Knowing how to dress for a job interview is an important part of interview preparation. The way you present yourself can subtly suggest your understanding of the company’s culture.
Selecting an appropriate interview ensemble requires research and planning. You should dress according to the organizational dress code and the role you’re seeking.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), many organizations have relaxed their dress code policies, especially with the rise of remote work. Although companies may be more lax, it’s still best to stick to the tried-and-true guidelines for projecting a professional image.
Read on and learn the value of the right outfit, plus get guidance on choosing the right attire for your next job interview.
Is Interview Attire Important?
Yes. The right outfit can enhance your job interview by giving you a polished, professional image — especially in business or business casual environments. Whether you wear a nice blouse, tailored pants, or a dress shirt, it shows you've put in extra effort and helps you make a strong first impression.
However, the wrong look can do the opposite. An inappropriate outfit could lead a potential employer to make negative assumptions about your suitability for the job.
Do You Have to Wear a Suit?
It depends. As SHRM explains, context dictates whether a full-on black suit or nice shirt and dress pants are appropriate. Roles in certain industries, such as banking or law, might require interviewees to wear more formal business attire — for example, jacket and tie or professional dress.
That level of formality may be optional in other industries. Some businesses only expect candidates to wear a nice blouse or shirt with dress pants and dress shoes to match.
Dressing for a Job Interview: Tips and Best Practices
1. Dress for the Work Environment
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to preparing your interview outfit. What you wear to interview for one company may not be right for interviewing with another.
If you know someone who works at the organization, reach out to them for advice about what to wear. It’s also OK to ask the person who called you for an interview about the company dress code. Even if the role you’re applying for is remote, follow the company dress code for your interview.
What if you’ve never seen the company office or don’t know anyone who works there? Here are some guidelines to help you settle on the right outfit.
Check Out the Company Website
A company’s website may clue you in on its dress code. Learn more about the company, and search for group or individual employee photos, which you can often find in the “About Us” or “Meet Our Team” sections.
Use what you glean to get a better idea about the ideal interview outfit. Pay attention to whether:
- Employees are formally dressed and posed in the photos. Are they in dark dresses or suits with collared shirts, neckties, or scarves? Maybe they're posed in structured rows with straight postures. This could suggest the office has a business professional dress code. Of course, there’s always the possibility they were asked to dress up and pose as such for the website photo. Do more research to confirm you’re on the right track. Refer to the business professional section below for more information.
- Employees are informally posed and dressed in the photos. In this case, they might be wearing sweaters, jeans, chinos, or skirts with crew neck, v-neck, or open collars. They may also look as though they’re hanging out socially. This could suggest the company has a business casual or casual dress code. Of course, you'll want to up your attire a notch for the interview. Refer to the business casual section below for more information.
>>Read More: How to Research a Company for a Job Interview
Look at Google Maps Photos
Photos of business exteriors are usually posted on Google Maps when you pinpoint the company’s location. There may also be interior photos that hint toward the company’s dress code.
Sleek, modern, or techy decors might suggest a business casual dress workplace. Traditional, upholstered furniture, heavy-looking wood desks, and plush carpets may suggest a formal business workplace. Keep researching to determine whether your hunch is correct.
Perform an Industry Search
Search Google using terms that can lead to blogs about the proper attire for a job interview for different industries. For example, if you’re interviewing with a technology-oriented company, you might search for “technology business dress code” for advice. For a professional office environment such as a law or accounting office, you could search “professional office dress code guidelines.”
2. Dress for the Role
A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you’re applying for one position above the one in which you are interviewing. Clean, neutral slacks or pants, dress shirts, and jackets are safe and appropriate choices.
Choose Practical Fabrics
A shimmering shirt might look great for an evening out, but it can be too distracting in an interview. Wear fabrics that look and fit smoothly on you. Be sure they’re clean and pressed and not too tight or too loose. You might consider fabrics that have some stretch.
