When Dressing for an Interview, Know the Do's and Don'ts (2024)

When you’re dressing for a job interview, reach for your business suit instead of your jeans and polo — and definitely not your leather pants and cowboy boots — even if the company you’re meeting with is super-casual.

In a Robert Half Technology survey, 46 percent of executives said a formal business suit is a job candidate’s most appropriate attire when dressing for an interview. Although technology and creative departments tend to be more casual, hiring managers still want to see that job candidates make an effort to look professional for the interview.

Whatever you do, don't show up in a manner that will cause the hiring manager to be offended, or swayed to answer 'no' to the 3 Things Employers Want to Know in In-Person Interviews.

If you're working with a recruiter or HR representative, ask for insights into the company's dress code. And keep the following guidelines in mind when dressing for an interview:

What to wear to an interview? Focus on the do's

  • Do: Test-drive an outfit to ensure it fits well, has no noticeable fabric flaws, and it makes you feel confident.
  • Do: Pay attention to details and check how you look from head to toe before leaving for the interview to make sure everything – including your hair, nails and shoes – is presentable. Do any final touch up ironing on your suit if need be. (Be sure to read the care instructions on the garment label to ensure ironing is OK for the fabric.)
  • Do: Dress in layers so you can be comfortable regardless of the temperature.
  • Do: Choose simple jewelry and be subtle with makeup.

Robert Half has been helping job seekers find great career opportunities since 1948. Enlist our placement specialists to find the right job for you.

And avoid the don'ts

  • Don’t: Show up sporting wrinkled clothes or unkempt hair. (Believe us, it warrants repeating.)
  • Don’t: Wear anything uncomfortable, such as an itchy fabric, or a sweater that will cause you to overheat. Interviews can take a long time, and you can't be sure of the office temperature until you arrive.
  • Don’t: Overdo your use of perfume, cologne or body spray. Your interviewer's nose may be turned off by heavy fragrance.
  • Don’t: Assume you can "dress down," even if you know a company has a very casual atmosphere.

Keep your eyes on the prize

The bottom line when dressing for an interview is making sure you don't stand out for the wrong reasons. Inappropriate attire can distract you and the interviewer from focusing on the main reason you're here: For the person you interview with to consider whether you can do the job and will fit in. Your interviewer can’t focus on your qualifications if you’re wearing a tube top or a bandanna and torn jeans, as some candidates have in the past. So increase the likelihood that your interview will go smoothly by dressing appropriately.

How should you dress for a video interview? Check out our tips for acing this kind of meeting with a hiring manager.

    When Dressing for an Interview, Know the Do's and Don'ts (2024)

    FAQs

    When Dressing for an Interview, Know the Do's and Don'ts? ›

    It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative (is this starting to sound familiar?). Your clothing should always be neat, clean, and pressed. If you don't have an iron, either buy one or be prepared to visit the dry-cleaner's often.

    How to dress for an interview in DOS and DON'TS? ›

    It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative (is this starting to sound familiar?). Your clothing should always be neat, clean, and pressed. If you don't have an iron, either buy one or be prepared to visit the dry-cleaner's often.

    What are the 5 do's and 5 don'ts during an interview? ›

    Top five interview dos and don'ts
    • Do your homework. ...
    • Make a good first impression. ...
    • Listen and respond accordingly. ...
    • Prepare smart, open ended questions to ask the interviewer. ...
    • Sell your strengths and expertise. ...
    • Don't speak poorly about your present or former employers. ...
    • Don't falsify information. ...
    • Don't speak over the interviewer.

    What is the dressing etiquette for interview? ›

    How To Dress Up For An Interview?
    • Review job role. Candidates appearing for an interview can benefit from reviewing the job role. ...
    • Select a comfortable dress. ...
    • Invest in professional attire. ...
    • Select the right colour. ...
    • Ensure the dress is well-fitted. ...
    • Add appropriate accessories. ...
    • Wear formal shoes. ...
    • Avoid too casual outfit.
    Feb 29, 2024

    Does what you wear to an interview really matter? ›

    Statistics show that 55% of first impressions are determined by the way you dress and walk through the door in a job interview while 65% of hiring managers say clothes can be the deciding factor between two similar candidates.

    What are 5 rules for dressing for an interview? ›

    Dressing for an important interview
    • Dress for the position. ...
    • Dress slightly more formally than required. ...
    • Pay attention to fit and comfort. ...
    • Lean toward conservative colors. ...
    • Accessorize with care. ...
    • Maintain a polished appearance. ...
    • Consider scent sensitivities.

    What are the three rules of an interview? ›

    The three golden rules of an interview are: 1) Research and Preparation, 2) Demonstrate Professionalism and Engagement, and 3) Follow-up and Thank You.

    What not to ask in an interview? ›

    We recommend that you avoid asking applicants about personal characteristics that are protected by law, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin or age.

    Why should we hire you? ›

    A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed. I have the skills and experience needed for the job, and I am eager to learn and grow with your team .

    Can I wear sneakers to an interview? ›

    In most cases, wearing sneakers at a job interview is not considered professional. This holds especially true in industries where appearance and status are key elements of company branding.

    What is the best color to wear to an interview? ›

    The optimal color choice for interviews is undoubtedly blue. It radiates assurance and reliability, conveying your collaborative spirit. Numerous recruiters endorse blue as the prime interview attire. Its vivid tones draw notice, while deeper shades suit traditional corporate roles impeccably.

    How do you introduce yourself in an interview? ›

    To introduce yourself professionally in an interview, start with a polite greeting, state your full name, mention your educational background and relevant work experience, highlight key skills and strengths, briefly share your career objective, and express gratitude for the opportunity.

    What to ask at a job interview? ›

    7 good questions to ask at an interview
    • What does a typical day look like? ...
    • How could I impress you in the first three months? ...
    • What opportunities are there for training and progression? ...
    • Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years? ...
    • Can you describe the working culture of the organisation?

    Is it ever okay to wear jeans to an interview? ›

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For creative or tech industries, smart casual attire including dark, well-fitted jeans might be acceptable, whereas for more formal sectors like finance or law, traditional business attire is typically expected.

    What color shirt not to wear to an interview? ›

    Interview clothes in red, orange, and those with multiple colours and patterns are best avoided. Though a pop of red in the form of a tie or scarf is acceptable, a red-coloured shirt or blouse isn't.

    Is it unprofessional to wear jeans to an interview? ›

    Jeans might be acceptable if they are a dark wash. However, when selecting interview attire, it's usually better to err on the side of caution and stay away from denim. Anyone can wear a long sleeve button-down shirt in a solid color. You could also wear a nice sweater or sweater vest or casual blazer over the shirt.

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