You’ve done what you thought was impossible, you’ve landed a job interview.
Maybe you used a useful tool like a resume builder to make sure you submitted a great job application. Whatever the case may be, you’re in there, and you’re closer than ever to getting hired.
So, what happens next?
You need to start preparing for your interview. Having a successful job interview is not only influenced by what you say, but also by how you look.
It’s no secret that dressing for an interview can be a challenge. The fact that you’re trying to land a job is stressful enough, and there’s also the pressure of knowing that your appearance at this meeting could make or break your chances of getting hired.
But there is no need to stress. In this article, you’ll learn what you should wear to interviews, as well as what not to wear. There are also some cases, that might even get you turned away before you even get started.
However, we’ll show you how to avoid making any silly fashion mistakes at your job interview and ensure you dress for success.
Why Your Outfit Is Important for an Interview
When you’re looking for interview advice, never ignore fashion tips.
Your appearance is one of the first things that interviewers notice, so it’s important to dress in a way that makes you look professional and like you belong in an office. As for what counts as “professional,” this depends on the industry and company you’re applying to, but there are some general guidelines that apply everywhere.
What you wear is a reflection of what type of employee the company will get, someone who fits in with their culture, has good judgment skills, and wants to look presentable at all times.
A hiring manager can tell if you have a feel of their company or not immediately because of the clothes you wore to the interview.
Some companies are more laid back and would like to see a casual outfit. A company that makes huge transactions will likely be more serious.
The hiring manager in this type of company would like to see someone with a more professional look.
Apart from that, they can also get an idea if you’re an organized person or not. If you show up with clothes that have stains on them (no matter how casual the company is) you’re going to give a bad impression.
Make sure you go with what is appropriate, whether it is casual or formal attire. Also make sure you are clean and tidy!
Match the Company Dress Code
The attire you decide on for your interview should be consistent with the company culture.
For example, some companies may want their employees to wear ties, shoes (not sneakers), and long pants every Monday through Friday.
If that’s the case, you’ll want to show up wearing a bit more formal attire so that your interviewer gets an impression of how well-dressed you are.
However, every company is different, usually, it has to do with the industry. If you are at a computer software company or develop video games, odds are your company will be more relaxed with their dress code.
If you work in the corporate world, your boss will probably expect you to be wearing a suit and tie.
Doing some investigation can go a long way. Doing some research ahead of time can help you determine what kind of clothes are appropriate for the company you’ll be interviewing with.
For example, you can check out their “About Us” section on their website.
Have a look at some ideas for outfits, depending on the dress code of the company you are applying for.
Casual outfits for an interview
If you’re interviewing at a casual company, stick with the same vibe. For men, a button-down shirt and jeans (non-ripped) are fine, but that doesn’t mean you can just wear anything. Wearing a watch would also add a nice touch.
Avoid shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. You want to be casual, not dressed for the beach.
For women, denim with a blouse and jewelry that isn’t over the top would be great. You also don’t need to wear high heels in this scenario.
Business casual outfits for an interview
If the dress code is business casual, wear something that still says you mean business.
For women, you can wear loafers or heels (comfortable ones), and a blouse with trousers or a skirt would create a great business casual combination. A button-down shirt is a great choice as well.
For guys specifically, you’ll want to wear a collared button-down shirt (a tie isn’t necessary) that can also be colored, so you stick out from the other applicants. Avoid wearing jeans or sneakers. Wear khakis and if it’s cold you can add a sweater over the shirt.
Again, this can vary from place to place, so make sure to know what to expect.
Business outfits for an interview
In all cases where there’s no specific dress code specified (business or otherwise), always err on the side of caution by dressing professionally.
When in this situation, you want to look good, like you the clothes you are wearing were made especially for you.
Women should wear dress pants or a skirt along with a jacket. You can try to be a bit creative with that combination as well as with some unique colors.
Men won’t have the option of wearing unique colors with this one, but there are plenty of suit/pants/tie combinations that you can put on.
What Not to Wear to an Interview
Even if you understand the dress code of your company, there are some things to avoid.
Just like adding irrelevant info to the skills section of your resume, you could be wearing too much to your job interview.
Here are some clothes and accessories you’ll be better off toning down or even avoiding altogether.
- Flashy clothes: While choosing a unique color for your shirt could be a good choice, you could overdo it. Avoid multicolored clothing and too much jewelry.
- Beach or summer clothes: The company you are applying to may be casual but don’t overdo it, avoid sandals and shorts.
- Hats and sunglasses: Wearing these accessories during an interview can give off the impression that you aren’t interested in making eye contact or donning any kind of “professional demeanor.”
- Hoodies. Hoodies are much more casual than suits and dress shirts, so you’ll want to avoid this popular item when dressing for an interview, opt for a sweater button-down shirt combo instead.
- Too much makeup: This can make you look overdone or unprofessional, and it can be distracting for the interviewer. Looking good is important, but don’t be distracting.
- Too much jewelry: This can make it feel like you’re trying to show off. Keep things subtle by wearing just one ring on each finger or a necklace.
Try to find balance in your outfit. You can try to stand out, but don’t become distracting. You want the hiring manager to be impressed with your outfit, but remain focused on your answers.
