What to Wear in a Job Interview

Making the decision of what to dress to an interview can be a difficult part of the process. Job interviews are won or lost based on how well you respond to questions and how you present yourself. That’s why presenting yourself in a professional manner can help you persuade the recruiting manager that you’re a good fit for the organization.

You’ll discover advice on what to wear to an interview and how to dress for a business casual job interview in the sections below.

Look into the office dress code.

Research the firm to see how formal their workplace is before choosing an interview attire. 

If you’ve looked at the company’s website and social media pages but still can’t figure out the dress code, give them a call.

It’s also a good idea to think about your job title and sector. Wear formal business clothes if you’re interviewing for corporate employment in finance or law, for example. A matching suit and tie are required for men. It refers to a fitted dress, pantsuit, or skirt suit for ladies. Business casual, on the other hand, is virtually always the ideal option for less formal roles and workplaces.

What is the definition of business casual?

Business casual refers to dressed professionally without being unduly formal, despite the lack of a specific definition. It’s a step up from slacks and tees, but not quite formal office dress. It’s often a company’s default dress code, and it’s a good choice for job interviews.

How to wear business casual clothing (for women)

For women’s business casual dress, follow the recommendations below:

Tops that are simple and professional.

Wear a top that is both comfy and conservative. A button-down shirt with a cardigan, a plain blouse with a casual jacket, a navy blue blazer, or a knit sweater are all great options. Choose basic designs and neutral hues. Slouchy or oversized sweaters, ill-fitting clothing, plunging necklines, and wrinkle-prone fabric should all be avoided. Wearing a casual dress with a cardigan and a simple belt is also an option.

Dress pants or a skirt are both acceptable options.

Wear your top with ironed black or navy slacks or a pencil skirt (knee-length or longer). If you’re wearing a button-down shirt, tuck it into your slacks or skirt for a more professional appearance. Khaki or cotton pants are also appropriate as long as they seem professional.

Closed-toe shoes that are comfortable

Wear black or brown closed-toe flats, pumps, or low heels to your business casual interview. Avoid strapped sandals, flip-flops, sky-high stilettos, sneakers, or brightly colored shoes, and make sure they’re not scuffed, damaged, or unclean.

Accessorize with simple items.

Keep your jewelry choices professional and straightforward. Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings that are thick, big, or distracting should be avoided. Instead, opt for simple hoop or stud earrings, a delicate necklace, and one or two non-jangling bracelets. If you’re going to wear nail paint, make sure it’s not chipped and that it’s a classic, subdued color.

How to wear business casual clothing (for men)

For men’s business casual dress, follow the recommendations below:

Long-sleeved shirts with a collar

Make sure you’re wearing a light-colored, pressed button-down shirt with long sleeves and a collar that’s tucked into your jeans. Wearing a knit tie with a plain pattern or solid color is an option, but it’s not required. Consider wearing a blazer or lightweight sports jacket in grey, black, or navy blue for a more polished look, though it’s not required. Even if you’re interviewing at a laid-back company, don’t wear a polo shirt.

Dress pants or chinos

For a business casual interview, ironed cotton slacks, light-colored chinos, or khakis are excellent choices. Grey, black, brown, and navy blue are good choices because they go with a variety of shirt colors. Wearing dark-colored jeans to work may be acceptable in some situations. Wear chinos or dress pants instead of jeans if you’re not sure if jeans are appropriate at this office.

Dark-colored shoes with coordinating socks

Choose shoes that are dark in color and have just been polished. You can complement your suit with brown or black loafers, lace-up dress shoes, Oxfords, or another professional closed-toe shoe. Wear dress socks that are mid-calf length and the same color as your trousers. Athletic socks should be avoided.

Accents that are simple

You can wear a conventional timepiece with a metal or leather band, but any distracting jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, should be removed. Always wear a leather belt that matches the color of your shoes. To finish the outfit, a simple pocket square might be tucked into a blazer pocket.

Last but not least, perform a dress rehearsal.

Try on your entire clothing a few days before the interview to make sure it fits correctly and appears clean and professional. To test how your interview attire fits and feels, conduct a mock interview with a friend or family member while wearing it. Check for wrinkles, stains, holes, or pet hair one last time the night before.

What to dress to an interview if you don’t want to look like a jerk

Finally, regardless of how official or informal the company is, let’s go over what you should not wear to an interview. In a job interview, your goal is to make a good first impression, and how you dress has a big role in how people see you. Avoid the following to ensure you look your best:

• Sandals with open toes, such as flip flops
• Athletic footwear
• Shirts or tank tops with tiny straps
• Shorts
• Underwear that protrudes from the rest of your outfit (This could include the top of your boxers, briefs, etc. showing from the top of your pants or skirt, or bra straps showing.)
• Too-short skirts or dresses 

References

Indeed Editorial Team (2018). What to Wear: The Best Job Interview Attire. [online] Indeed Career Guide. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/what-to-wear-to-an-interview  [Accessed 7 Sep. 2021].

That’s Great News |. (2020). Dressing for Success: What to Wear in Your Featured Article Interview | That’s Great News. [online] Available at: https://info.thatsgreatnews.com/dressing-for-success-what-to-wear-in-your-featured-article-interview/  [Accessed 7 Sep. 2021].

‌