Yes, you can be overdressed for an interview, and if you are, it could potentially be detrimental. If this stresses you out, you’re not alone. Data shows that 92% of employed Americans get stressed out about job interviews, but it’s not just the actual interview that stresses people out. Figuring out what to wear for your next interview can often become just as stress inducing as wondering what questions they will ask you. With the rise of startups and tech companies, figuring out what to wear to a job interview has become more confusing than ever, but these five strategies to help you nail your interview look will help you navigate the process with ease.
Note that most interviews are currently being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however this doesn’t change much. You should still get dressed for your interview as if you were conducting it in-person.
Look up the company online
Companies like Glassdoor allow users to rate and comment on companies, giving you inside knowledge about the company culture, and what it’s really like to work there. Often people will discuss dress code and the general vibe of the office.
Similarly, if you go to the company website where you’re interviewing, there might be photos of employees or the office environment, which will also indicate the dress code. If you haven’t had much luck with the aforementioned tactics, search for employees on LinkedIn. Observe what employees are wearing in their LinkedIn profile photos to get a better indication of the daily dress code.
Figure out company dress code
There’s nothing worse than coming to an interview only to realize that you are completely under or overdressed. If you’re still unsure of the company dress code, ask ahead of time. Reach out to the person organizing the interview, and do some research about the company culture. If you get a broad answer such as “business casual” or “business formal” and you aren’t sure that that means, refer to my guide to figuring out what those dress codes really mean.
If you’re working with a recruiter, ask them what to wear. People often forget this, but if you’re working with the right recruiter, they will have your best interest at heart and will do their best to help you get hired. It benefits both of you.
Focus on what you love about your body and highlight that
The best way to nail your interview look is to wear clothing that makes you feel confident. To do this, focus on what you love about yourself, and dress in a way that flatters that so you feel good in what you’re wearing.
Maybe you have super long legs. Put on a pair of high waisted pants or skirt to highlight your leg length!
If you love your eyes, put on a top in a color that compliments your eye color! Opt for either a complimentary color, or if your eyes are in the blue/green family, look for a top in a similar color to your eyes to really make them pop!
If you have a small waist, put on a belt that cinches at your waist to flatter your shape.
The key is to highlight what you love most so that you feel good. When you feel good about yourself, this confidents radiates to others which will work in your favor during your interview.
Make a conscious decision to be confident in yourself, and dress in a way that is reflective of that
Never forget that you have the power to change how people see you. It’s really empowering when you realize that you control everything you put out there including how people see you and what perception you give off. Decide how you want other people to see you and the confidence you hold in yourself, and dress accordingly. If you want to be seen as a professional, wear professional clothing. It won’t only affect how people see you, but there’s something empowering about dressing “up.” It changes your demeanor and studies have shown that it influences the way we think.
Even if the dress code is casual, make sure you look polished and put together
This is the most important thing to remember when you’re figuring out what to wear to a job interview. Regardless if the dress code is super casual, you do not want to look like you just rolled out of bed. You’re still interviewing for a job.
If you do decide to go with jeans, make sure they are dark wash jeans without any rips or tears. Similarly, if you opt for a t-shirt, make sure that it is clean, plain without graphics or logos, and wrinkle free. If you don’t like to iron, (I hate ironing!) invest in a mini steamer. It will change your life and make it super simple to get the wrinkles out of any of your clothes.
There is a big difference between a plain, wrinkle free t-shirt and dark wash jeans than a dirty graphic t-shirt and ripped jeans. While they are essentially the same items, they look drastically different, and will make a completely different impression upon others, especially in an interview. Coming to an interview looking like you put in zero effort is not the way to nail your interview look and will likely work against you.
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When you’re determining what to wear to a job interview, remember that you always want to look polished and put together. Do some research on the company dress code and company culture, and dress accordingly. With the rise of business casual and completely casual dress codes, figuring out what to wear for your next interview can be tricky, however if you follow these simple steps, you’ll be able to nail your interview look easily!