How to Dress for Every Type of Job Interview

1. There’s No One ‘Right’ Way to Dress

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in preparing your interview outfit. What you wear to interview for one company may not be right for interviewing with another.

2. Dress for the Work Environment

What if you’ve never seen the company office and you don’t know anyone that works there?  Here are some guidelines to help you settle on an appropriate look.

Check Out the Company Website

Learn more about the company and search for group or individual employee photos, which you can often find in the “About Us” or “Meet Our Team” sections.

Look at Google Maps Photos

Photos of business exteriors are usually posted on Google Maps when you pinpoint the company’s location. There may also be Interior photos that may hint about a company’s dress code.

Perform an Industry Search

Search Google using terms that can lead to blogs about the proper attire for a job interview for different industries.

3. Dress for the Role

A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you’re applying for one position above the one in which you are interviewing.

Choose Practical Fabrics

Be sure they’re clean and pressed and not too tight or too loose. You might consider fabrics that have some stretch.

Dress for the Weather

You won’t look or be comfortable in a wool jacket on a hot day or in thin, cool fabrics on a very cold day.

Wear Colors That Reflect the Workplace and Role

For jobs in more formal industries such as law and banking, clothes in gray, black, and blue shades are good.

4. Know the Types of Business Styles

These office dress codes are the most common for interview attire: Business professional Business casual

Business Professional

Well-fitting suit coats or sweaters matched with light-shaded, secured shirts are works of art for this look.

Business Professional

Custom-made slacks, jeans, or skirts (not excessively short!) are great decisions.

Business Professional

It's alright to add a tie or scarf, yet keep the example and variety straightforward. Genuine or impersonation cowhide shoes in a brown or a dark tone can finish this look.

Business Casual

Aim to look slightly more dressed up than the average employee. A polo, blouse, or button-down shirt paired with a sports jacket or sweater is a good business casual look.

5. What to Wear for a Virtual Interview

Your on-camera background is a part of the total picture the interviewer will get about you. Be sure it projects professionalism and is free of clutter, pets, people walking by, and other distractions.

Dress from Head to Toe

It should go without saying, but it’s important for you to fully dress, including wearing shoes, for an online interview.

6. What Not to Wear to a Job Interview

You want the interviewer to be focused on what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing.

6. What Not to Wear to a Job Interview

Don’t Wear Revealing Clothing

6. What Not to Wear to a Job Interview

Keep the focus on your face by avoiding: – Low-cut shirts or tops – Short skirts – Anything that shows a lot of skin

Don’t Wear Attention-Grabbing Clothing

If you have a doubt about wearing a particular item, don’t wear it.

Uncomfortable Clothing

You don’t want to distract the interviewer by pulling and tugging at your collar or clothes. Wear fabrics you know you’re comfortable in.

7. What to Wear for Other Types of Jobs

Here are some ideas for proper attire for some types of interviews:

Tips for Jobs With a College or University

If you’re applying for a campus groundwork help position, you might opt to follow the business casual guidelines.

Tips for Internships

Consider the environment in which you’ll be working, too.

Tips for Summer Jobs

Don’t wear casual summer clothes to interviews such as shorts, flip flops, tank tops, sandals or anything that’s revealing.

READ ALSO

29 Tips to Make Your Breasts Grow Faster

5 Ways My Family Makes My Life Happier

8 Practical First Kiss Tips