Dress for the Weather
You won’t look or be comfortable in a wool jacket on a hot day or in thin, cool fabrics on a very cold day. Wear a rain-repellent coat or tote an umbrella if it’s expected to rain on interview day. It can convey that you’re well-prepared and adaptable, which are good traits to have for any job.
Wear Colors That Reflect the Workplace and Role
The colors you wear for interviews can spark certain impressions. For jobs in more formal industries such as law and banking, clothes in gray, black, and blue shades work well. Those colors are good standbys for nearly any interview. Save the more colorful shades such as purple, green, and yellow for interviewing for creative roles.
>>Read More: 10 Tips for the Day of Your Job Interview
3. Know the Types of Business Styles
These office dress codes are the most common for interview attire:
- Business professional
- Business casual
Business Professional
Well-fitting suit jackets or sweaters paired with light-colored, buttoned shirts are classics for this look. Tailored slacks, pants, or skirts are good choices. It’s OK to add a tie or scarf, but keep the pattern and color simple.
Business Casual
Khakis, chinos, and more relaxed slacks, dresses, and skirts highlight this look. It’s safest to stay away from jeans for an interview. Aim to look slightly more dressed up than the average employee. A polo, blouse, or button-down shirt paired with a sports jacket or sweater is a good business casual look. Wear closed-toe shoes, and don’t wear athletic shoes/sneakers.
What to Wear for a Virtual Interview
Assume that the rules for online interviews are the same as those for in-person interviews. Stick to the dress code you’ve determined is appropriate for the role and workplace environment, even if the job entails working from home.
Your on-camera background matters, too. It’s part of the total picture the interviewer will see, so ensure it projects professionalism and is free of clutter, pets, people walking by, and other distractions.
Dress From Head to Toe
It should go without saying, but it’s important for you to fully dress, including wearing shoes, for an online interview. Camera mishaps have happened in online interviews when job candidates dress only from the waist up. You also feel more professional during the interview, which can translate as confidence to the interviewer.
>>Read More: 10 Tips to Prepare for a Successful Video Interview
What Not to Wear to a Job Interview
You want the interviewer to be focused on what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Don’t Wear Revealing Clothing
Avoid inappropriate attire, including:
- Low-cut shirts or tops
- Short skirts
- Anything that shows a lot of skin
Don’t Wear Attention-Grabbing Clothing
If you have doubts about a particular item, don’t wear it. Avoid wearing anything that grabs too much attention, such as:
- Loud, distracting prints
- Anything with a printed message, including most graphics
- Neon colors, except as accents such as a top under a suit
- Sunglasses, unless medically necessary
- Loud, distracting jewelry
Uncomfortable Clothing
If you’re uncomfortable with what you’re wearing, it’s likely to show. You don’t want to distract the interviewer by pulling and tugging at your collar or clothes. Wear fabrics you know you’re comfortable in.
What to Wear for Other Types of Jobs
Here are some ideas for proper attire for some types of interviews:
Tips for Jobs With a College or University
Use the business professional clothing suggestions as a general guide for jobs at higher-level educational institutions. If you’re applying for a campus groundwork help position, you might opt to follow the business casual guidelines. Remember, you can always call and ask what attire is appropriate for the job.
Tips for Internships
Strike a balance between general guidelines for business professional and casual dress. Consider the environment in which you’ll be working, too. If it’s a law office or a bank, for example, you may want to stick with clothes from the former.
Tips for Summer Jobs
Don’t wear casual summer clothes to interviews, such as shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, sandals, or anything revealing. Opt for clothing in the business casual category.
More Student Resources
There’s more than one way to dress for a job interview. The key is to find the combination that fits the role and working environment while still feeling comfortable. Refer to the Purdue Global career resources blog for more helpful information.
Purdue Global offers over 175 online programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and certificates. If a degree or certificate would help you reach your career goals, request more information about our programs today.
Filed in:
Your Path to Success Begins Here
Learn more about online programs at Purdue Global and download our program guide.