<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm having interviews at MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Tech soon, and I obviously want to make a good first impression. What is a good interview outfit? What's too casual or too formal? I was thinking about wearing a collared shirt and some khakis. Is that appropriate?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Sounds like a good plan.</p>
<p>Make sure your clothes aren’t wrinkled, tuck that shirt in and wear a belt ;)</p>
<p>And be sure your hair is clean, combed, face freshly washed (if the interview is after school, take a washcloth and small towel for a quick wipedown.)</p>
<p>Firm, dry handshake. Direct eye contact, good posture.</p>
<p>A nice sports coat looks good.</p>
<p>Be clean shaven as well. For the only interview I had last year (SMU) I wore a dress shirt, either a tie or a sport coat (but not both), dress pants, a belt, and dress shoes. Better to be overdressed than underdressed.</p>
<p>Tie and sport coat not necessary, khakis with collared shirt is fine, blue jeans with T-shirt and flip-flops are out.</p>
<p>No sneakers.</p>
<p>I have seen it all and can say that clean, pressed and neat jeans with a smart top makes a better impression than an ill fitting wrinkled skirt and blouse. Don’t try to over dress for the occasion, but don’t play down the importance of appearance. Wear something comfortable so you aren’t constantly adjusting or tugging. </p>
<p>Ladies: no visible bra straps and keep skirts close to the knee.
Guys: no droopy jeans/bottoms and no visible boxers.</p>
<p>A giant penguin costume</p>
<p>studies have shown that it is the handshake that distinguishes between a bad, good, exceptional interviews</p>
<p>professional clothes and smile when you go for the interview</p>