

Tailoring Top Tips for the graduate interview (men)

Friday 24 April, 2015

So, you are young, intelligent, brilliant and looking for a ‘proper’ job.  It’s never been easy but it is now harder than ever before.  If you manage to succeed past the application form / CV stage its over to the dreaded interview.  How are you going to stand out from the crowd?  Apart from your fantastic skills and your effervescing personality, what you wear is crucial.  They say a picture says 1000 words…you create that picture with your clothes.  Here we can help you look the part even if you haven’t the budget for Paul Smith or Huntsman…of course we would all love a made to measure suit but if you budget is more High Street than Saville Row a few top tips will make even a cheap suit look great.

It doesn’t matter about your height or shape, you will always look and feel more confident by choosing the right suit with the right fit.

Remember you are selling you. You need to make the interviewer trust you and believe you mean business even before you open your mouth. 

Gentlemen, lads, geezers, whatever you are these top tips could make all the difference…

A good suit should hug your shoulders, not slouch off them. Most guys think they are a size larger than they are, for example, a 38 regular instead of a 36…. Don’t upsize on your jacket… when buying a suit try sizing down. When you pull on the jacket, there should be a firmness to it. You should snap to attention and stand taller. If it doesn't fit right in the shoulders it will never look right and you will always look like you are wearing a cheap suit…even if you have spent a tonne!  Think about the width of the sleeves. Ideally look for a slim fit, it’s more contemporary, more now and will always look better! The cuff is a REALLY important part. Your suit sleeves should end just above the hinges of your wrists. ALWAYS show a quarter to half inch of cuff. It's like the frame on a painting.  If the sleeves are too long you run the risk of looking like you are wearing someone else’s suit! Trousers are often less of a problem.  Ideally they should just clip the tops of your shoes, not bunch up over them. 

Finally…Make sure your shoes are polished, your shirt ironed and research /questions prepared.  You are ready, you look great, you feel great ….Good luck!