5 Tips on How to Dress for Any Interview

You did it. All the spell checking and re-wording you did on your applications paid off and you got called in for a job interview!

It’s prep time. You’ve heard all about researching the company and you’ve been practicing common interview questions and answers so you’ll be prepared for your time to shine. But, have you thought about what you should be wearing? You may be as prepared as possible and as qualified as they are looking for, but how you dress yourself really says a lot about you to employers and it can make a difference in your interview.

Here are a few quick rules on how to plan your interview outfit:

1) No jeans

You’ve probably been told this before, but it’s very important. It doesn’t matter how casual the work environment is, stay away from the denim. Stick to khakis, skirts and slacks. These make you look like you’re taking the interview seriously, while jeans can be a big turn off.

2) No wrinkles 

Let’s face it, no one likes to iron. I’m one of the people who will run their clothes in a dryer five times instead of simply ironing once. Don’t get lazy when it comes to your job interview. Nothing says, “I don’t care what you think about me”, like a wrinkled shirt.

3) Hats off

 While you may be really proud of your new limited edition cap, I can promise you that your interviewer will not care. Again, this goes back to looking like you don’t care. If you can’t take the time to take your hat off before an interview, it comes across that you aren’t very serious about the interview itself.

4) Remove all distractions

 Tattoos, facial piercings and the amazing Mohawk you just spent hours perfecting can really be a distraction in an interview. Take out the piercings, cover up visible tattoos and make your hair look as professional as possible. You want the interviewer to concentrate on you and why you would make a great fit, you don’t want him or her thinking about what the meaning is behind your new nose piercing.

5) Keep it classy 

We know you’ve worked really hard on buffing up your arms for your upcoming spring break trip, but your interviewer does not need to see that. Don’t show a lot of skin. I’m talking to both males and females here. This goes back to distracting the employer. You want to look professional and avoid making them uncomfortable.

While we go into detail about what you should and shouldn’t be wearing in other articles, make sure you follow these five golden interview-outfit rules. This is your chance to show them why hiring you is a great decision. What you wear can distract from your awesome-ness and may not convince the employer that you are the way to go.

Looking for examples of what to wear? Check out our Pinterest page! Have any questions about what you should wear? Ask below!