What To Wear To A Job Interview
Making a great first impression at your next interview is crucial. Before you even open your mouth, a hiring manager is forming an impression of you based on how you present as a candidate.
So, to make the best impression on your interviewer, feel confident and maximise your chances of landing your dream job, follow our expert tips on what to wear to an interview.
Do first impressions really matter?
Whether we mean to or not, we all form first impressions of people within seconds, and your appearance plays a major role in this for the hiring manager as you arrive for your interview.
If you dress the part, it establishes a positive start to your interview and shows your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the opportunity in front of you.
General guidelines for interview attire
Dress for the job and company culture
How you dress for an interview isn't a one-size-fits-all situation.
It depends on various factors, including the company's dress code and culture.
So, do your homework before the interview and tailor your chosen outfit to the organisation and role.
As a guide, here's an overview of what to wear for an interview in different sectors:
Corporate office roles
For office-based roles like admin or finance, go business formal with your interview outfit.
For men, this means you can wear a suit and tie or a blazer with smart trousers. For women, a smart skirt, trousers or dress with a blazer.
Creative or casual roles
Even in a casual workplace where people wear jeans and trainers, it's a good idea to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for your interview to set the right tone.
For men, while you don't necessarily need to wear a tie, a blazer with smart trousers and a shirt will send the right message. For women, consider a smart dress or separates, like a pencil skirt and shirt.
Manufacturing and engineering roles
Here, it depends on the role. For managerial roles in manufacturing and engineering, wear something business casual to look professional.
For manual roles, a full suit may feel like overkill - so go for clean, smart-casual clothing like neat trousers and a polo shirt or a simple dress, skirt or trousers with flat shoes to feel comfortable and confident.
Ensure your interview clothes are clean and ironed
Whatever the role or outfit is, your clothes should be immaculate.
So, as part of your interview preparation, make sure you clean and iron your outfit to avoid wrinkles and stains, which can distract from what you're saying and give a negative impression to the hiring manager.
Keep accessories minimal and simple
If you're a jewellery fan, keep it simple and understated rather than overpowering as a general guideline.
However, if it's a highly creative role, use your own initiative to decide what kind of jewellery will help you show off your best self and express your personality.
Maintain neat and tidy nails
If you choose to wear nail polish, ensure it's neat and not chipped. Neutral shades are generally a safe choice, and well-groomed nails show attention to detail.
Again, creative roles will allow for more creative expression, so if it's part of your identity to wear colourful nail art, make sure it looks pristine, non-chipped, and matches your overall ensemble.
Subtle fragrances
If you wear perfume or aftershave, keep it subtle.
A strong scent can be overwhelming in close quarters and may be off-putting to some people. Aim for a light, fresh fragrance that isn’t too overpowering.
Dressing for video interviews
The principles of dressing for in-person interviews also apply to video interviews.
Even if you're on Zoom or Teams, your appearance still matters. Here are some top tips on how to choose an outfit for video interviews:
Focus on what they can see
Your top half will be the most visible, so make it the most professional-looking to impress your prospective employer.
A crisp shirt or smart top and blazer is a good choice.
Avoid distracting patterns
Busy patterns can distract from what you're saying - especially on-screen, when they can look distorted and create an unwanted distraction.
Keeping things simple in smart, neutral colours with the odd considered pop of colour is a good rule of thumb. Again, use your common sense for more creative roles!
Background check
Don't forget that preparing for the visual impact of your video interview isn't just about dressing appropriately: your surroundings can also make a positive or negative impression.
So, make sure you have a clean, uncluttered background with good lighting to project a professional image. Not possible? Choose an appropriate background from the options available - nothing too whacky or distracting.
Final thoughts on how to dress for the interview process
Knowing what to wear for an interview not only gives a great impression but also boosts your confidence, giving you one less thing to think about during your preparation process.
When you look good, you feel good, and this can have a positive impact your performance.
If in doubt, we recommend going slightly overdressed rather than underdressed
Do you need some help in your job search?
We specialise in filling professional sector job roles in East Lancashire, covering customer service, administration, accounts and finance, sales and marketing, operations management, and engineering.
When you work with us to find your next role, we won't just put you forward for an interview with a great employer.
Your Cummins Mellor contact will also prepare you for the process by talking through potential questions, advising you on choosing the right outfit, and providing all practical details you need to ease your nerves and put you in prime position to secure a job offer.