Job interviews are a nerve wracking affair, and preparations for one can be an absolute nightmare; learning about the company, practising speaking, trying to sound confident, and the likes. While you cannot control the outcome of the interview, you can control how you make an impression on those who call the shots, and that is with your outfit.
Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have. This is a good saying to live by, which is why looking up the type of environment the company you’re interviewing for is a good idea to gauge how formal or casual your outfit should be during the interview.
Formal Business Environment
Formal business environments can be pretty rigid and have a standard of how a typical working attire is. If you’re looking into getting a job at a law firm or a bank, then a formal business attire is what you should go with as they pride themselves with not only their expertise, but also their clean, formal looks that go with the severity of their business.
For Men
- Wear a two-piece suit
- Select a suit that has solid colours, more to the darker side
- Pinstripe patterns or plain suits are okay
- Wear white or light-coloured dress shirt
- Go with a simple necktie, not anything flashy like a bowtie or bright colours and patterns
- Wear dark shoes to match your suit, and make sure they are clean and polished with no scratches or stains
- Wear matching socks
For Women
- Wear a pair of pants suit or knee-length (or longer) skirt that is of a solid colour and more to the darker side
- If you wear tights or stockings, make sure there are no holes
- Wear a white or light-coloured blouse
- Select a pair of close-toed shoes or heels, but make sure they are not too high
- Apply light makeup
- Accessories should be kept to a minimum
Semi-casual Business Environment
Some industries do not enforce or require formal attire in their working environment, industries perhaps in IT or fashion design. They call it ‘smart casual’. This may be a bit tricky as your options are many. But, depending on the industry, it is a good chance to play to your strengths. For example, those in the fashion design world look up to styles and trends, so dressing appropriately to show off your personal style and taste while still looking professional may get you a nod in your favour.
For Men
- Wear a clean collared button-up shirt or a polo shirt with no holes or stains
- Choose a pair of trousers that are on the darker side
- Select a formal pair of shoes that are clean and polished with no scratches or stains, not open toed shoes or slippers
- Wear matching socks
- Avoid jeans and shirts with no collars, and no need for a tie
For Women
- Wear a pair of slacks or knee-length (or longer) skirt that is of a solid colour and more to the darker side
- If you wear tights or stockings, make sure there are no holes
- Wear a conservative top, preferably collared and not low cut
- Select a pair of close-toed shoes or heels that are not too tall
Casual Business Environment
When it comes to casual business environments, choosing an outfit for an interview may seem easy, and at the same time, not seem so simple. You may fear looking overly relaxed and casual that the interviewer may think that you’re not taking it seriously. If you’re unsure of how casual you could go, it might be a good idea to check if the company has a uniform and mirror it to a certain extent. For instance, whether the cafe or restaurant has a standard set of uniforms as their working attire or if the boutique allows for any outfit.
For Men
- Wear a clean collared button-up shirt or a polo shirt with no holes or stains
- Choose a pair of trousers that are on the darker side
- Wear a clean pair shoes that are not open toed
- Avoid jeans and shirts with no collars, and no need for a tie
For Women
- Wear a pair of slacks or knee-length (or longer) skirt
- Wear a conservative top that is not low cut, and you can pair it with a cardigan to look more presentable
- Select a pair of flats, close-toed shoes, or heels that are not too tall
- Accessories are a good way to show your personality
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