The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing. That's why it's always important to dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual.
What's the appropriate dress code for an interview? You'll want that first impression to be a great one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.
How to Dress for an Interview: Men's Interview Attire
Additional Interviewing Resources
Everyone knows that it’s important to wear appropriate attire to your interview, but your accessories matter, too. How you accessorize is important. When wearing accessories to an interview, less is more. It's important not to overdo the accessories - you don't want to make too much of an impression. It's also important to choose accessories that will enhance your interview attire - not overwhelm it.
Keep the cologne and perfume to a minimum, maintain a professional hairstyle and if applicable, natural makeup, and don’t overdo the jewelry. Here's more on how to choose interview accessories.
Jewelry
Women should avoid dangling earrings and arms full of bracelets, and men should wear little or no jewelry other than a watch and/or wedding band. No jewelry is better than cheap or loud jewelry. When it comes to piercings and tattoos, depending on where you are interviewing, you may want to consider covering up your tattoos and taking out your rings.
Hats
Don't wear a hat to a job interview regardless of the type of job you are applying for. On a related note, don't wear hoodies or any other type of sweatshirt or sweatpants.
Shoes
Don't wear flip-flops or sneakers. You won't make a good impression. Also avoid really high heels and platform shoes. Closed toe pumps in a neutral color are best for women. For men, slip-on or lace-up dress shoes are the best bet.
Belts
If your pants or slacks have belt loops, wear a belt. It will tie your outfit together. Your belt should match your outfit and/or your shoes and bag.
Pantyhose
The question of women wearing pantyhose on a job interview creates a lot of discussion and the answer is overwhelmingly yes.
Hair and Make Up
Less is more when it comes to hair and make up. Be subtle and don't over do it with make up. Keep your hair style simple, as well, and no scrunchies or big hair clips. The same holds true for nail polish. Your nails shouldn't be overly long and your nail polish shouldn't be too bright a color. You don't want the interviewer to even notice your nail color. An example of not accessorizing correctly is the woman who showed up to interview for a job at a company I worked for wearing a bright red dress, matching nail polish, and candy apple red spiked heels.
Perfume and Cologne
Just as you should dress somewhat conservatively during an interview, you should also be conservative with your perfume or cologne. Some people are more sensitive to smell than others. In fact, scent is one of the strongest senses; your favorite perfume or cologne might be the same scent the interviewer's ex-girlfriend or ex-husband wore. Don’t let subliminal negative impact ruin your chances at getting a job. In this case, less, if not none, is better.
Portfolio / Purse
A portfolio is a great accessory. You can store extra copies of your resume and your list of references. Or, you may want to consider a large purse or a small briefcase that can hold all your belongings, plus what you need for the interview. Stick to neutral colors, regardless of which option you select.
Coats
If you can leave your coat in your car, I'd do so. It's easier than having someone hang up your coat then having to retrieve it after the interview.
What's the appropriate dress code for an interview? You'll want that first impression to be a great one. The candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.
How to Dress for an Interview: Men's Interview Attire
- Suit (solid color - navy or dark grey)
- Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
- Belt (should match color of your shoes)
- Tie
- Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
- Little or no jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Limit the aftershave
- Neatly trimmed nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
- Suit (navy, black or dark grey)
- The suit skirt should be long enough so you can sit down comfortably
- Coordinated blouse
- Conservative shoes
- Limited jewelry (no dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets)
- No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
- Professional hairstyle
- Neutral pantyhose
- Light make-up and perfume
- Neatly manicured clean nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
- Gum
- Cell phone
- Ipod
- Coffee or soda
- If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only, is a good rule)
- Cover tattoos
- Before you even think about going on an interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire and everything fits correctly.
- Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready on the day of the interview.
- If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners after an interview, so they are ready for next time.
- Polish your shoes.
- Bring a breath mint and use it before you enter the building.
