What to wear to a job interview: A handy guide for your first interview

Preparing for a job interview can be stressful, and one of the biggest questions on your mind might be what to wear. First impressions matter, and what you wear can play a big role in how you are perceived by the interviewer. In this article, we’ll cover some tips and guidelines to help you dress appropriately for a job interview as a first-time job seeker.

Business Smart

For men, a suit or a shirt and tie with dress pants is the most common form of attire for a job interview. Here are some additional tips for dressing for success:

• Choose a dark-colored suit in navy or black.
• Wear a white or light-colored dress shirt with a collar.
• Select a conservative tie that complements your suit.
• Wear dress shoes in black or brown, and make sure they are polished and clean.
• Make sure your hair is clean and well-groomed, and consider trimming your facial hair if you have any. A strong beard is still fine, but try to keep it in check!

When it comes to job interviews, it’s important to dress professionally and conservatively. This means avoiding clothing that is too casual, flashy, or revealing. Some examples of what not to wear include shorts, flip-flops, bright colors, and wrinkled or stained clothing. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and dress up a bit more than you think is necessary.

While some industries may have more relaxed dress codes, it’s always best to dress up a bit more than you think is necessary. When in doubt, it’s perfectly fine to ask the interviewer or the company’s HR department for guidance on the dress code. For job interviews in the UK, the dress code is generally more conservative than in some other countries.

For females, it’s important to dress conservatively and avoid anything that is too revealing or flashy. Neutral or dark colors like black, navy, gray, and beige are good choices, and shoes should be clean and polished. It’s also important to pay attention to grooming and hygiene, with hair and nails that are clean and neat.

Smart Casual

As much as wearing suits and ties are considered the norm, wearing smart-casual business attire to a job interview can have numerous benefits for both men and women. While it is true that in some industries, such as finance or law, a full suit is still the norm, many companies today are adopting a more relaxed dress code. Here are some benefits of wearing smart-casual business attire to a job interview:

1. It shows that you understand the company culture: By dressing in smart-casual business attire, you demonstrate that you have researched the company and understand their culture. This can give you an edge over other candidates who may be overdressed or underdressed.
2. It allows you to feel more comfortable: Wearing smart-casual business attire can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the interview. This can help you to be more confident and perform better.
3. It helps you stand out: While wearing a full suit may have been the norm in the past, wearing smart-casual business attire can help you stand out in a positive way. It shows that you are confident, stylish and up-to-date with current trends.
4. It can save you money: A full suit can be expensive, especially if you don’t already own one. Wearing smart-casual business attire can save you money while still looking professional.

When deciding what to wear to a job interview, it’s important to research the company and try to dress in a similar level of attire. If you are unsure, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Here are some tips for men and women:

For Men:

• Wear dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt. A tie is optional.
• Wear dress shoes, such as oxfords or loafers.
• Avoid wearing sneakers or sandals.
• Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed.
• Consider wearing a blazer or sport coat for a more polished look.

For Women:

• Wear dress pants or a skirt with a blouse or sweater.
• Avoid wearing anything too revealing or tight-fitting.
• Wear dress shoes, such as flats or low heels.
• Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed.
• Consider wearing a blazer or cardigan for a more professional look.

In conclusion, wearing smart-casual business attire to a job interview can have numerous benefits. It shows that you understand the company culture, allows you to feel more comfortable, helps you stand out and can save you money. Remember to research the company and try to dress in a similar level of attire.

While dressing appropriately is important, it’s only one part of the equation. There are other things to keep in mind to make a good impression during a job interview. For example, arriving on time is crucial, and it’s best to plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow for unexpected delays. During the interview, avoid fidgeting or slouching, and maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.

There are also some things you should avoid doing during a job interview. Badmouthing your previous employer or making negative comments about yourself or others can reflect poorly on you. It’s also important to avoid personal information that is not relevant to the job or responses that show a lack of interest or enthusiasm. Finally, lying or trying to fake your way through an answer is never a good idea.

Overall, what you wear to a job interview does matter, as it can help you make a good first impression and show respect for the interviewer and the company. However, it’s only one part of the equation. Preparing well by researching the company, practicing your responses to common interview questions, and asking thoughtful questions of your own can also help you stand out during the interview process.

At Career Smart, we understand the importance of making a good first impression during a job interview. That’s why we offer 8 week, 1-to-1 coaching packages specifically designed for first-time job seekers. Our coaching is conducted via Zoom and is specifically tailored towards your personal circumstance. Get in touch with us for a free consultation today!