When it comes to job interviews, what you wear can be just as important as what you say. While your qualifications and experience will ultimately land you the job, your appearance sets the tone from the moment you walk through the door (or log on for the virtual interview).
In today’s competitive job market, dressing appropriately shows that you take the interview seriously and understand the company’s environment and expectations. If you find yourself thinking “what should I wear to an interview?”, here are some tips to guide you through the dos and don’ts of interview dressing to help you feel confident and make the best impression possible.
Tip No. 1: Determine what’s appropriate for the position
The right attire for a
job interview will vary based on the industry and position. If you’re interviewing for a client-facing job with a financial company, there are likely different expectations than a job interview for a warehouse labor position. Jeans and a nice shirt may be appropriate when interviewing for a job on the manufacturing floor, while a tie and jacket may still be expected for many leadership roles. Be sure to know as much as possible about the position, the job setting, and the company to determine what’s best for your interview.
A good rule of thumb is to consider business casual the bare minimum for most interviews. Think dark slacks or khakis and a collared or button-down shirt for men and a nice dress or slacks and a blouse for women. While a full suit is less common for job interviews today, men can still dress it up by wearing a jacket and skipping the tie. This is a professional look that doesn’t feel as formal.
One way to determine what’s appropriate is to check the company’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages. Look for photos showing what employees are wearing to get a better idea of the expectations, especially for people who are in similar positions to the role for which you are interviewing. If you’re still unsure, ask your point of contact at the company if there is a recommended dress code for the interview.
Tip No. 2: Don’t go too casual on camera
A common mistake in today’s hybrid and work-from-home world is dressing too casually for an on-camera interview. Just because you’re interviewing virtually in your own home, don’t take that as an opportunity to dress down as if you are relaxing at home. Treat virtual interviews just like in-person meetings in terms of your attire. From the waist up, at least (since this is what the interviewer will see on camera), you should be in professional clothes.
It's also important to think about what’s in the background of your virtual interview. The space behind you should be tidy, clean, and not distracting. You may want to use the blur feature on your meeting app or download a professional-looking background photo to eliminate this concern entirely.
Tip No. 3: Keep it neutral
It’s OK to show your personality a bit in how you present yourself during a job interview. But it’s usually best to avoid loud colors or distracting patterns in your outfit and accessory selection. This presents the most professional image and helps keep the focus on you.
Minimizing or eliminating distractions during the interview is always the goal because it helps both the interviewer and the candidate stay focused and engaged. Avoid the salmon-colored dress pants if you know the company has a more conservative dress code. Keep it simple with solid colors or a very subtle pattern. A shirt in a basic neutral like blue, black, gray, or tan is always a good choice. For men, be sure to tuck in the shirt and wear a belt.
Tip No. 4: Complete the look with great grooming
Looking professional extends beyond your clothes. Be sure your grooming is on point and that you look pulled together. Brush and style your hair; a fresh haircut can also help. For men with a beard or mustache, make sure it’s tidy and well-groomed.
In this era of more remote work, you may not wear your dressier professional clothes as often. Be sure to check your interview outfit before the actual day. Iron your outfit and check that everything is free of stains and in good shape. And don’t overlook your accessories. Keep them understated with simple jewelry, and make sure your shoes are in good condition and look professional. If you have tattoos and are unsure of the company’s culture, you may want to cover them with a long-sleeved shirt for the interview.
Putting your best foot forward in a job interview
First impressions make an impact, and your outfit speaks volumes before you even say a word. While many companies are more casual in their dress code these days, that is not always the case for job interviews. Taking the time to research the role and the work environment to get an idea of the expectations will help set you up for success — ensuring your attire reflects confidence and respect for the opportunity. Looking for help with job interview prep? Check out our
interviewing essentials and
interview prep blogs or
contact the employment experts at Palmer Group.