What to Wear to A Job Interview – No Vans Allowed!

Based on how you dress, you have already made an impression on an interviewer – before you say one single word.

Every company has its own dress code; how you dress on the job has very little to do with how you dress for a job interview. Here are a few guidelines for attire that is generally accepted at most job interviews:

For the Guys:

• It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for a job interview – regardless of company dress codes – so dress appropriately for the position you’re applying. Go conservative if you have any doubts.
• Wear a suit and by “suit” we mean the whole enchilada: matching jacket and pants, dress shirt and tie and don’t forget to wear matching socks and dress shoes (no Vans allowed).
• Shoes should be well polished and in good condition. No scuffed up or run-down heels.
• If you’re still trying to fit into the suit your mom bought you when you were 15, it’s time to invest in a new suit! It should be comfortable and fit you well.
• Avoid anything loud and flashy.
• If you don’t own an iron, buy one or get your interview clothing professionally cleaned. There’s nothing worse than showing up looking like you wore your dress shirt to bed the night before.
• Shower or bathe the morning of the interview and wear deodorant.
• Shave the morning of the interview, not the night before. If you have a full beard or mustache, make sure it’s trimmed and neat.
• Your hair should be neat and clean.
• Don’t wear cologne or aftershave. Some people are allergic and won’t appreciate your double dose of BOSS.
• Brush your teeth before you leave and don’t eat anything until after the interview.
• Never smoke before an interview.

For the Ladies:

• In most cases you should wear a suit with a skirt or pants. Be conservative.
• Make sure to wear a suit that is comfortable and fits well. If your jacket is too tight or your waistband is cutting you in two, you won’t look or act your best.
• Suits should be simple and dark in color. Avoid anything tight, short, bright or sheer. If you have any doubts about the length of your skirt, don’t wear it. Knee-length skirts are suggested.
• Always wear a conservative blouse with a suit. No bright colors, zebra or leopard prints, lacy, sheer or too low-cut.
• Make sure your makeup and nail polish are neutral to your skin tone. Avoid bright or unusual colors or really long nails.
• Jewelry and hair accessories should be kept to a minimum. No flashy, shiny or distracting jewelry. Don’t wear rings on every finger – one ring per hand is best.
• Wear conservative shoes that are in good condition; not scuffed or run-down in the heel. No open toe or open back shoes or shoes that you would wear on a date to a club. Basic pumps are flattering and never go out of style.
• If you don’t own an iron, buy one or get your interview clothing professionally cleaned. There’s nothing worse than showing up looking like you wore your blouse to bed the night before.
• Shower or bathe the morning of the interview and wear deodorant.
• Your hair should be neat and clean and conservatively styled. No banana clips, scrunchies or elastics. No cheerleader ponytails, however you can wear a low ponytail or a barrette (not the little tiny ones that only hold your bangs back).
• Don’t wear perfume; some people are allergic and you don’t want to smell overpowering.
• Brush your teeth before you leave and don’t eat anything until after the interview.
• Never smoke before an interview.

This may sound like a lot of rules just to apply for a job but these are the generally accepted guidelines to follow when trying to decide what to wear to an interview. You probably won’t have to dress like every day but you’ll be taken more serious when you present yourself in a professional manner.