Never judge a book by its cover. These words could not be further from the truth when dressing for a job interview. First impressions matter, specifically at the interview stage. Job candidates need to be aware of this regardless of the industry they are working in or the job they are applying for.
I will focus on appropriate job interview attire for men in this article. In almost all job interview situations, men should dress professionally, meaning a suit and tie. However, some positions and companies are more casual, so they should adjust their attire respectfully but still look polished and professional.
First, I think it is important to discuss why your interview attire is so important. You may have the perfect credentials, experience, and speaking engagement. Don’t get me wrong; these things are equally essential. However, you want to get off on the right foot before any words are even spoken. If your appearance is sloppy, careless, and unkempt, the employer will also assume that this will be the quality of your work. The interviewer may even cut the interview short because they decided you were not the person they wanted the minute they saw you.
Alternatively, if you dress professionally and in good taste for the interview, they will have a very different initial opinion of you. You have captured their attention (in a good way), and they will be more enthusiastic about hiring you, all things being equal. You will also feel more confident and professional when dressing well for the interview.
Honestly, your best-dressed day will probably be the day of your interview. If you don’t look great that day, it probably won’t improve, and they know it!
So the bottom line is to give yourself every opportunity to excel in the interview, including dressing for success.
Different Types of Interview Apparel
I mentioned that you might dress professionally to varying degrees. Let me explain this in a little greater detail.
Formal Business Attire
Dressing in formal business clothing is called for in white-collar jobs in a traditional office environment. A well-fitting navy blue or charcoal gray suit is a good choice. Dress conservatively but very professionally. Wear a nicely pressed white collared shirt. A solid necktie or one with a basic pattern, such as stripes, will work well. Your socks should match your pants. A pair of black Oxford shoes can complete the look. Be sure the shoes are clean and polished to perfection. A smart-looking watch is always a nice finishing touch. It’s all about being clean and conservative.
Business Casual Attire
Business casual dressing can be a bit tricky. You want to dress professionally but not overkill, and you also do not want to appear so casual that they think you are not taking the job seriously.
So what should you wear? An option is a nice Oxford cloth button-down shirt in white or blue. A cashmere sweater over your shirt is perfect if the weather is a bit on the cold side. Your trousers or dress pants should be neutral, such as grey or navy blue. Consider dressing down a little further by wearing chino pants. Once again, the socks should match your pants. Here forget the black oxfords and opt for brown or oxblood lace-up shoes. Complete your look with a nice blazer or sportcoat contrasting it with your pants. If they appear too similar in color, it will look like you tried to match them but could have done better!
Casual Attire
A more casual look is great for blue-collar jobs. If you are interviewing for a restaurant, retail, or manufacturing job, dressing too professionally may even hurt you. It could ruin your chances because the interviewer may assume you don’t want to get dirty to do the job.
So with that in mind, sporting a nice polo shirt with some khaki pants will do the trick. Stick with neutral colors like brown, blue, grey, or white. Your footwear could be a nice pair of loafers or dressy boots, depending on the weather, of course.
Have you noticed I haven’t mentioned wearing black for your interview ensemble? That is because black is too somber and makes you appear as if you are attending a funeral rather than a job interview.
Virtual Attire
Dressing for a virtual job interview is becoming common nowadays. The tendency is to dress quite casually, but this is not great advice. You should dress like you would if the interview was in person. Why? Because how you dress affects your mindset. There is even a word for it called enclothed cognition. If you dress professionally for the work you seek, you will feel more confident and prepared for the interview.
Also, avoid only dressing well from the waist up. For example, what if you had to stand up for some reason during the interview? While those comfy sweats and slippers may feel nice, they will make you feel more awkward during the interview because they don’t go with your top. Complete the entire look from top to bottom.
Avoid Fashion Faux Pas in a Job Interview
Though there are differences in how to dress appropriately for a job interview, some things should be avoided at any interview at any job level. Some of these are:
- Jeans
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Sports Apparel
- Sandals or Flipflops
- Tennis shoes
- Hats
- Earbuds
- Stained or worn-out clothing
- Clothing that does not fit you well
- Strong Cologne
- Bold or flashy jewelry
- Tattoos
- Piercings
Personal Grooming
I believe proper grooming goes without much commentary, but to cover the basics, always remember to do the following before your interview:
- Get your hair cut
- Shave and trim any facial hair
- Shower
- Apply deodorant
- Brush your teeth
- Clean and trim your nails
- Apply some unscented hand lotion
Fun but important fact: Statistics reveal that 55% of our first impression is based on how we look, 38% on how we present ourselves, and only 7% on what we say.
Therefore, have a dress rehearsal before the interview to be sure your clothing, personal hygiene items, and any materials you want to take to the interview are all in order and ready to go. Being prepared will also cut down on your nerves on the day of the interview.
Tips on Knowing How To Dress for Your Interview (When You Have Yet To Learn Their Dress Code)
You may be wondering what IS the proper way to dress for the company you will be interviewing with when you have yet to learn their dress code. There are a few ways to find out:
- Contact the Human Resources Department either by email or phone and ask
- Drive by the company (but not on a Friday – this could be a casual day) to see how employees are dressed
- View the company’s social media pages
- View the company’s website
- Ask someone who works there
- Take into account the industry, region, and location of the interview.
Scoring Bonus Points
Now if you want to go the extra mile (and why wouldn’t you), here are a few more pointers:
- Wear a sharp-looking watch – your punctuality will be subtly conveyed
- Bring a nice pen – you may have to sign some papers, and it looks good not to have to ask for something to write with
- The right belt and cufflinks can give your outfit a sophisticated touch
- Ensure your outfit is clean and crisply ironed, without loose threads or pet hair
- Pop a breath mint a few minutes before your interview but not during – never chew gum
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a job interview with a great employer is exciting news! You have researched the company, prepared some insightful interview questions and answers, and know your stuff! So don’t let an improper getup bring you down!
A good rule of thumb is to dress conservatively for interviews. Better yet, dress one up for the job you are interviewing for. The interviewer will see this as a sign of confidence and motivation. But keep in mind a good interview outfit is not always about dressing conservatively as it is about dressing appropriately for the environment.
Being prepared and professional can be demonstrated through the way you dress. Remember, you won’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so make the first and only one count!