Appropriate Clothing for a Job Interview

Selecting Appropriate Clothing for a Job Interview

One key step in preparing for your job interview is deciding what you are going to wear. If you wear clothes that are too casual, you could be viewed as sloppy or unorganized. Clothes that are too formal could make you seem too stiff or overbearing.

Your clothes are a way to signal to the prospective employer that you are interested in the job. A job candidate who looks like they slept in their clothes certainly does not appear to have spent time preparing for the interview. A well-chosen outfit, combined with good grooming, reflects your personal confidence and can set the stage for a successful interview.

Dress the Part

The best rule of thumb when selecting appropriate clothing for a job interview is to wear the same clothes to an interview that you would wear to actually work on the job. For example, wearing a suit would be appropriate in a legal office or a bank. Business casual would probably be more appropriate in a more informal office setting like a real estate office or a small business.

If your job is going to require physical labor, like a mechanic or caretaker, you should concentrate on wearing clean, spotless work clothes. Casual coordinating separates are usually appropriate if interviewing for positions such as airline jobs that require you to wear a uniform or for jobs in casual office environments like computer jobs.

Do Your Research

A friend or family member that works for your potential new employer can fill you in on the dress code. If you don't know anyone to ask, you can:

• Call the receptionist where you will be interviewing to verify the address and available parking. Take that opportunity to ask the receptionist what most people wear to work. Be sure to thank him or her when you meet on interview day!
• Drive by the prospective employer at a time when employees are entering or leaving the building. Early morning, lunchtime or at the end of the day would be good times to see what employees are wearing.

The research you do to determine what employees wear can be just as important to your success in getting the job as the questions you ask during your interview.

Follow the Basics

A few basic rules hold true for men and women when dressing for an interview, regardless of the type of job for which you are interviewing:

• Look clean. Clean hair, nails and clothes are critical to project that you have a positive personal image.
• Dress neatly. This is not the time to look rumpled! Tuck in your shirt or blouse.
• No wild hair. Trimmed hair in a conservative style will project a well-groomed appearance.
• Avoid perfume or aftershave. You want the interviewer to remember you, not what you smelled like.
• Wear minimal jewelry. A little jewelry is appropriate. Leave home any extra jewelry that might call attention to you like large pinky rings, noisy bracelets, nose and tongue jewelry or flashy jewelry.
• Cover the tattoos. A tattoo can easily distract an interviewer.

Men

• Wear neutral or dark colors. You want the interviewer to concentrate on how you answer the questions, not on your red shirt.
• Be sure your nails are clean. Clean nails show personal pride and project that you would take good care of the employer's equipment and work area.
• Wear leather shoes. Athletic shoes should only be worn if you are interviewing for an athletic position, even if employees wear athletic shoes on the job for which you are interviewing.

Women

• Dress simply. Classic styles in solids or simple prints are preferred. You can wear more trendy, colorful clothes if you are interviewing for a job in a trendy retail store.
• Avoid tight, revealing clothes. They will not impress the interviewer, and you stand the chance that the interviewer might be distracted away from what you are saying.
• Tone down the makeup. Avoid wearing too much makeup or colors that are too dramatic.

Still Not Sure What to Wear?

Consider getting advice on your chosen outfit from someone who is knowledgeable about your prospective job or employer. Show them both the clothes and the accessories that you are considering. Ask them what image they think you are portraying with your chosen outfit.

A sales clerk at a major department store may be able to give you some pointers on what to wear if you don't have someone at home to give you the advice you need.