How to Dress for an Interview

There’s a reason people dress for success:  it works.  Today, we’re going to give you some advice on making it work for you.

The Number One Rule

First of all, there’s one important rule: you can almost never look too sharp. The trick is to align your look with the company’s culture, and then step it up a notch.  The suit you wear to an interview at a New York City law firm may feel out of place in a casual start-up in Seattle. So, how do you know what people are wearing before you even arrive?  Well…

Do Some Social Stalking

Dig into their online profiles to gauge your fit into the culture of the organization. Check out the company’s social media posts and see what employees are wearing. When culture is flip-flop casual, suits probably don’t jive. In these instances, dress as you would to a dinner party: nice slacks, a button-down shirt, and a blazer. You can always remove the blazer to get a more casual feel.  If the company’s culture is more formal, match that as best you can. Remember, it’s always best to overshoot the mark and exceed their expectations, rather than undershoot and make yourself look unprepared.

If all else fails, ask your interviewer about the dress code ahead of time. They should be glad to let you know.

Comfort and Confidence are Key

In all instances, your attire speaks volumes before you even open your mouth, so choose wisely. You want to feel comfortable and confident in a well-fitting outfit. Try on your job interview clothes a few days prior. Walk up and down stairs to make sure they are comfortable and nonrestrictive. Sit down in front of a mirror. This is what your interviewer will see, so make sure you still feel good in this position. Everyone should always wear an undershirt or camisole. A peek of skin or undergarment through a gaping button should always be avoided.

Specific Items of Attire

Still don’t know what to wear to an interview? Here are some suggestions, from the bottom up.

Shoes
Go with polished faux or real leather. Make sure the shoe’s heel isn’t worn. Women’s shoes should be closed toe and easy to walk in.

Socks/Hosiery
Wear mid-calf length socks and go for a dark color that matches your ensemble. Hosiery should be plain or neutral. Some industries require opaque tights, which are great paired with a winter skirt.

Suits/Pants/Skirts
Conservative, tailored two-piece suits are appropriate for men and women. Hem your pants (try a no-sew adhesive hem tape) or get them hemmed by a tailor to the top of your shoes. Make sure they’re not dragging on the ground. Make sure a skirt covers your thighs when you sit down. If it doesn’t, it’s too short. On the other hand, too-long skirts can be considered too trendy. Shorts are out.

Shirts
Some professionals recommend men wear white or light blue, tailored, long-sleeve shirts year-round. If you opt for a pattern, make sure it’s small and looks solid from across the room. Avoid trendy dress shirts. Women can follow the same rule, but it’s more acceptable for them to wear a nice sweater, shell, or short-sleeved shirt under the suit jacket. Sheer or low-cut blouses are absolutely not okay. Iron and tuck in your shirt.

Ties
Again, conservative wins. Patterns are okay, but keep them small and neat.

Take a Cool Approach to Accessories

Bold accessories can offer an air of confidence and style that stand out. Watches that aren’t encrusted with huge gems are good, and tasteful necklaces are fine as well, but just choose one. Don’t overdo it.

Err on the Conservative Side

Professional coaches and recruiters agree that in nearly all cases, conservative, business-professional looks are the ticket. You don’t have to be boring, but stick with neutral colors, or one piece that’s bold, such as a cadmium orange or amethyst shirt.  And, of course, iron your clothes. Trim tags, stray threads, skirt vent and pocket stitching that comes from the manufacturer.

Avoid These Job Interview Fails

• Bare legs
• Ostentatious accessories
• Bright suits or blazers
• Cocktail ring that gets in the way of a handshake
• Denim
• Flip flops (even if everyone else is wearing them, resist the urge)
• Fragrance (includes perfume, cologne, smoke, and your lunch)
• Hat
• Noisy earrings
• Scuffed shoes
• Skirts that are too tight or short
• Stained clothing
• Stilettos

When someone shows up to a job interview with an absolute outfit fail, hiring managers take note very quickly. Make them remember you for your skills, education, and employability…not your inability to gauge a company’s culture.