Your appearance will make your first impression, and first impressions often are the most important. Start your interview off correctly by dressing well.

A dark suit with white shirt and conservative tie for men or pearls for women is always a winner. Dress in navy blue, black or even very dark brown, in whatever color you feel your best. Don't obsess about red power ties or wing-tip shoes. Don't try to make a statement - don't wear any outrageous floral prints, stripes or plaids and make sure everything fits, sharply but still a little loose. You want to be comfortable and confident in your attire. Wear formal but comfortable shoes - you don't want to be suffering from blisters as you walk down the halls or be thinking about how your toe is going to explode out of the end of the shoe while describing an emergency. For women, flats or slight heels - 4" spikes won't impress anyone and you might trip. Dress as if you are attending an executive interview... This IS an executive interview. Small and subtle is the theme. You don't want to be noticed for your dress or your affiliations.

You may wear the same suit on both days of the interview, don't forget to bring a fresh, clean shirt for every interview day. For women, wear a pants suit to the simulator ride for comfort and freedom of movement. For the rest of the process, it doesn't really matter. Women have been interviewed in slacks and in skirts and neither has ever been considered one way or the other. You want to be comfortable and not self-conscious. You want to stand out for your mind, not your haberdashery... Remember, most airline pilot uniforms are conservatively cut navy blue or black jacket (blouse) with slacks and a white shirt for both sexes. Crewmembers must present a meticulously neat and groomed public appearance.

At the interview, if you dress in accordance with your desired company's dress policy, it makes it easier for the interviewers to imagine you in the company's uniform!

However, while you want to appear ready to wear the uniform, do not actually do it, especially anything with your (current or desired) company name on it. Wearing any part of your current uniform implies that you are attending the interview during some spare time on a layover and that you feel the interview is so unimportant that it wasn't worth your effort and money to be dressed appropriately. Wearing your desired company's uniform is a security breach and would guarantee your failure.

Some suggested places to buy good interview attire: Joseph A. Bank, Petite Sophisticates, Dillards, Macy's, Saks (Jones New York label), Ann Taylor, Nordstroms, Brooks Brothers.

Suit
For Men and Women: Conservative cut and well-fitted yet a little loose. Ensure it has no lint, and is clean and well pressed. Do not stuff your pockets, and keep noisy things (such as keys) or a bulky wallet in your briefcase or purse.
For Men: Dark in color with no cuffs.
For Women: Dark color is preferred, but lighter colors such as camel or lighter shades of gray or blue can work well with some skin tones. Pants suits work best in the simulator; you do not need a skirt for the interview. Nothing tight fitting or otherwise "sexy". If you do wear a skirt, the hem should fall to just above the knee.

Shirt
Dress white in a conservative style without a button down collar, clean and well pressed. Collar must remained closed during the entire day. (Note: button down collars are considered "business casual" so therefore not appropriate for formal interviews.)
For Men: Fine weave cotton with long sleeves.
For Women: Silk or a very fine weave cotton. Long or short sleeves with a loose fit. Ensure all buttons will remain buttoned and there are no gaps between them. No plunging necklines or other revealing attire. Check out Hollywood Fashion Tape if you have a problem with buttons not staying closed or your blouse opening at inopportune times!

Neckwear
For Men: A conservative style and color tie with windsor or half-windsor knot. No bow ties or bolos. No flags, vibrant designs, political statements or pins other than a modest tie-clip. A miniature military wings or similarly conservative, small tie tack is fine.
For Women: Tie is optional, use pearls or a small necklace. As a substitute for jewelry, wear a dress shirt with a decorative collar.

Socks/Stockings
Conservative color that complements your suit and shoes. No argyles or embellishments.
For Women: Socks or nylons, whichever looks the most tidy and is comfortable.

Shoes
For Men and Women: Conservative style, black or dark brown (appropriate for your suit color), comfortable and well polished. No pointy toes and no "earth" shoes.
For Women: Low, comfortable heels. No open toes, strap backs or platform soles.
For Men: No cowboy boots.

Belt
Conservative style with discreet belt buckle is a must if your slacks or skirt has belt loops.
For Men: Leather, should be same color as your shoes.
For Women: Leather matching your shoes or the same color and fabric of your suit.

Overcoat/Raincoat
Conservative, professional style and color. Wool or "London Fog" styles work well. Do not wear a parka, rain slicker or other casual or sporty style.

Earrings
For Men: No earrings!
For Women: One pair of small round stud earrings or hoops. No dangles, multiple sets and nothing flashy.

Jewelry
For Men and Women: Conservative watch, wedding ring and one other ring at most. No piercings/facial jewelry! Conservative, professional style. Do not wear lapel pins espousing controversial causes, including ALPA pins. Politics and religion have no place in an interview, no matter how "universal" you may feel your cause has for appeal.
For Women: Do not wear things that make noise or dangle. The only addition to the above is a necklace, which is covered under "Neckwear".

Briefcase and Purse
Conservative style and color, without embellishment. Large enough to carry what you need, but not immense. Smooth leather is generally best. Stay away from odd textures such as ostrich and alligator.

You want to appear PROFESSIONAL: tidy, efficient and organized. Do not bring extra bags or other extraneous stuff!


"Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes"