Dress for Success
Right or wrong, your first impressions to a potential employer can make or break your chances of getting hired. How you present yourself, both verbally and in terms of appearance, will determine if you get another interview or a job offer.
There is a famous quote:
"You have to dress for the job you want, not the job you have..."
These words hold true as you think about what to wear for your next job interview.
Interview attire can be categorized into casual, business casual, and professional (or business formal). Each category of clothing has its own appropriateness based on the industry or company you are interviewing with.
Types of Attire
Casual attire may include jeans (without rips), block color t-shirts, cardigans, and sweaters. Clean sneakers, flats, or boots are acceptable footwear. However, it’s best to avoid shorts, tank tops, flip flops, and graphic tees. Also, look at the quality of your outfit, is anything see through, stained or damaged.
Business casual attire includes khakis, button-down shirts, polo shirts, dress pants with blouses (a looser fitted top that may include details like ruffles, bows, or buttons), sweaters, and skirts or dresses (at least knee-length). Ties are optional. Men should consider wearing black or brown leather shoes, and women can opt for flats, ankle boots, or closed-toe heels.
Professional attire refers to a standard business suit, suit pants with a shirt and tie, or a skirt/pants/dress with a matching jacket. Shoes should be in line with the business casual category.
Style Tips
It’s generally not a good idea to wear sweatpants, slippers, clothing with offensive branding or political statements to an interview. Make sure you look neat and tidy, and that your hair is appropriate for the workplace. If you have facial hair, make sure it looks its best (trimmed, shaved, or well-groomed). If you choose to wear perfume or cologne, opt for a subtle scent. If you are worried about dandruff, bring a lint roller to freshen up before your interview. If you tend to sweat, consider bringing a spare top to change into before the interview. Bring a rag or wash your hands before the interview to ensure a firm, dry handshake. It’s also highly recommended to brush your teeth before the interview.
Every industry has its own dress code and expectations. It’s important to consider what someone in that industry would normally wear to work. For instance, if you are interviewing for a position in the trades (electrician, plumber, welder, etc.), wearing jeans and a t-shirt could be suitable. If you are interviewing for a job in marketing, advertising, or retail, business casual clothing might be the norm. Conversely, if you are interviewing for a law or financial position, then professional clothing would be most appropriate.
Before making a final decision on what to wear, do a little research on the company you are interviewing with. Look at their website or social media postings for a description of their dress code policy or pictures that show their employees and note how they are dressed. If everyone is in business suits, then showing up in jeans and a T-shirt will not make a great first impression. If everyone is in jeans and sweatshirts, showing up in a business suit will certainly make you look professional, but they might falsely think you won’t make a good fit in their organization or that you are overqualified.
If in doubt, aim for business casual. It is a step up from the casual category and will still make you appear put together and prepared with an appropriate level of professionalism. You want to look put together but not overdressed.
If the company has a no visible tattoo policy, be sure yours are covered.
No matter what you wear, though, make sure it is free of holes/tears (even though that may be the trend), clean and pressed, and fits well. Don’t wear items that are stained or covered in pet hair. Avoid wearing clothes that require constant adjusting (because they are too big or too small or too tight). Shoes should also be clean and, if leather, polished. Avoid wearing shoes that have tears or rips or stains. If your appearance is unkempt, you may be judged as being unprepared and/or that you don’t care about the job or the company. Your clothing can overshadow your work experience, as it gives the first impression.
Reach Out For Help
Looking your best for an interview will give you the confidence you need to sell the employer on what a great employee you would be for their team! if you’re still struggling to find the right outfit, or want help practicing for your next interview, stop by UP Michigan Works!