Proper Dress for a Business School Interview
By Paul Lanzillotti, UCLA Anderson MBA

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As an MBA admissions consultant I often have to take a step back with my clients. Over the years I have learned a lot from my clients and have come to realize that the definitions of proper interview dress or attire varies by region, country and even culture.

When it comes to the MBA admissions interview, dress to impress. This is one of the few instances in life when "one-upping" can be a good thing. Prepare to dress "one-up" than the interviewer. You can never go wrong dressing conservatively.

As a former MBA admissions interviewer, I have seen quite a few train wreck walk into the admissions office. Remember, nothing screams "not a fit at this school" like a bad suit day during your MBA admissions interview.

This is the deal, and I dissuade anyone from thinking anything to the contrary:

• Wear a dark colored suit (Grey, Black, Charcoal) with a white or light blue shirt.
  
• Wear a tie that has as little design or pattern in it at possible. Solid colored ties are good.
  
• Wear shoes that are polished with dark socks. By shoes I mean dress shoes with dark laces, not “comfort” shoes, timberlands or Uggs. By dark I mean dark blue or black.
  
• Do not wear anything that is tight-fitting or shows body parts excessively. This is an interview not a club.
  
• Cut the tags off your clothing. Nothing says Men’s Wearhouse $199 special than tags still sewn into the sleeve of a jacket. Don’t laugh too much, I have actually seen this as an MBA admissions interviewer. It tells me the applicant is clueless at worst or knows a good sale when he sees one at best.
  
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• Of course, understand and maintain the basics of hygiene. That is, get a shave and a haircut, take a shower, comb your hair and go easy on the fragrance.
  

Good luck with your interview.