It's vital to know what to wear to an interview!

When it comes to job interviews, it's important to make sure you're fully prepared to succeed. Of course, that requires more than just being ready to answer any tough interview questions that come your way. To make the best possible impression on prospective employers and demonstrate your professionalism, you'll also need to know what to wear to an interview.

In this article, we'll explain why it's so important to wear the right interview attire and offer some simple tips you can use to choose the best interview outfits. We'll also offer some basic do's and don'ts that can help you gain insight into what to wear to an interview.

Related reading: Using the STAR Method in Job Interviews: A Strategy Guide

Why is it important to know what to wear to an interview?

There are two main reasons that you need to know what to wear to an interview. First, your choice of interview attire will help you make the best physical impression on the interviewer. While employers are keenly interested in hearing your answers to interview questions, they also pay attention to how you present yourself – your body language, overall demeanor, and choice of attire. The second reason is that the right choice of attire can help to show you understand the company's workplace culture.

Related reading: How To Prepare for Company Culture-Fit Interview Questions

Tips you can use to determine how to dress for an interview

When deciding what to wear to an interview, you need to consider a number of important factors. The following tips can guide you as you choose an interview outfit that makes the best impression on the interviewer.

Research the company and its workplace dress code

One of the easiest ways to determine the right type of attire to wear to your interview is to research the company. The goal of this research is simple: to learn how the company's employees typically dress when they're at work. There are several ways you can learn this information, including:

  • Visiting the company's location to observe how those employees dress

  • Studying the company's website photos to see if it offers any clues about the dress code

  • Calling and asking someone at the company about its dress code. You may encounter a receptionist who's willing to provide that information

Make sure you're dressed to fit the interview location

You should also consider the environment in which the interview is taking place. For example, if you're scheduled to interview on-site, you'll want to conform to the business environment. A corporate environment will often require a more formal business professional dress code than a more casual small business workplace environment. 

By considering these factors, you can avoid being either overdressed or underdressed during your interview. Of course, if you're doing your interview virtually, you'll need to make sure your outfit doesn't blend in with the colors in your room, or clash with the décor.

Remember the basics

There are also some basic rules you should consider as you decide what to wear to an interview:

  • Make sure you're comfortable in whichever outfit you choose. If you opt for clothes that cause you to feel self-conscious, chances are your self-confidence will suffer. Employers will pick up on that uneasiness.

  • Choose clothes that are well-fitted, clean, and unwrinkled.

  • Try to select an outfit that is on par with the company's normal dress code, or even slightly more formal.

Related reading: Ending Your Interview Right: Tips for a Positive Closing and What to Avoid

What to wear to an interview: Do's and don'ts 

Those basic tips can help you narrow your choice of attire, but there are also some other specific rules you'll need to consider. Below, we've listed some of the most common do's and don'ts you should keep in mind as you make this critical interview decision.

Important things you should ALWAYS DO when deciding what to wear to an interview

  • Choose an outfit that fits the role you're seeking

  • Select neutral colors that can match any occasion

  • Pay attention to the finer details of your outfit

  • Make sure your personal grooming is in order

  • Bring a nice briefcase or leather portfolio

Important things you should NEVER DO when deciding what to wear to an interview

  • Don't wear a lot of accessories

  • Avoid intense perfume or cologne

  • Don't wear clothes that are too tight or revealing

  • Never wear flip-flops, sandals, and other types of casual footwear

  • Avoid clothes that are loud or distracting

Related reading: Crafting Your Answer to 'What Motivates You?”

Easy options to help you decide

If you're struggling to decide just how dressed up you need to be for your interview, you can always stick to the most common business attire options. There are two basic dress codes that work for most interviews: business professional and business casual. Let's consider each of those options.

Business professional

The professional look includes suit jackets, tailored pants, skirts, and buttoned shirts. Ties, scarves, and other suit accessories are optional. You can even wear a sweater instead of the suit jacket if that style is closer to the company's dress code. The key here is to create an outfit that would fit within any corporate environment.

Business casual

Business casual is similar to the professional look, in that it works well within many different types of professional environments. However, it's a more casual and laid-back attire option. You will still want to wear slacks, but they can be of the more relaxed and casual variety. Think khakis or chinos. Instead of a suit, you may opt for a sports jacket or sweater. Women can opt for more relaxed skirts or dresses. Shirt options can include buttoned shirts, blouses, or polo shirts.

Related reading: 15 Signs an Offer Is Coming After Your Interview

Learn what to wear to an interview to make the best impression!

Whenever you participate in an interview, it's vital to ensure that you're representing your personal brand in the best possible way. Knowing what to wear to an interview can help you convey that brand in a positive way – demonstrating your professionalism, competence, and readiness to fit in with the rest of the company's team. So, choose your interview attire carefully, and make sure that you're presenting the best version of yourself to any prospective employer!

Still not sure what to wear to an interview, or find yourself in need of other interview guidance and preparation? Reach out to our dedicated team of interview coaches for the help you need!

Recommended reading:

Related Articles: