What to Wear to a Job Interview: The Ultimate Guide
Have you ever just looked at your closet and had absolutely no idea what to wear to a job interview? You're not alone. Sounds a lot like choosing the tres fab flat white — too diluted and you are going to get lost in the noise, but too strong and some people may not be able to stomach your style-persona. Don't worry, though! We're about to walk you through everything you need to know about interview attire. By the time we're done, you'll be ready to make a great first impression and feel confident as you step into that interview room.
Let's be honest — deciding what to wear to a job interview can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. You want to impress, but not appear overeager. The good news is that with a few smart tips and a touch of your personal style, you can strike the right balance. We'll help you choose an outfit that makes you feel self-assured and professional, setting the stage for a successful interview.
Why Your Job Interview Outfit Matters: The Ultimate Guide to the Power of First Impressions!
Imagine this: You just scored the interview of a lifetime for your dream job. You have your resume ready, you have rehearsed what to say a million times over (even your cat can recite them by now!) and then you suddenly realise – actually, do I even know how to dress for a job interview? Panic stations, right? Wrong! Breathe in, and get ready to solve this style mystery quicker than you can say dress for success.
The cherry on top: an unsurprising poll found that 95% of hiring managers believe you can tell if someone is professional by the way they dress for a job interview. They try to hide that one excellent replay of "What Not to Wear" while you're answering where you see yourself in five years.
Your job interview outfit isn't just about impressing the interviewers. It's also your confidence booster. The right clothes can give you a sense of assurance, much like how your favourite outfit makes you feel great. When you look good, you're more likely to feel prepared and capable of handling any question that comes your way.
Your outfit communicates a lot about you before you've even spoken, whether you're interviewing for a corporate role or a start-up position. It's an important part of your first impression. In today's job market, a thoughtfully chosen outfit can give you a subtle advantage, helping you feel more confident and making a positive impact. When deciding what to wear to a job interview, remember that the details matter.
How To Nail Your In-Person Job Interview Dress Code: Ways to Address Your Best
Now, let us discuss dressing for an in-person interview. It feels a little bit like going on your first real date with your future occupation…a mix of excitement, nerves, and likely an actual wardrobe malfunction. But fear not! We're here to help you get fashionably hired —Sounds like as good a time as any, right?
The secret is that you should be dressing for the company culture. It would be like deciding which bottle of wine to serve with dinner – you need one that enhances flavours rather than overpowers them.
A nice skirt or pants with a blouse of some sort is usually safe when it comes to deciding what to wear to an interview for the ladies. Step back on the "I am auditioning for a period drama" and step forward on the "I will be running the company by lunchtime."
Colours and Accessories
Now, let's talk colours. So, while it can be fun to show your creative side through the technicolour dreamcoat….*I know for some of you that was a wee bit before your time*...ahem back to earth….keep those colours muted when picking out an outfit for your job interview. Your palette here is navy, grey and black. Just remember creating a blank canvas; you want the focus to be on your words and not have the interviewer distracted by his or her wondering if your neon yellow tie would guide planes to safety.
Just as seasoning is to your chicken, accessories complete the outfit restrung from three days prior. A watch says "I care about time", a portfolio says "I'm ready" and some subtle high-end jewellery can bring a touch of personality. Of course, remember that we want a 'hint of flavour', not 'tipped the entire spice rack.
Pro tip: Do a dress rehearsal a few days before. Wear the entire job interview outfit. It's a wake-up for your wardrobe routine, similar to a fire alarm. You'll thank yourself in the future when you're not frantically looking for a missing button or noticing your "perfectly fine" shirt now hangs on you like a parachute.
How to Dress for a Video Job Interview
Virtual interviews have their own set of dos and don'ts, even if you do get to have one without pants on. Pants, obviously — your pants are fine. As we all figure out the nuances of our online presence, you may be asking yourself: does what I wear even matter for a job interview on screen? Spoiler alert: it really does.
Next, we'll cover some guidelines on what to avoid wearing during your virtual job interview. In a way, this is like what you do before an in-person onsite interview — only it requires slight modifications. You need to look pulled together and show up as a grown-up human, not someone who has been living in a cave for the past year (even if you have — no judgment).
Colours and Patterns for Virtual Interviews
Colours are of the essence for your virtual job interview outfit. You may have classic colours already like navy and black, but they might not always stand out on camera. Jewel tones and pastels are ideal — they deliver nice pops of colour on-screen, without stealing the show. They are your own personal star- without going fully Eurovision.
So, moving on to patterns… Even if your paisley shirt looks great in person, on camera it might make the other person feel like they're being forced to stare at a magic eye. For your interview hues, these are the patterns and extravagant colours you should stick with. Again, we want them to hone in on your fabulous answers — not be side-tracked by thoughts of their computer having a meltdown!
Bonus pro-tip: Wear the outfit you are considering for a job interview when you record your video to test it out. Something may look amazing in the mirror but may not work at all on the camera. It's as if you are checking your teeth for spinach, but just over your entire outfit. Notice the colour while you are styling, check if patterns are too loud and see if your accessories look great but not too much to handle.
Your experience doesn't matter! Your virtual interview outfit also includes the space around you even the most perfectly polished look can be ruined by a distracting or cluttered background. Go for a neat and professional background that is more like "I'm ready to get photographed" rather than the "Before" of a show in home improvement.
Why Research and Preparation is the Not-So-Secret Ingredient to Your Job Interview Outfit
Now, let's talk about doing some research before your interview. When preparing what to wear to a job interview, it's important to go beyond general guidelines. Part of your decision should be based on understanding the company's culture and dress code.
Research Methods
- Where we started our research journey: Social media. Check out the company's Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook pages. Can you get a good sense of the company dress code by looking at whether employees are wearing suits and ties versus jeans with quirky t-shirts? Sort of like being a fashion spy minus the cutting-edge gadgets.
- Pay a visit to their company website. It's a goldmine of dress code info, as many businesses now have a "Meet the Team" section. Basically a job interview outfit lookbook, but less pouty with more headshots.
- Contact your recruiter or the HR department for a little inside scoop! The fact that you are asking about it makes it seem like you want to be a team player (even if it is mostly the wrong motivation) and will do anything but stand out in their mind as "that person" who asked about the dress code without knowing what was appropriate. That's like asking for the dress code for a party — You don't want to turn up in a tux when everyone else is in board shorts.
So, you have gathered your intel and now it is time to start putting together your job interview outfit. Begin with the basics: a properly fitting shirt or blouse, tailored pants or skirt and polished shoes. This is your canvas, the base of your masterpiece.
Here comes the magic. Build on your observation of company culture and twist it in your own direction. Or maybe a splash of colour or quirky accessory for the more artistic industries. When in a more formal environment I recommend keeping your style classic but tailored. This is where you want your marketing dollars to fall, much like when seasoning a dish: you want it to be there but not overwhelming.
How to Perfect Your Personal Style While Still Looking Appropriate for a Job Interview
Alright, let's get personal. When it comes to your job interview outfit, discovering your style almost feels like dating…all about the fit and comfort level with a side of full-flavour authenticity (not to mention, minus the cringe conversations, butterflies or ghosting).
Finding Your Personal Style
- First of all, review your wardrobe. What are your go-to pieces? What makes you feel like you could take on the world (or at least the most difficult interview question)? In other words, you build your own private brand, only instead of a logo, it is an amazing outfit.
- Consider what colours wear you best. Are you best in jewel tones or are you strictly a neutral girl? If you like a print, go for it right now too — keep the colour & volume subtle but stay true to your personal style! It may just be your tribute album but with all of the job interview remix.
- Accessories are your key to upgrading your job interview outfit. For example, (in no particular order) a cool tie, statement necklace or even just some snazzy socks can be the finishing touch that brings your outfit to life without taking over. Adding a subtle personal touch to your outfit can make a positive difference, much like a finishing detail enhances an overall look.
Today, the best accessory you can have is confidence. You will end up showing how uncomfortable you are in your job interview outfit. You should have been spending your time memorising those sit-down interview questions, not hoping that you had tucked in your shirt all the way. The equivalent of wearing shoes that are too small for you — they might look nice, but all day long, your focus is on how uncomfortable they make you.
Here Is What Not to Wear: Fashion Faux Pas at the Job Interview
Now, let's discuss what not to wear to a job interview. It's important to be aware of potential fashion missteps that could negatively impact your first impression. Let's start by addressing some common wardrobe choices that are best avoided in a professional interview setting.
As much as we love distressed denim for brunch with the girls, it will not take you very far as part of a job interview outfit. Save the surfer interview vibes for actually going to the beach (since clearly you enjoy being outside).
So how do you nab the perfect job interview outfit without crossing the line between making a statement and being a distraction? Whilst a neon yellow shirt probably makes you feel like sunshine to the outside world, you may look closer to how a highlighter looks when it escapes from the stationery cupboard. Never make them reach for their sunglasses with bright colours.
The thing about what shoes to wear to a job interview is that this literally makes or breaks your outfit. Ladies, I know stilt-like stilettos elongate your legs to the skies, but if you wobble around in them like a baby giraffe, just stay home. Guys, your comfy sneakers are fine for the weekend, but to a job interview, they're pretty much as out-of-place as flip-flops at a black-tie event.
In the case of accessories, keep it simple for your job interview attire. A huge statement necklace might look right for a club, but it may be even more off-putting than a cell phone going off in the middle of a movie. Subtly Sell with Whisper, Not a Shout
Let us not forget, a job interview outfit is all about first impressions. And not even really impressing as much as demonstrating that you are competent … and ready for all the obstacles the job promises. Wear to the job you desire not to the weekend you desire.
And there you have it, folks! This is pretty much the complete #1 job interview outfit. After all, the best job interview outfit is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable so you can slay your interview and world. With this, I hope the best for you on that next interview – you can do this!
