You are all set for your big event; you've picked out a tailored suit, complimentary dress shirt with a French style cuff, eye catching cuff links and a tie that completes the package. It's time to get dressed and then your heart sinks in panic, because you do not know how to tie a tie.
Instead of rushing to find someone to tie your tie for you, let's continue on and teach you how to tie a tie. Tying a proper knot can be the first thing people notice about you and leave a lasting impression.
I prefer to use a silk tie because of its smoothness when you pull it through to make the knot but that's my personal preference.
First pick out the tie you wish to wear, step in front of the mirror and wrap it around your neck with the fatter end on your right side. I pull the fatter end down far enough so that the smaller end on the left side just covers up my belt.
Now with your right hand take the right side and cross it over the left side of your tie and wrap it around once while having your left hand hold the other side.
Next I take my left hand and hold the tie where it crosses and wrap the right side around to make the face of the knot.
Next I bring the tie up through the middle of the loop around my neck, tuck it under the face of the tie and pull it taught but not too tight. When doing this my right hand is holding the skinnier part of the tie in place.
Now it's time to tidy of the knot. Once it is taught you can pull the skinny part of the tie and pull the knot up to your collar. You can tug on either side of the knot to make it look neater as well.
Make sure that the widest part of your tie covers the skinnier part and is longer than it.
One thing I like about making my tie this way is that I can easily slip it on and off to wear again.
The art of tying a tie takes time to learn, but once mastered you can go on to more complicated knots.
During an interview having people notice that you've tied the perfect Windsor knot can make or break you from being sharply dressed, to implying your mother tied your tie. Also it is an extreme boost to my self confidence and esteem.
Personally I'd get a book or watch a video on how to tie a tie if you're a perfectionist like me.
If someone asks you "what's the most important part of your job interview attire?", what would you answer? The suit? The shirt? The shoes? Perhaps.
But did you know that the tie, to your outfit, is what the focal point is to a picture?
The shirt is the canvas and the suit is the frame. Change the frame on a picture and no one notices, change the picture in a frame and you can change the look of an entire room.
That's why it's important for your tie to enhance your look, not detract from it.
Buying The Right Tie
To begin with, you first need a quality tie made of 100% pure silk to accomplish that job. As a male, you are generally expected to wear a plain colored, non-distracting tie with your interview suit, e.g. in a dark red or dark blue color.
However, simply buying the most expensive tie you can find in town won't just leave that "most-favorable" impression you are looking for. People judge your capabilities by how you look.
A crooked tie projects a sloppy look and says the same about your skills and abilities. Therefore, it's important to focus on the tie knot as well.
Tying the Four in Hand Knot
The most useful tie knot to know for starters is the Four in Hand. It's somewhat narrow and slightly asymmetrical in form and looks just about perfect with any standard button-down shirt.
To tie it, you stand in front of a mirror with your tie hanging loosely around your neck.
Now, there are two ends to a tie: One that's wide that we're going to call "W" and a rather narrow one that we're going to call "N". The wide end "W" should extend about 12 inches below narrow end "N".
To begin, cross the wide end "W" over narrow the end "N". Then turn the wide end "W" back underneath the narrow end "N".
Continue by bringing the wide end "W" back over in front of the narrow end "N" again. Afterwards, pull the wide end "W" up and through the loop around your neck.
Next, hold the front of the knot loosely with your index finger and bring the wide end "W" down through the front loop.
Finally, remove your finger and tighten the knot carefully to your dress shirt's collar by holding on to the narrow end "N" and sliding the knot up.
Once you've tied the knot, make sure that the widest part of your tie hangs roughly at the same height as the upper edge of your leather belt. And the belt, of course, should match the color of your shoes!
The Benefits of Tie Accessories
Another item you should consider buying besides your tie is something called a tie accessory. Tie accessories come in the form of tie bars, clips, tacks, chains and straps. Their main purpose is to hold your tie in place at all times and prevent it from getting in your way when you eat, work or play. From my personal experience, I would recommend a classic silver tie bar.
During a job interview a tie accessory comes in especially handy. That's because without one, your tie would move around as you greet your interviewer or when you shift in your seat. Subconsciously, you would reach down to adjust your tie and straighten it out but such little things would make you feel even more nervous than you already are.
Conclusion
So, here's a quick summary of what I recommend you do before going to your next job interview:
#1: Buy a quality, conservative, 100% pure silk tie.
#2: Practice how to tie the Four in Hand tie knot and make sure that the tie's widest end is roughly at the upper edge of your belt.
#3: Use a tie bar to attach your tie to your dress shirt.
Remember -- wearing a quality silk tie, properly tied and fastened, is probably the fastest way there is to improving your overall job interview appearance and doubling your chances of leaving a favorable impression. Enjoy the interview!
Watch this How to tie a tie step by step