What You Should and Shouldn’t Wear to a Job Interview

Summary: One thing every individual needs to keep in mind when attending a job interview is to dress to impress. There are a number of talented individuals who miss out on opportunities just because of how they’re dressed. It's not necessary that you wear a specific outfit, but following some simple guidelines will help you make a good first impression with your interviewer.

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• See 6 Tips on Making a Lasting Impression During Your Job Interview for more information.

One of the safest things to do is to do some research on the type of clothes that are acceptable at the place you're applying at. If you've been called about an interview, always ask about the interview dress code. This can help you decide what is appropriate to wear for the interview. There are a number of mistakes people make in a job interview. One of the most common is wearing clothes that don't match the organization's standard dress code. While most companies prefer formal clothing, there are some companies that prefer their employees to be dressed in business casual.

• See Suiting Up: How to Dress for the Interview for more information.

If the dress code is formal, then dress in your very best. It's important to attend a job interview with clean and well-ironed clothes. The worst thing you could do is walk in for an interview with wrinkled clothes. Men should wear a well-fitted button up shirt with slacks that fit well. Ties are sometimes optional, but if your position demands one, make sure to wear one to your interview. Always ensure the tie matches your shirt and doesn't stand out in a bad way. Ensure the tie is well placed and is the right length.




For a formal interview, women can wear a formal shirt with trousers or a skirt. Women also need to ensure their clothes fit well and are well-ironed. Wearing clean and well-fitted clothes is essential when going to an interview, no matter what you choose to wear. Women need to dress modestly, and ensure their shirts are buttoned up well so they don't reveal too much. The skirt length is also important, and wearing one that's too short could create the wrong impression. Women should dress classy in order to impress the interviewer.

While attending a job interview, women should avoid wearing too many accessories. They should also avoid many bangles or large earrings; instead, they should wear something that is small and classy. Makeup and perfume should also not be overdone. When it comes to wearing makeup and perfume to a job interview, remember that less is more.

See the following articles for more information:

• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question

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