If you’re going on a job interview at a company in a traditional industry, such as finance, banking, or insurance, you should opt for more formal corporate attire.
Men's Interview Attire
Here are a few guidelines for men who are interviewing in corporate roles:
Men's Interview Attire
– Suit in a solid color such as navy, black, or dark gray
– Long-sleeved shirt that is white or color coordinated with the suit
Men's Interview Attire
– Leather belt
– Tie
– Dark socks and conservative leather shoes
Men's Interview Attire
– Little or no jewelry
– Neat, professional hairstyle
Men's Interview Attire
– Limited amount of aftershave
– Neatly trimmed nails
– Portfolio or briefcase
Women's Interview Attire
Here are the fundamental building blocks of what women should wear to a professional interview:
Women's Interview Attire
– Suit in navy, black, or dark gray
– Suit skirt just below or above the knee
– Coordinated blouse
Women's Interview Attire
– Conservative shoes
– Limited jewelry
– No very large dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets
Women's Interview Attire
– No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
– Professional hairstyle
– Neutral-colored pantyhose
Women's Interview Attire
– Light makeup and a limited amount of perfume
– Clean, neatly manicured nails
– Portfolio or briefcase
Gender-Neutral Interview Attire
The key, as with gender-specific attire, is to find clothing that is polished, professional, and a fit for the company you're interviewing with.
Gender-Neutral Interview Attire
Here's an overview of gender-neutral attire for interviews and work.
How to Dress for a More Casual Interview
– Business Casual:
You can leave the suit at home, but don’t get out those jeans just yet.
Business casual means no jeans, no sneakers, and no apparel that would be more appropriate for the gym or the club.
How to Dress for a More Casual Interview
– Startup Casual:
Jeans may be OK for an interview at a startup, but make sure they’re clean and free from holes or ragged seams.
How to Dress for a More Casual Interview
– What to Wear When There's No Dress Code: Not sure what to wear?
When there’s no real dress code, keep it professional and err toward business casual.
Tips for Making the Best Interview Impression
– Well in advance of your interview, make sure you have appropriate interview attire, and everything fits correctly.
Tips for Making the Best Interview Impression
– Get your clothes ready the night before, so you don't have to spend time getting them ready the day of the interview.
Tips for Making the Best Interview Impression
– If your clothes are dry clean only, take them to the cleaners right after an interview, so you're prepared for the next interview.
Tips for Making the Best Interview Impression
– Be sure to polish your shoes the night before.
What to Bring to the Interview
– Interview location/directions
– Contact name and number for the person you're meeting with
What to Bring to the Interview
– Identification
– Notepad and pen
– Extra copies of your resume
What to Bring to the Interview
– List of three references
– Work samples (depending on the job)
What to Bring to the Interview
– Laptop or tablet to showcase your work (depending on the job)
– Breath mints with you to use before entering the building