Here Are Three Ways to Tie Your Tie for an Interview

Even the little things are important when you're preparing for an interview. Consider this question: How should you tie your necktie? The way you secure your necktie is a subtle signal to an HR manager of how much interview preparation you've done, and how well you'll fit into the office. Here are three common choices for necktie knots.

The four-in-hand knot is quick and easy, and its symmetrical final knot can be tightened down to fit very narrow collars. It's a good choice for short ties and long torsos because tying it doesn't take up too much of the slack.

To tie the four-in-hand knot, drape the tie over your neck so that the wide end is on the side of your dominant hand. Pull the tips of each end away from your body, and toss the wide end over and under the narrow end three or four times. Tuck the tip of the wide end under the loop you've made around your neck, and slip it through the top layer of horizontally wrapped fabric so that it hangs directly down in front of you. Pull on the thin end to tighten it up—button your collar for the narrow gap this knot needs.

For a little more panache, try the Windsor knot. While superficially similar to the four-in-hand knot, the Windsor knot works better with wide collars. When you're preparing for an interview, it may take extra concentration to tie correctly, but it's a favorite among upper-echelon hiring managers.

To tie the Windsor, drape the tie in the usual way, but drape the wide end over the narrow end only once before pulling it through the neck loop. Then, twist the tie to the right, and bring the wide end under the narrow from right to left before sending it back up through the neck loop. Bring the wide end back under the center knot from the center to the right, and cross back over to the left above the narrow end. Send it back up through the neck one last time before bringing it down through the knot.

Some offices appreciate extravagant personal style—for the utmost in flair, use the Pratt knot. Sometimes called the Shelby knot for TV personality Don Shelby, who is wrongly thought to have invented it, this knot is preferred for fashion-forward occasions and is appropriate with any collar, so it's worth considering when you're preparing for an interview.

To tie the Pratt, start with the tie draped around your neck backwards and with the seam facing out. Cross the narrow end over the wide end, which you then bring through the neckline at the center and fold over to the front. Bring the wide end across the narrow to the right, and send it up through the center again. Bring it down through the loop and tighten it.

Preparing for an interview is a nerve-wracking process, but including these three simple ways to tie your tie in your interview preparation can alleviate some stress. Knowing these techniques in advance of preparing for an interview can save you time beforehand, allowing you to maintain your focus. Preparing for an interview doesn't have to be difficult, and looking your best can give you the edge when it matters.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)