Additional Interviewing Resources
Everyone knows that it’s important to wear appropriate attire to your interview, but your accessories matter, too. How you accessorize is important. When wearing accessories to an interview, less is more. It's important not to overdo the accessories - you don't want to make too much of an impression. It's also important to choose accessories that will enhance your interview attire - not overwhelm it.
Keep the cologne and perfume to a minimum, maintain a professional hairstyle and if applicable, natural makeup, and don’t overdo the jewelry. Here's more on how to choose interview accessories.
Jewelry
Women should avoid dangling earrings and arms full of bracelets, and men should wear little or no jewelry other than a watch and/or wedding band. No jewelry is better than cheap or loud jewelry. When it comes to piercings and tattoos, depending on where you are interviewing, you may want to consider covering up your tattoos and taking out your rings.
Hats
Don't wear a hat to a job interview regardless of the type of job you are applying for. On a related note, don't wear hoodies or any other type of sweatshirt or sweatpants.
Shoes
Don't wear flip-flops or sneakers. You won't make a good impression. Also avoid really high heels and platform shoes. Closed toe pumps in a neutral color are best for women. For men, slip-on or lace-up dress shoes are the best bet.
Belts
If your pants or slacks have belt loops, wear a belt. It will tie your outfit together. Your belt should match your outfit and/or your shoes and bag.
Pantyhose
The question of women wearing pantyhose on a job interview creates a lot of discussion and the answer is overwhelmingly yes.
Hair and Make Up
Less is more when it comes to hair and make up. Be subtle and don't over do it with make up. Keep your hair style simple, as well, and no scrunchies or big hair clips. The same holds true for nail polish. Your nails shouldn't be overly long and your nail polish shouldn't be too bright a color. You don't want the interviewer to even notice your nail color. An example of not accessorizing correctly is the woman who showed up to interview for a job at a company I worked for wearing a bright red dress, matching nail polish, and candy apple red spiked heels.
Perfume and Cologne
Just as you should dress somewhat conservatively during an interview, you should also be conservative with your perfume or cologne. Some people are more sensitive to smell than others. In fact, scent is one of the strongest senses; your favorite perfume or cologne might be the same scent the interviewer's ex-girlfriend or ex-husband wore. Don’t let subliminal negative impact ruin your chances at getting a job. In this case, less, if not none, is better.
Portfolio / Purse
A portfolio is a great accessory. You can store extra copies of your resume and your list of references. Or, you may want to consider a large purse or a small briefcase that can hold all your belongings, plus what you need for the interview. Stick to neutral colors, regardless of which option you select.
Coats
If you can leave your coat in your car, I'd do so. It's easier than having someone hang up your coat then having to retrieve it after the interview.
What To Wear On An Interview – 6 Style Tips
It is the what you wearing for job interview that provides you an chance to make a good first impact with the interview. So, after you have efficiently arrived a job interview, be willing to make the most of your chance towhat to wear for the interview. Does it really matter how you outfit for an interview? In many situations, it does. In a limited job industry, what you use to an appointment could be the change between getting approved and getting denied. It is considered that 80% of the first impact that you create is established during the first two moments of your meeting with the company. And it’s human nature to judge a book by its cover
Here are six style tips to ensure your look is a career asset, not a liability.
Create Your ‘Visual’ Resume
Make sure your attire is sending the right message about your capabilities.
“Shift your thought pattern on dressing from a fashionista type of approach to one tied to competency, communication, respect and appropriate boundary-setting. “You don’t have to be boring, but you do have to think about it.”
Suit Up
Unless you’re told otherwise, always wear a suit to a first interview. For women, a pantsuit is no longer a fashion don’t, and is as acceptable as the traditional skirted “power suit.”
A suit is a sign of respect for the company as well as the person interviewing you. It’s always better to be overdressed than under dressed.
The Rules Apply
Knowing an office’s “rules” — whether written or not — is critical, especially for younger job seekers.
A young guy who doesn’t wear socks to an interview at a financial firm won’t be taken seriously, while a young woman should be careful not to bare too much skin.
