What you decide to wear for an interview can help make or break your chances of getting the job.
It’s important to make a positive impression by dressing appropriately. Studies have shown that hiring managers make a decision on a particular candidate within the first few minutes of the interview. Their opinion is based on how they dress, their body language, their handshake and the way they speak.
Before the interview you need to do a bit of homework. Be sure to look at the company’s website to see pictures of employees and what they wear. Many job search experts suggest dressing a bit better than what you would wear every day for the job being applied for, but don’t overdo it. Dressing appropriately shows you understand the company culture and will be likely to fit in.
Where to find free interview clothing
Once you understand the dress style, you can go shopping and purchase an interview outfit, if you can afford one. Otherwise you can go to one of the nonprofits that give away free interview clothing and work with them to create something to wear. You may be able to find one of these nonprofits in our online directory of organizations nationwide.
Job search experts recommend that women should not overdue the makeup. In fact, many say to wear as little as possible. Pay attention to shoes, which should match the style of your outfit and be comfortable and polished. Needless to say, tattoos should be covered, if at all possible. And don’t forget to wear a smile.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident, so you will do well in the interview.
Once you get the job, then what?
After spending the first few days at your new employer, you’ll have an even better understanding of what’s considered acceptable attire.
Payscale survey finds most companies have dress codes
In a survey conducted by Payscale of 34,000 employees between November 2016 and January 2017, 49% said their company had an explicit dress code. Another 19% said that although there is not a dress code, pressure exists to dress a certain way.
The research found that companies in western states were most likely to have a casual dress code, while those in the southeast were least likely to have one.
And it also found a correlation between dress style and salary. The median salary for employees at companies with a:
- Formal business dress code is $57,800.
- Business casual dress code is $53,700.
- Business Casual dress code is $50,300.
- Requirement to wear work uniforms is $38,300.
How to dress for success at your new job
Be sure to understand and follow your company’s dress code, if there is one. Otherwise just look around and determine what people doing a job similar to yours are wearing and what the bosses are wearing to get a good understanding of the company’s dress culture.
Here are a few tips that women may want to follow:
- Don’t wear clothes that are too flashy or look like you’d rather be in a nightclub than at work.
- Make sure your dress or blouse is not too revealing. In other words, don’t show cleavage.
- Skirts and dresses should not be shorter than knee-length.
- Avoid heavy makeup.
- Super high heeled shoes are not only inappropriate, but they can be difficult to walk in.
- Don’t make a statement with your jewelry. Keep it simple and conservative.
- Avoid wearing fake fingernails, and if you use nail polish make sure it’s not an unusual or eccentric color and that all of your fingernails are painted the same color.
- Cover up tattoos, if possible.
- Avoid wearing strong perfume.
Here are a few tips that men may want to follow:
- In most office jobs, khaki pants and long-sleeved button-down shirts will work just fine.
- Those who must wear a suit should stick with white or pastel colored shirts and black, gray or dark blue slacks with a matching coat or a sports coat.
- Make sure your tie is properly tied if you have to wear one.
- Avoid boldly designed ties. Rather, stick to single colors or simple designs.
- Choose brown or black leather shoes, and be sure to keep them polished.
- If T-shirts are allowed, be careful not to wear any with inappropriate designs or messages.
- Cover up tattoos, if possible.
- Avoid wearing strong cologne.
Above all, it’s important to remember that the whole point of proper attire is to draw attention to the talent you bring to the job and your abilities to perform the work rather than what you look like and the clothes you wear.