Interview Attire: How to Dress for an Interview

Contrary to popular belief, your interview attire does not have to be a suit. That somewhat dated mentality has been replaced with a more liberated and practical way of thinking.

In fact, if you don’t typically wear suits, you may look awkward and unnatural. And if you get the job, you will also be unable to live up to the impression you made during the interview.

You will definitely need an appropriate outfit, but your interview attire should reflect the job, and also, it should reflect you and how you typically dress for work.

An executive level candidate who will frequently conduct boardroom meetings and high-level client meetings will likely dress in suits at work every day, and hence, should definitely wear a suit to the interview. But for a technician or an engineer, your work attire should be more geared toward comfort and practicality. In this case, you can get away with putting together a neat and attractive presentation consisting of a nice button down shirt with clean casual pants or a mid-length skirt, for the ladies.

Just be sure you are neatly put together and polished.

For example, tucking a shirt into your pants and adding a belt is more appropriate than letting the shirt hang carelessly over the pants.

Of course, no matter how casual your workplace, there are definitely respectful boundaries to consider, and things you should avoid wearing to a job interview at all costs. Avoid anything overly revealing, or sparkly.

Also, steer away from political statements or any charitable cause. T-shirts with the names of any type of musical group, or advertisements for beer or anything relating to cars, etc. will be very distracting and in poor taste. To be safe, avoid branding of any kind.

Subtle patterns are okay, but try to limit overly colorful patterns and wild textures as they are very distracting. Generally, stick with clean crisp cuts with solid colors. If you feel compelled to wear a hat, choose something stylish and sharp looking. Baseball caps are a definite no-no.

Overall, the number one rule in interview attire is fit. No matter how nice, or expensive, or appropriate your outfit may be, make sure it fits you. A poor fit leaves a sloppy impression.

And finally, dress for the weather. It helps to plan your outfit the day before the interview so that you feel prepared and confident, and you can focus on the interview itself.