Making a good first impression during a job interview is crucially important because the first thing a potential employer notices when you are marketing yourself is the way you are dressed. Therefore, being appropriately dressed can play a big role in how the hiring manager perceives you and will go a long way to helping you land your dream job.
In days gone by, the appropriate attire for a job interview was a business suit. However, in recent years, the required dress code in business has been significantly relaxed. While some sectors, like banking or the legal field, still require conventional formal business clothing, other industries take a more casual approach to the way their employees dress for work.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how to dress appropriately for that important job interview, as well as what to avoid wearing.
How to decide what to wear for a job interview
There is no doubt that having a polished, professional image can help you persuade the hiring manager that you would be a good fit for their organization, but many job seekers find it perplexing to decide on what to wear for an interview.
Basic tips
- Try not to overthink it.
- Trust your own judgment.
- Choose an outfit that is comfortable, makes you feel confident, and reflects who you are.
- Go for a look or style that fits in with the company or industry you are aiming for.
Preparing your outfit for a job interview
- Choose an outfit that is appropriate for the season and climate.
- Make sure your fingernails are clipped and clean, or if you are wearing nail polish, be sure that your nails are not chipped.
- Be mindful of your posture and demeanor.
- Be prepared. Decide on your clothing and accessories well in advance to avoid a last-minute fashion panic.
- Research the company you are applying to. Take a look at the pictures on their social media pages to get ideas.
- Still uncertain? Phone their HR department and ask them what they suggest you wear.
Tip: when in doubt, it is better to be somewhat overdressed rather than dressing too casually. This may imply that you have a cavalier attitude toward the job and/or the company.
Hair & Makeup
- Well-groomed hair is crucial. Make sure your hair is correctly styled before your interview.
- If you wear makeup, use moderate, subtle amounts of it.
What to avoid wearing to a job interview
Regardless of how official or casual the company is, let us go over what you should NOT wear to an interview. Avoid the following:
For women:
- Do not wear too much perfume.
- Do not wear excessive jewelry.
For men:
- Avoid wearing ties with loud patterns that can distract an interviewer.
- Do not wear too much cologne.
Matching your outfit to the workplace
The type of position you are applying for will ultimately determine how you should dress for the interview. Business casual is typically the ideal choice for jobs in organizations that are less formal. Therefore, before you go for that all-important interview, you should already have a clear understanding of the company and its acceptable dress code.
What exactly is business casual?
Business casual simply refers to professional attire that is not extremely formal. Though it is a step down from the formal business wear of old, it is definitely above the level of jeans and a t-shirt. Business casual is frequently the standard dress code for companies these days in almost every industry.
The basics of dressing business casual
What is required here is to dress in a way that puts you at ease while also looking professional.
For women:
- Wear pants in black or navy, or a pencil skirt;
- Add a button-down shirt with a jacket or cardigan;
- Shoes: either heels or flats.
For men:
- Wear pants in black or blue with a belt, a button-down shirt, and a tie;
- A jacket or a blazer is optional;
- Shoes: loafers or oxfords.
Tops or shirts suitable for business casual
Decide on a top or shirt that fits well, tucked into your skirt or pants. For a professional business casual appearance, a top or shirt can also be worn with a jacket, cardigan, dark blazer, or knitted sweater.
Pick straightforward designs and neutral, preferably dark, colors. Avoid bold or garish patterns. Another choice is to wear a cardigan with a tailored dress.
Pants, chinos, or skirts suitable for business casual
Women: Wear your top or shirt with black pants or a skirt that is knee-length or longer.
Men: Wear well-pressed cotton pants or light-colored chinos.
Tip: Most shirts and tops go well with neutral hues like gray, black, brown, and navy blue, so stick to those colors.
Shoes and socks
Preferably, wear black or brown shoes.
Women: wear closed-toe flats, pumps, or low heels.
Men: wear loafers, lace-up shoes, or oxfords. Make sure your socks blend in with the color of your pants.
Jewelry and accessories
Keep your jewelry and accessories to a minimum. In other words, keep it plain and simple. For example, it would be wholly inappropriate to wear an ostentatious display of chunky gold chains, excessive rings on each finger, or oversized earrings to a serious job interview.
Tip: lose the nose or lip ring if you have one.
For women:
Wear a simple, understated necklace, a pair of small hoops or stud earrings, and one or two plain bracelets. If you are wearing nail polish, go for a classic, subdued shade.
For men:
Wearing a wristwatch is acceptable. Your belt should match the color of your shoes. As a finishing touch to your outfit, you could opt for a subtle kerchief in the pocket of your jacket.
Dressing for the more casual workplace
A less formal dress code than business casual is typically acceptable in more casual workplaces, where employees are free to dress more casually, but not necessarily in the same way they would when going out or just hanging out at home. For instance, a casual dress code would permit jeans to be worn to the office but not sweatpants. Keep in mind that although you can dress more casually, you still need to present a professional image.
Casual job interview apparel acceptable for more relaxed work environments:
For women:
- A cardigan, a top, and dark jeans;
- A knee-length skirt and a blouse or shirt with buttons;
- Shoes: flats or heels.
For men:
- Chinos, dark slacks or jeans, and a button-down shirt;
- Closed-toed shoes.
What to avoid wearing
- Revealing clothes (showing too much cleavage).
- Clothing items displaying offensive slogans or images.
- Ripped, dirty, stained, or frayed clothing (obviously).
- Flip-flops or other sandals.
- Shorts.
- Short dresses or skirts (above the knee).
- Athletic attire.
- Sweatpants or t-shirts.
- Shirts or dresses with bare shoulders.
- Loud or excessive jewelry.
- Trainers.
- Hats or caps.
Dressing for the formal workplace
You will need to wear formal business clothes if you are applying for a position in finance or law, for instance.
For women:
Think of tailored dresses, pantsuits, or skirt suits.
For men:
Preferably a dark two-piece suit and a tie.
Finally, the dress rehearsal
A few days prior to the interview, try on your entire ensemble to make sure everything fits comfortably, is well-ironed, neat and clean and, above all, looks professional. Do one final check for creases, stains, or pet hair.
Okay, now you are ready. Go and nail that interview!