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Interview Attire: Dress for the Job You Want
The old slogan, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” has gained popularity over the last couple decades. And it’s one of the bits of career advice that tends to stick with us as we begin applying and interviewing for jobs, often unsure of how to dress for the occasion.
This is a common problem for young professionals. In high school and even college, we rolled into class wearing jeans, sweatpants, tee shirts, and sometimes, even pajamas. And that was fine, because no one cared. You were never evaluated based on your attire. But, when you leave the world of academia and move into a professional position, whether you like it or not, you are going to be constantly evaluated and re-evaluated by everyone around you.
From the moment you step foot into a prospective employer’s building, or log on to that initial interview Zoom call, the first impression your interviewers will have of you is your attire and your overall appearance. Essentially – do you look put together, or did you throw your hair into a bun and grab the first wrinkled thing you saw in your closet? And while that might sound unfair, you have to remember these interviewers don’t know much about you yet. But, whether you realize it or not, your appearance does have the potential to send a powerful message that says “I belong here.” So, your first job stepping into that interview is to give your interviewer no reason to doubt you do indeed belong there.
If you’re unsure of what to wear – ask. I guarantee the recruiter or hiring manager will appreciate your eagerness to look the part and will tell you exactly what they’re looking for. Plus, it’ll make your life easier in choosing what to wear.
Now, speaking on behalf of Reynolds, most of our interviewees dress business professional, men dawning a suit or slacks with a collared shirt and tie, or women with a knee-length dress, or skirt or slacks and a blouse. When you’re looking for something to wear, keep in mind that the internet is there to help, as well. Simply Googling, “business professional” will yield thousands of results, allowing you to choose an outfit that matches your personal style. Choose something that speaks to who you are but that matches the environment you will be in. For example, if you are interviewing for a position in Marketing, maybe you’ll wear black slacks with a colored blouse, showcasing both your professional and creative sides. And, as a general rule of thumb, it’s always safer to overdress than underdress.
Whatever you decide, remember that the goal is to give a great first impression – to look as if you could leave that interview and walk immediately to a desk and begin working. Because, sooner or later, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing.
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For more tips on how to dress for an interview, check out some of our previous posts:
