What to wear to a Job Interview
A professional and well-groomed appearance is very important at a job interview. But what is an appropriate outfit? What are the do's and don'ts when it comes to your clothing?
It varies by company and role as to what is expected of you. So, do some research. If you want to apply at a trendy online marketing agency, you can be more creative with your outfit than if you're applying at a law firm.
Companies are active on social media nowadays. Before going for the interview, check out their social media channels. There, you might see photos of the dress code at their office. Adapt your outfit to this, but go one step smarter. This way, you demonstrate that you've made an effort. Regardless of the company's dress code, smart shoes and ironed clothes are an absolute must.
Job Application for ladies
- Choose a business outfit that fits the company
- A blouse is the most suitable garment
- Go for basic colors such as: white, gray, black or blue
- Dress in such a way that you feel comfortable
- Good physical care
- Neat shoes are a plus
The perfect Job Interview outfit
For the ladies among us, the dress code is somewhat less strict. There’s certainly no need to always show up in a trouser suit. Often, smart trousers paired with a fitted blouse will suffice. Ensure, however, that your blouse isn’t too creased. You may choose to finish this outfit with a blazer and a pair of classy heels.
Alongside the do’s, there are of course absolute don’ts. You shouldn’t wear overly tight or revealing clothing. Your skirt should not be too short (no more than a hand’s width above the knee). Ladders in your tights are a definite no-no. Always bring a spare pair of tights.
Avoid overdoing it with deodorant or perfume, and excessive jewellery is not advisable. Bold colours or clothing with vibrant prints or text can detract from what you’re here to discuss.
Interview attire for women
Are you required to bring documents? Make sure you have a smart bag or folder. While a backpack might be functional, it doesn’t go well with a professional outfit. Ensure that your bag is always placed beside you during your interview. Fake designer bags are not recommended.
Do you have beautiful jewellery that speaks volumes about your personality? Exercise caution so as not to let your jewellery steal the show. Keep it subtle.
Take care of your nails as well. Dirty nails or nails with chipped nail polish are a definite no-go!
Job Interviews for men
- Choose a business outfit that fits the company’s style
- A shirt is the most suitable garment
- Opt for basic colours such as: white, grey, black or blue
- Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable
- Good personal hygiene
- Smart, polished shoes are preferable
The perfect Job Interview outfit
For men, you’re rarely overdressed in a suit. If you’re someone who doesn’t feel comfortable in a suit and a suit isn’t required in the workplace, you can think of good variations. You can achieve this by leaving out certain elements.
Instead, wear smart trousers without a blazer, combined with a shirt. A matching belt and smart shoes complete the look. By omitting the blazer, the outfit has a less rigid appearance.
If you decide to wear a suit, bear in mind that a black suit isn’t the best choice unless you’re going to a very formal company. Dark blue or charcoal grey are better options than black.
In addition to the points that you should implement, there are also absolute don’ts for an interview. Avoid clothing with bizarre prints or text. Also, don’t wear clothing that is either too tight or far too loose.
A yellow tie or a yellow shirt (this colour can make you appear weak) is not advisable. Leave your cap or hat at home and don’t wear too much deodorant or perfume.
You must present yourself well-groomed. Shaven or a trimmed beard, your teeth and nails are clean, and your hair is neatly styled.
Interview attire for men
Excess is never good. It’s important to exude professionalism, but avoid dressing too formally. So how do you avoid being overdressed? Mix formal clothing with a casual item. Pair your smart shirt with chinos or dress shoes with a rugged watch.
Insistent on wearing a tie? Preferably choose a blue one. This gives a more open impression. In contrast, a red tie conveys dominance and aggression. Green exudes freshness and harmony and is therefore also a suitable choice.
Are you interviewing with a young and vibrant company? You might consider wearing jeans. However, they must be free from stains and holes. Pair them with a smart shirt, lace-up shoes and perhaps a blazer.
The right colours
Colours carry unconscious associations. That’s why it’s important to consider colour choices in interview attire.
For formal, business occasions, blue and white hues are recommended. These colours represent trustworthiness, loyalty, credibility, and calm. That’s why these colours are so often worn in the office. Wearing a certain colour is not a guarantee for a job, but it does convey something.
Other calm, but warmer colours are beige, taupe, and salmon pink. These colours are more feminine and give a warmer feeling while still maintaining a business-like appearance.
More striking colours, like red, yellow or bright blue, give you a more energetic and creative look.
So, adapt your colours according to the company where you’re applying. Maybe you need those creative colours. A black blouse or a black shirt is generally discouraged because it can come across as harsh. Be careful with wearing prints as these are highly subjective in terms of taste.
The right fabric
In addition to the tip: ‘don’t wear wool, as it can be itchy’, there are more rules around fabric.
An important point is to avoid large sweat stains as much as possible. Test in advance whether the fabric exacerbates sweat stains by sprinkling some water on it. If the stains dry quickly, it’s a suitable blouse to prevent large sweat stains.
It’s also important that your shirt or blouse doesn’t wrinkle. Most job interviews take place while sitting. This can cause your blouse to wrinkle and when you stand up to say goodbye at the end, it looks sloppy if your blouse is very creased. Therefore, wear your blouse at home once to test it first.