How Should You Dress for an Interview?

There is such a thing as too professional.

You get the call to interview and you’re excited to make a great impression. Once you’ve revamped your resume and done plenty of research, it’s time to choose an outfit.

That’s when you realize your interviewer never specified a dress code! Should you go in wearing a suit? Or maybe business casual would be a better fit. What about jeans and a nice t-shirt? So many options!

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Follow these tips and you’ll avoid any fashion faux pas.

  1. Ask Your Interviewer

If you’re unclear on a company’s dress code, ask your interviewer for further information. The three main categories of dress code are:

  • Business Professional: Think of this as the stereotypical professional working attire. Suits and ties for men, suits or jackets with slacks or skirts for women.
  • Business Casual: A step away from business professional. Blazers, dress shirts, and slacks for the men, skirts, khakis, nice shirts and dresses for women.
  • Casual: Everything else! This can vary, but remember you’re still going in for a job interview. So, wear something that makes you comfortable, but is also professional (no jeans with holes, tank tops, low cut tops, etc.)
  1. Don’t Go Over- (Or Under-) Board

Once your interviewer gives you a dress code, stick with it. Although there is a chance they could be impressed by you showing up in a tuxedo, it’s not worth the risk. Some employers prefer a more casual work environment and showing up in a different outfit could cause them to think you’re not a good culture fit.

And if the dress code is professional, don’t show up in jeans. This makes it look like you didn’t care enough to follow the baseline rules.

  1. Watch Out for Accessories and Cologne or Perfume

Keep accessories to a minimum. Simple jewelry or a watch is fine, but you don’t want five different rings to distract the interviewer from what you’re saying. The goal is to wow them with your personality and experience, not your dress.

Avoid any strong-smelling colognes or perfume. You want to be remembered as a stellar candidate, not a “cloud” that lingers long after you’re gone.

Now that you have your outfit assembled, you’re ready to interview. Go out there and show ‘em what you got!

How do you dress for interviews? How did it go? Let us know in the comments section below!

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