‘Mad’ for Tradition
More than one in three people say their workplace has gotten more formal over the past 12 months, according to a poll.
But while the fitted suits and skinny ties made popular by the retro TV series “Mad Men” can work in most office settings, it’s important not to go overboard.
“You don’t want people to stop and stare. You need to understand the balance between looking trendy and looking current.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Clothes may make the man, but beware the wrong shoes, especially if they’re unpolished.
When you look at men’s shoes, if they’re square toed, chunky or have rubber soles, that completely dismantles the whole appearance.
Stretch Your Fashion Budget
If your budget doesn't allow for major purchases, spending $100 on tailoring to update key pieces or improve their fit is worth it.
Another wallet-friendly purchase is a basic dark suit, which doesn’t show wear and tear and can be worn with different ties or accessories to first, second and third interviews.
Finally, weed out anything you’re not wearing on a regular basis.
Shop in your closet first. We wear 20 percent of what’s in there 80 percent of the time. Give yourself permission to get rid of that other 80 percent. Turn it into cash by selling it, or give it to charity.
Always keep in mind that joining an interview needs planning in enhance. At least a day before you go for the job interview, examine what to wear to job interview once again to make sure they fit you properly. Get the interviewing attire ready to wear the night before. It is how you look, that will create an excellent first impact on the prospective of the employer.
It is the what you wearing for job interview that provides you an chance to make a good first impact with the interview. So, after you have efficiently arrived a job interview, be willing to make the most of your chance towhat to wear for the interview. Does it really matter how you outfit for an interview? In many situations, it does. In a limited job industry, what you use to an appointment could be the change between getting approved and getting denied. It is considered that 80% of the first impact that you create is established during the first two moments of your meeting with the company. And it’s human nature to judge a book by its cover
Here are six style tips to ensure your look is a career asset, not a liability.
Create Your ‘Visual’ Resume
Make sure your attire is sending the right message about your capabilities.
“Shift your thought pattern on dressing from a fashionista type of approach to one tied to competency, communication, respect and appropriate boundary-setting. “You don’t have to be boring, but you do have to think about it.”
Suit Up
Unless you’re told otherwise, always wear a suit to a first interview. For women, a pantsuit is no longer a fashion don’t, and is as acceptable as the traditional skirted “power suit.”
A suit is a sign of respect for the company as well as the person interviewing you. It’s always better to be overdressed than under dressed.
The Rules Apply
Knowing an office’s “rules” — whether written or not — is critical, especially for younger job seekers.
A young guy who doesn’t wear socks to an interview at a financial firm won’t be taken seriously, while a young woman should be careful not to bare too much skin.
‘Mad’ for Tradition
More than one in three people say their workplace has gotten more formal over the past 12 months, according to a poll.
But while the fitted suits and skinny ties made popular by the retro TV series “Mad Men” can work in most office settings, it’s important not to go overboard.
“You don’t want people to stop and stare. You need to understand the balance between looking trendy and looking current.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Clothes may make the man, but beware the wrong shoes, especially if they’re unpolished.
When you look at men’s shoes, if they’re square toed, chunky or have rubber soles, that completely dismantles the whole appearance.
Stretch Your Fashion Budget
If your budget doesn't allow for major purchases, spending $100 on tailoring to update key pieces or improve their fit is worth it.
Another wallet-friendly purchase is a basic dark suit, which doesn’t show wear and tear and can be worn with different ties or accessories to first, second and third interviews.
Finally, weed out anything you’re not wearing on a regular basis.
Shop in your closet first. We wear 20 percent of what’s in there 80 percent of the time. Give yourself permission to get rid of that other 80 percent. Turn it into cash by selling it, or give it to charity.
Always keep in mind that joining an interview needs planning in enhance. At least a day before you go for the job interview, examine what to wear to job interview once again to make sure they fit you properly. Get the interviewing attire ready to wear the night before. It is how you look, that will create an excellent first impact on the prospective of the employer.