02 Jun 2023
Your interview is your one and only chance to make a fantastic first impression, so you need to make sure you hit the mark with your apparel. The moment you walk through the door into the interview room is when your interviewers will start to form a judgement on your ‘fit for the job’ – and all they have to go on at that stage is your appearance. You can’t afford to get it wrong!
Dressing for a Formal Interview
We always suggest that a suit is necessary for a formal interview, for both men and women. Don’t go for anything overly trendy, and by that we mean a shiny suit that looks like it belongs on a dance floor, and don’t go for anything that probably belongs at a black-tie do either.
Men’s Interview Apparel
So long as your suit is clean and tidy, plain and of a generally neutral colour (i.e. dark brown, blue, black or grey) you’ll be fine. Try to steer clear of green, or much lighter options. Your shirt should be a plain one, preferably white but other pale colours work just as well, with a tie that matches. Your tie should be suitably professional without giving away any of your sports / political or superhero favourites, and should also work well with your choice of suit and shirt.
For shoes, black can work well with any dark coloured suit, but dark brown shoes are equally ok with brown or blue suits. And socks? Your interviewer will probably notice them, so try and keep them plain and simple and ensure that they match!
Interview Clothing for Women
For suits, you have the choice of wearing a skirt or trousers, and they are equally fine. Plain, dark coloured suits are best to go for, with a plain lighter coloured blouse: a little colour can be added with a scarf.
For shoes, you should just keep them plain and simple, and again darker colours to match your suit will work well. Keep the heel-height sensible and you can’t go wrong.
Smart / Business Casual
If you’ve been advised to attend an interview in business casual dress, then firstly make sure you’re avoiding what can be really casual, i.e. t-shirts, trainers / flip-flops and denim.
Casual trousers / skirts / chinos, a semi-formal shirt / blouse and a jacket should work well. Ties shouldn’t be required, and shoes can be slightly less than the formal highly polished variety (though not scruffy!).
Ensure that you are comfortable in whatever you wear as the confidence that can exude from someone who is comfortable can help to get you the job. If you haven’t worn a suit in a while, make sure that it still fits, while you have time remaining to find a suitable alternative.
And finally, whatever you decide to wear, it’s always useful to seek a second opinion before you plump for your chosen outfit. Just make sure you ask someone who you know will be honest!
