What is the best way to dress for a job interview? The answer will differ depending on the job and the company you're interviewing with. You always want to look your best, but the outfit you wear depends on whether you're interviewing at a formal company, a casual startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.
Wearing a suit to an interview for a camp counselor or a T-shirt to an interview for a bank will send the message that you don't fully understand the role.
Learn what to wear (and what not to wear) for interviews at various types of businesses:
- What to Wear to a Formal or Informal Interview
You are aware that it is critical to make a good first impression during a job interview, and that your choice of interview attire plays an important role in this. However, dressing for job interviews is a lot more difficult than it used to be.
Assume you're going to an interview at a company where no one wears a suit—not even the CEO. Should you still dress formally for the event, or will you stand out? And, if you do choose a more casual look, how can you ensure that you remain professional and respectful?
The dress code varies. A tech startup in Silicon Valley, for example, may frown on someone who dresses too formally, whereas a Fortune 50 company on Madison Avenue may frown on someone who dresses too casually. It's critical to research the corporate culture before going into the interview to ensure that your attire is appropriate.
Regardless of what everyone else at the company is wearing, it's critical to pay close attention to your appearance during a job interview. A candidate in a suit and tie, or a dress and heels, will usually make a much better impression than a candidate in jeans and sneaker.
Learn more about what to wear to a corporate job and what to wear to a more relaxed casual job. In both cases, being well-dressed in clean, undamaged clothes is required.
- How to Dress for a Business Interview
If you're going on a job interview in a traditional industry, such as finance, banking, or insurance, you should dress more formally. In general, men should wear a suit and tie, while women should wear a pantsuit or skirt and blouse.
Men's Interview Clothes
The best corporate interview outfits for men are typically conservative. Men should always wear a suit as a default. All clothing should fit properly and be stain-free.
Here are some pointers for men who are interviewing for corporate positions:
-Wear a suit in a solid color like navy, black, or dark gray.
-Long-sleeved shirt in white or a color that matches the suit
-Belt made of leather
-Tie
-Dark socks and formal leather shoes
-There is little or no jewelry.
-Professional-looking hairstyle
-Only a small amount of aftershave
-Nails that are neatly trimmed
-Briefcase or portfolio
Women's Interview Dress
In general, women's interview fashion in corporate jobs is more complicated and varied than men's. Because there are more options for women, putting together an interview outfit is a little more difficult than for men. For example, if you're wearing a dress or skirt, you must decide whether to wear pantyhose or bare legs.
Women should also consider interview accessories and a suitable purse. The best interview bags are professional and large enough to hold a resume but not flashy.
Here are the basic components of what women should wear to a professional interview:
-Wear navy, black, or dark gray.
-Suit skirts should be worn just below or above the knee.
-blouse that matches
-Conservative footwear
-Jewelry is limited.
-There will be no large dangling earrings or armfuls of bracelets.
-There is no better jewelry than cheap jewelry.
-Hairstyle for professionals
-Pantyhose in neutral colors
-Simple makeup and a small amount of perfume
-Nails that are neatly manicured
-Briefcase or portfolio
Gender-Neutral Interview Dressing
If the way you normally dress does not conform to a traditional gender norm, neither should your interview attire.
3 As with gender-specific attire, the key is to find clothing that is polished, professional, and appropriate for the company with which you are interviewing. Here's a rundown of gender-neutral interview and work attire.
What to Wear to a More Casual Interview
The dress code may be more relaxed when the workplace or job is less formal. If you're unsure what to wear, check with the person who scheduled the interview. However, it is still important to avoid sloppy dressing. Learn more about some of the more casual options:
Business Casual:
You can leave the suit at home, but don’t get out those jeans just yet. Business casual means no jeans, no sneakers, and no apparel that would be more appropriate for the gym or the club.
Startup Casual:
Jeans may be OK for an interview at a startup, but make sure they’re clean and free from holes or ragged seams. You’re going for stylish, not sloppy – and it’s still a good idea to dress up a bit more than the folks who are already working there.
What to Wear When There's No Dress Code: Not sure what to wear? When there’s no real dress code, keep it professional and err toward business casual.
Making the Best First Impression in an Interview
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Take some time to plan your interview outfit so you can make the best first impression.
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Make sure you have appropriate interview attire and that everything fits properly well in advance of your interview.
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Prepare your clothes the night before the interview so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.
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If your clothes can only be dry cleaned, take them to the cleaners right after an interview so you're ready for the next one.
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Make a point of polishing your shoes the night before.
Tip: If you're interviewing remotely, avoid wearing very bright colors, stripes, or the same color as your background.
What Should You Bring to the Interview?
In addition to preparing your interview attire the night before, gather the following items:
-Location/Directions for the Interview
-Name and phone number of the person you're meeting with
-Identification
-Notebook and pen
-duplicates of your resume
-Three references are listed below.
-Examples of work (depending on the job)
-Use a laptop or tablet to display your work (depending on the job)
-Bring breath mints with you before entering the building.
Important
You can bring your smartphone but make sure it's on mute or vibrate during your interview. It avoids the risk of getting a distracting loud text alert or phone call mid-interview.
What to Avoid Bringing to an Interview
- You should not bring the following items to a job interview:
-Gum
-Soda or coffee?
-Consider leaving some of your jewelry at home if you have a lot of piercings (earrings only is a good rule)
-Cover tattoos if possible.
Important Takeaways
- BE AWARE OF THE CORPORATE CULTURE BEFORE INTERVIEWING:
Traditional industries demand more corporate attire, while startups may find suits stuffy.
- KEEP IT CLEAN AND PRESSED:
No matter what you wear, make sure it looks new or well-tended. Skip gym clothes or club gear.
- PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GROOMING:
Keep your hair neat and any accessories or makeup understated.
- REMEMBER THAT YOU’RE TRYING TO LET YOUR TALENT SHINE THROUGH:
The interviewer should remember your skills and experience, not your outfit.
