The best interview outfit is the one that’s hardly noticed. Take it seriously and don’t wear anything distracting. What you wear implies your work quality and output. Be subtle, but use your spotless professional image to sell yourself as the perfect candidate. Above all, make them remember what you said, not what you wore.
Dress the part. What you wear isn’t going to win you the job, but it could hurt your chances. Wear something that fits well, is made of quality materials and is a (blue or dark gray) suit, unless you have other instructions. Always dress one step up from the interviewer. Err on the side of overdressed if you’re unsure.
When in doubt, ask. Impress them by showing them how serious you are about the interview and call the receptionist, HR department or assistant to the interviewer and ask what people normally wear. Or scope out the lobby a day or two before to get a sense of the company culture (note that this strategy might be creepy in a small office!).
Dress professionally for a job interview, even if the work environment is casual. Wearing a suit to the interview shows you’re taking it seriously and it’s a compliment to the person you’re meeting. If you look a mess people will assume your work is a mess. Don’t watch your credibility evaporate because you wore stupid white socks or a shirt that’s slightly too revealing.
Don’t stink. Go light on products and think twice about wearing any perfume or cologne. Don’t let your interview get cut short because the boss has an allergy to your lotion. Smoke can also be a big problem – keep it off your interview clothes.
Look fit. Of course it helps if you actually are physically fit, but make the effort to look as neat and trim as you possibly can. Exercise is already built into your job search plan though, isn’t it?
Take off your transit gear. No sunglasses, headphones, gloves or scarves. Put all of your personal items away before you walk into the lobby and don’t take them out again until you leave.
Get a professional haircut about a week before your interview. Hair should be conservative. If you have dreadlocks or a mohawk, clean it up and look as serious as you would for your grandmother’s birthday party (assuming she’s not the kind of 90 year old who has dreadlocks too). Pink hair and nose piercing has become more acceptable in recent years, but don’t expect it not to affect people’s impression of you. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but be aware of the consequences.
Wear your suit before the interview. If you’re not comfortable in it, it will show. Ideally, have your interview attire tailored. Few people look great in a suit off the rack (men or women) and it’s worth the cost for a good fit. Remove the tags, extra buttons and those zig zag stitches that keep pockets, vents and pleats closed while the suit’s on the rack. Check the hems and make sure you’re free of holes, snags, strings, scuffs and wrinkles.
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