Many professional industries have moved towards business/smart casual attire in the workplace, helping to increase employee comfort in the office. During your interview, the employers will want you to feel comfortable, so try choosing an outfit that helps to reflect that business/smart casual look and feel.
The way you dress for an interview gives potential employers their first impression of how you present yourself professionally. Even if you look great on paper, if you don't dress appropriately for an interview, you give the impression that you lack respect for yourself and those you are meeting with.
Here are some things you should avoid wearing: Casual or revealing clothing. This includes things like tank tops, shorts, flip flops, and low-cut tops. It's better to err on the side of caution and dress more conservatively.
One way to ask about the dress code is to be direct. If you spoke with a recruiter or hiring manager on the phone, you can simply ask them what the dress code is ahead of your interview or the first day of work. If you have already been hired, they might forget to mention the dress code to you.
You should wear a suit to interviews. “Suit” means the works: a matching jacket and pants, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks and dress shoes. A dark-colored suit with light colored shirt is your best option. Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well so that you look and act your best.
Job Interviews: What to wear to a job interview. Nothing says 'Hire me' like a polished interview outfit – think classic, tasteful and tailored, and you can't go wrong. For men that often means a suit and tie, and for women a skirt/dress pants and blazer or dress.
Dress pants, pencil skirts, knee-length dresses, blazers, neutral or light-colored blouses, sweaters, cardigans, tights, and suits are all acceptable forms of interview attire.
What should acceptable job interview attire look like? While some individuals may still land the job even if they wear jeans, why risk it? Unless you're explicitly asked to wear jeans, choose to go with business casual attire when interviewing with an organization that has a more laid-back dress code.
Knowing what to wear can help you make a good impression and show that you are taking the interview seriously. It is best to avoid wearing anything too casual or inappropriate, such as ripped jeans, shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, or t-shirts with offensive slogans.
In an interview setting, black is a good choice, just don't wear too much of it. Like white, black pairs nicely with most other interview colors. Black says you respect the formality of the interview and the authority of the hiring company. Avoid matching black with brown, charcoal, or dark grey.
If you will be wearing jeans every day to your job, dressing in a button down shirt and khakis (for men) or dress pants and a nice blouse (for women)would be appropriate for the interview. However, we always say it's better to overdress than underdress for an interview.
A clean and neat professional appearance is an important step in making a good first impression. You want the interviewer to focus on you and your skills not your clothes. Dress as you want to be seen: professional, successful, and the kind of person the company wants to represent it.
In most cases, when you attend an interview, you want to make sure that your attire aligns with or slightly exceeds what people typically wear in that workplace. If you are looking for a position in an industry or profession where wearing more formal clothing is the norm, then putting on a suit might be a necessity.
“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”
Although straight, black jeans may be appropriate for more creative interviews, such as if you're interviewing for a position in graphic design, slacks or dress pants are a good choice regardless of the industry or position.
Flats or wedges are perfectly fine. When deciding what shoes to wear to an interview, make sure they are closed-toe, with a heel no higher than 3 inches, and in neutral colors.
Start with a brief introduction, and include your name, current role, and expertise. Highlight your unique value proposition, emphasizing your key skills, experiences, and achievements. Convey your passion for the industry and end with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.
The best colors to wear to an interview are ones that are neutral such as black, navy, gray and brown. White is also an appropriate neutral color for a shirt or blouse.
Dress to impress
When choosing what to wear go for something neat, clean and professional. No need to dress too formally, just something that makes you feel comfortable and well-presented.
In fact, it has been said that interviewers make a decision in the first few minutes of meeting a candidate. So develop a strong handshake and a genuine smile. In addition, pay attention to you appearance! Your dress can also be an important factor in an employer's hiring decision.
Impact of Beauty Bias in Hiring
Not only are more attractive candidates more likely to get hired, but they're also more likely to command higher wages. Attractive applicants earn 10-15% higher salaries than their equally skilled colleagues, totaling an estimated $230,000 additional dollars by the end of their career.