291: What Should I Wear to a Job Interview?

What Should I Wear to a Job Interview?

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We’ve gotten very relaxed in our dress since Covid, especially those of us who have worked from home. Even many companies have relaxed their dress standards — so what does this mean for how to dress for a job interview?

Many screening interviews and even subsequent interviews are still being conducted via Zoom or Teams. Even though they may only see you from the waist up, I strongly recommend you fully dress for the interview — you’ll show up differently if you do.

Of course, you’ll need to dress appropriately from head to toe for an in-person interview. What, exactly, you should wear varies depending on your industry, the company culture, and the position you’re interviewing for.

Remember that dressing appropriately shows respect for the company and the position you’re applying for. When in doubt, it’s usually better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. You might also reach out to the company’s HR or the person who scheduled the interview to ask about the dress code if you’re uncertain.

Why is dressing appropriately important?

• You’ll likely be more confident in yourself during the interview.

• You are demonstrating to the employer that you have a good sense of judgment and can successfully read a situation.

• It shows your commitment to professionalism and that you genuinely want the job.

• It can set you apart from the other candidates.

• It demonstrates your respect for the business you’re interviewing with and those you are meeting with.

• Makes a good impression on the hiring manager — you never have a second chance to make a good first impression. 

Here are some general guidelines for dressing for the interview:

1. Research the Company: Before the interview, try to learn about the company’s culture and dress code by looking at their website, social media profiles, and even asking current or former employees if you know any.

2. Grooming and Hygiene: No matter the industry or company culture, it is important that you are clean and neat. Your clothes should be wrinkle-free, shoes polished, nails groomed, and hair clean and neat. If you wear glasses, clean them! Avoid perfumes or even scented lotions or hair products that may offend some people.

3. Accessories: In general, keep to a minimum. A watch, one bracelet, one ring on each hand, simple earrings that don’t swing or make noise, and one simple necklace. Alternatively, women may choose to wear a scarf; if so, minimize jewelry even further.

4. Footwear: Men should wear closed-toed dress shoes that are polished. Women should wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes with a minimal heel or flats. 

5. Colors: While you have more latitude with creative roles in creative companies, in general stick to neutral or conservative colors such as black, grey, navy blue, and white for shirts. Petite women may choose to brighten their palette up to give themselves a larger presence.

6. Try everything on: Before the day of your interview, try everything on to make sure it fits and looks good together. Decide on your accessories and try them on. While I don’t recommend wearing brand-new shoes, if you do, break them in and scuff up the soles ahead of time so you aren’t uncomfortable and don’t slip and fall. 

Next, let’s talk about the levels of business attire.

Business Professional:

If the company has a formal dress code or if you are interviewing for a professional or more senior role, it’s generally best to wear a business professional outfit.

For men: A well-fitted suit and tie. How loud or creative your tie and shirt choice are depends on the position, the industry, and the company culture — as well as your personality.

For women: A pantsuit, skirt suit, or conservative dress with jacket, with closed-toed shoes (low heels or flats). Avoid anything too short, low-cut, sheer, or otherwise suggestive — you want the interviewer to focus on your qualifications, not your attire.

Business Casual:

If the company tells you to dress business casual for the interview, you’re going to need more information, as business casual can range from a blazer with or without a tie for men and a blazer with non-matching skirt or pants for women down to jeans.

For men: Unless the company tells you otherwise, opt for khakis with a collared shirt, tucked in. No tennis shoes, but you can wear rubber-soled shoes as long as they are clean and scuff-free.

For women: Unless the company tells you otherwise, opt for pants (not leggings) and a blouse or shirt that isn’t too short with a completer piece — either a blazer or cardigan. Closed-toed casual shoes that are clean and scuff-free. 

The bottom line: No matter how relaxed the dress code is, you should still look polished and put together. Remember: there is no such thing as business casual when it comes to your grooming.

DIY vs. DFY

DIY:

My DIY recommendation has to do with WHEN to do your shopping for your interview outfit. I recommend Monday-Friday, during the day — this is usually when the full-time employees work so you may get higher-quality help. Also, it will probably be less crowded, so you can expect to get more personal attention.

To get this kind of help, consider a well-regarded department store in your area or a boutique shop that offers professional clothing. I don’t recommend trying to purchase this outfit online — you really need to try things on and get help with what looks good on you.

Let the salesperson know that you are looking for an interview outfit, about how much you’d like to spend, and be sure to bring any items (such as shoes) you plan to include.

DFY:

My DFY recommendation has to do with alterations. Men’s suits, and many pants, come unhemmed, so you have no choice but to use alterations services, and the store may provide them. If they don’t, ask friends or family for recommendations.

Women, your outfit may require alterations as well — hems, waistlines, and shirt/sleeve length may need adjustments. It is so worth it to pay for this service — you’ll look much more polished, and your confidence will likely shoot up when you look in the mirror.

A final recommendation that applies for both DIY and DFY specifically for the women: Sit in front of a mirror and cross your legs. Are you comfortable? Does your skirt ride up too far? Does your blouse gape around the buttons?