What to Wear to a Job Interview

Deciding what to wear to your next job interview can be challenging. Sticking to tried-and-true fashion rules can help you avoid bad first impressions. Above all, remember to present a clean, professional image while adding your own bit of personal style and self-expression.

Deciding what to wear to an interview is one of the most challenging and important decisions you can make as a job seeker.

And you may be thinking to yourself, “What does business casual mean? Is attire even an important part of the job interview process?” ?

“Yes!” says Stacy Valancy, career coach, resume writer, and interview consultant.

“Attire is an important part of the job interview process. While many companies are not requiring professional business attire in the office or when working from home, it’s still important to dress professionally during the interview process.”

Keep it simple when thinking about what to wear to your next job interview.?

Begin with these starter interview attire tips as you design your wardrobe:

• Use your target company’s dress code as inspiration.?
• Choose an outfit that helps you project confidence.
• Avoid stains, ripped socks, or poorly fitting clothing.?

Remember, your outfit is your first impression.

“First impressions set the tone for the conversation,” adds Valancy. “You want to be looked at as someone who took time to put themselves together versus someone who rolled out of bed and threw on something from the dirty laundry pile.”

Interview Outfits

No matter what type of interview environment you find yourself in, there are a few basic rules to follow when you’re preparing your interview attire:?

• Avoid ties with loud patterns and characters.
• Wear neutral colors and avoid excessive jewelry.
• Bring a professional handbag, laptop bag, or briefcase to your interview.?

Valancy also recommends avoiding statement pieces, such as shirts with profanity or explicit images, as they may not be received well. And, she advises interviewees to generally dress in business professional attire.?

“Of course, there are exceptions based on the job or industry, but it is best to err on the side of caution and dress more professionally than not,” she says. “If you are applying for a role in one of those exceptions, I would still say to only drop your outfit formality down by one level, such as removing the tie from a full suit look.”

Formal Business Environment Outfits

If you’re interviewing in a formal business environment, there are a few traditional, tried-and-true choices. Deciding what to wear to an interview in formal business environments is quite simple and straightforward. Above all, it’s important to remember that you’re going to be interviewing in an environment that requires you to wear a pantsuit, blazer, dress or full suit.

Outfit suggestions include:

• Business suits?
• Pantsuits or suits with skirts are both acceptable.
• Dress pants with a matching blazer if not a matching suit
• Dress with a coordinating blazer
• Dress shoes
• Heels or flats are acceptable.

Business Casual Environment Outfits

If you’re trying to decide what to wear to an interview in a business casual environment, we’ve got you covered. Several industries such as IT and the Food and Beverage industry (especially for management roles) conduct interviews in business casual environments. Casual business environments allow a little more leeway in your choice of clothing.

Avoid these mistakes during your next casual business interview:?

• Open-toed shoes, such as sandals for flip-flops?
• Shorts?
• T-shirts

Some outfit suggestions include:

• Dress pants?
• Khakis
• Dresses
• Skirts
• A light blazer
• Sweaters
• Blouses or button-down shirts
• Loafers, oxfords or flats

Casual Environment Outfits

If you’re interviewing in a casual environment, you have a bit more freedom in the outfit you choose. When you’re interviewing in a casual work environment, what matters most is that your outfit is neat, tidy and free of any stains, loud characters and colors or obvious damage.?

Some suggested outfits:

• Sundresses with cardigans
• Skirts
• Blouses
• Chinos
• Dark-wash jeans
• Sweaters
• Casual button-down shirts
• Blouses
• Polo shirts
• Dressier sneakers or flats?

Trades Industry Environment Outfits

Some jobs may require you to attend an interview at an active construction site or in the middle of a hazardous situation. Job seekers who are attending an interview in this type of situation should possibly wear more protective clothing in case of hazards including shards of glass, broken equipment or fallen screws on the ground.?

Follow these guidelines if you’re interviewing in a trades industry environment:?

• Tie back any long or loose hair.?
• Wear long pants and avoid wearing clothing such as shorts or tank tops.
• Be aware of your surroundings.?
• Wear protective footwear.
• Ask for safety goggles and/or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if necessary.

Some suggested outfits:

• Sturdy work boots
• A pair of jeans free from rips or tears
• An informal button-down or long-sleeve shirt

Dressing for Success at Your Next Interview

Interviews are also a wonderful way to showcase your personality and authenticity. Even as you dress formally, you can still inject pieces of yourself into “professional” outfits.

“You can definitely remain true to your personal style while dressing professionally. Just dress in the best version of your style. Remember, you only get one shot at a first impression,” says Valancy.

No matter how you choose to dress, you should remember that your priority is to show respect to your interviewer and future colleagues. Carefully reviewing your outfit and keeping in mind which industry you’re interviewing in can help guide you towards the best interview outfit. Be sure to add a little personality but stay within job-related guidelines.

Top Takeaways

What to wear to a job interview

• Keep it simple when thinking about what to wear
• Wear neutral clothing and avoid excessive jewelry
• Keep in mind which industry you’re interviewing for
• Err on the side of caution and dress more professionally than not
• No matter what you wear be respectful to the interviewer and future colleagues

(Reporting NPD and Mariah Flores)