What Should Women Wear to an Interview
If you’re not sure how to dress for a job interview, it’s critical to follow the usual guidelines of professionalism. A nice suit is always appropriate, but if that doesn’t fit your style or budget, there are other options.
If you aren’t sure about the company’s dress code you can always go for a professional look that isn’t over the top.
Below you can find some ideas of outfit choices for women during a job interview.
Navy blue or black blazer
This is an easy way to look put together without going overboard.
A blazer is not only a great choice because it looks professional, but you can also get one for cheap.
It’s also great because you can combine it with a button-down shirt, or something less professional like a t-shirt.
Khaki Pants
No matter what industry you’re interviewing for, this is a great choice. It can be seen as professional or casual. It’s not as casual as jeans but you won’t look so serious either.
Sweater and dress pants
Wear a sweater with dress pants if you want style and sophistication. If you know your interview is going to be in an office or other professional setting, then this look may work well for you.
It’s a more conservative look as well as an organized look.
Black dress and pantyhose
Black dresses are always a classic choice! They’re flattering on almost anyone because they elongate your legs, especially when paired with heels. This look screams elegance, so if you want to make an impression at an interview or even just for everyday wear, this is the outfit that will do just that.
Accessories
Whatever you choose to wear, you can match your outfit with earrings, a necklace, or various accessories. Of course, you don’t want to overdo it. If you wear way too many earrings or rings, you could give a bad impression.
What Should Men Wear to an Interview
When it comes to dressing for a job interview, men don’t have as many options as women, especially in the professional setting. However, there are still ways to stand out with your outfit.
Let’s not forget to mention that men will likely never have to worry about wearing uncomfortable clothes at work or during an interview.
While there is no reason why men should not wear jeans as part of their outfits, especially in a casual office setting, they should avoid wearing certain types of jeans.
Ripped jeans, for example, are a bit too casual, also they should fit well. You can wear jeans that are black or blue, and not too baggy or skinny.
For those who do not own many suits or other professional attire then it’s best for them just stick with what works well: button-down shirts worn over sweaters (or vests) along with suit coats/blazers made from wool fabrics such as tweed which are very comfortable yet stylish too!
Arguably the most underrated aspect when it comes to getting dressed for an interview is being comfortable.
Yeah we want to look good, but it’s hard to do an interview if you feel hot or your clothes are too tight.
The last thing you want is for your clothes to be so tight or loose fitting that they restrict your movements or cause any sort of discomfort during the day.
Don’t distract the hiring manager during the interview with your clothes, but don’t distract yourself either.
What to Wear to a Virtual Interview
Since 2020, virtual interviews have become more and more common.
However, just because you’re doing an interview at home doesn’t mean you should be wearing your PJ’s when you show up on camera.
You should dress for a virtual interview the same way you would for an in-person interview. It’s essential to look presentable and professional so that the company takes you seriously.
Follow the tips below if you are preparing for an interview via video conference. Dress professionally.
- Dress to stand out from other candidates.
- Stick with the company culture
You can still do your research on the company and decide if it will be better to dress casually or more professionally.
The way you present yourself is often the first impression that potential employers will get of who you are, including in a video call.
If they see someone who looks like they care about themselves, it may make them more likely to hire you instead of someone else.
Best Hairstyles for an Interview
To introduce your resume, you use a cover letter. However, the introduction to your appearance is arguably your hairstyle.
You can have a neat wardrobe, but if you have messy hair, you could ruin all the preparation you made into looking presentable with your outfit.
To avoid any bad hair days, have a look at the tips below for both men and women.
- Professional hairstyles are a safe bet: Try to avoid any hairstyle that makes you look like you just got out of bed. Keep your hair neat, clean, and well groomed.
- Avoid mohawks: Don’t think mohawks are good for a job interview (unless it’s a really specific industry). Try to avoid other radical styles at all costs as well.
- Wear a Ponytail: Tie your hair in a ponytail. It’s another great choice because it’s a clean and tidy look that leaves the hair out of your face.
- Go with natural waves: Leave your naturally wavy hair the way it is if you have it. Wavy hair is an excellent choice for women because they can help highlight facial features like cheekbones, jawlines, and eyes without overpowering them.
- Avoid dying your hair: Don’t dye your hair right before an interview, just to eliminate the risk something may go wrong. You also probably shouldn’t dye your hair any unnatural colors before an interview.
The best way to play it safe is to get a haircut or get your hair done by a professional you trust before the interview. That way, you’ll enter the interview with a clean and confident look.
What to Wear to an Internship Interview
If you have just finished college or are in your final year, you probably want to do an internship to add experience to your resume.
You can use a resume template to make a great looking resume, but you know you hiring managers want to see that you have at least some experience.
So, if you are preparing for an internship interview, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Suits are not always necessary: Many companies are more interested in what you can do than how you look. A shirt and sometimes a tie will suffice for most internships.
- White shirts are your best friend: You can go for the classic office look of a white button-down shirt for your interview.
- Accessories can help: Accessories like scarves and necklaces can add some flair without being over-the-top formal. Just make sure they’re simple enough that they won’t distract from your outfit as a whole.
Getting that internship will be a great way to start your long career. Don’t underestimate choosing the right outfit as part of the interview preparation process.
