How you dress for an interview plays a significant role in whether you receive a job offer. You want to be taken seriously and show respect for yourself, the interviewer, and the company. Showing up polished and appropriately dressed for the role you want shows you put effort into understanding and blending with company culture. Follow these guidelines to dress appropriately for your upcoming job interview.
Women’s Professional Attire
Select a simple, dark suit with pants or a knee-length skirt and conservative blouse. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, comfortable and fit well so you look and feel your best. Avoid anything tight, bright, short or sheer. If you wear makeup or nail polish, choose neutral shades that are understated and flattering. Keep jewelry and hair accessories to a minimum. Wear conservative, low-heeled shoes in good condition. Avoid open toes or heels. Include nylons that match your skin tone and do not have runs or snags. Avoid perfume, which may cause an allergic reaction. Brush your teeth. Keep your hair neat, clean and conservative.
Men’s Professional Attire
Choose clothes that are professionally appropriate for the role you want. Typically, that means wearing a dark-colored suit: matching jacket and pants, light-colored dress shirt, conservative tie and coordinating socks and dress shoes. Make sure your suit is neatly pressed, clean and fits appropriately. If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it is trimmed and neat. Avoid aftershave or cologne, which could trigger an allergy. Keep your hair neat, clean and conservative. Brush your teeth. Wear well-polished shoes in good condition that match your belt.
Business Casual Attire
If the job you want includes an informal work environment, you may wear business casual clothing. Women may choose from a solid-colored polo or knit shirt, sweater or twinset and neatly pressed khaki, corduroy, twill or cotton pants or skirts. Men may choose from a polo or collared knit shirt, long-sleeved button-down shirt or a sweater and neatly pressed khaki, gabardine or cotton pants, leather shoes and belt.
Casual Interview Attire
If you are interviewing at a startup, choose more relaxed but presentable clothing. Women may pair a blazer with jeans, cotton blouse with skinny jeans, dark-wash jeans with flats or a plaid top with pants. Men may pair a button-down shirt with khakis, blazer with T-shirt or nice top with tailored jeans.
Dress for the Job You Want
Select interview attire in line with the role you desire. For a professional position, a dark suit, conservative shirt, shoes and minimal accessories are appropriate. If the work environment is informal, select casual clothing such as a polo top or sweater, nice pants and shoes. When interviewing for a startup, choose a blazer and blouse or button-down shirt with tailored jeans and nice shoes.