According to data released in the 2013 Job Interview Anxiety Survey, 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 to a job 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 tips will help you navigate the process with ease.
Figure out company dress code
There’s nothing worse than coming to an interview only to realize that you are completely under or overdressed. Ask ahead of time what the dress code is. 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.
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.
Pick up the phone
This is something so simple, yet almost no one does this. When you’re deciding what to wear for your next interview, simply pick up the phone and call the front desk. Tell the receptionist or administrative assistant that you’re going to be interviewing there and want to know the dress code. Most people will gladly give you some one-on-one insight about what employees wear and how that’s perceived in the office. Best of all? You can even sneak a few other questions in there if you want to.
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.
Stay a step ahead of dress code requirements (within reason)
If the common dress code is jeans, you do not want to come to your interview in a suit. If you’re interviewing at a company known for its low maintenance dress code and company culture, showing up to your interview in a suit will show that you haven’t done your research on the company or the environment. Even worse, showing up in a suit could mean that you did research the company and didn’t care about the dress code and rules.
Instead, show that you understand the low maintenance dress code, but step it up a notch for your interview. If the dress code allows jeans and you find out that most employees do in fact show up to work in jeans and a t-shirt, opt for something slightly more professional while keeping in line with the general theme.
Try colored denim, a t-shirt, and a blazer. This look shows that you’re in line with company culture and dress code, however it has a slightly more polished and professional vibe to it for your interview.
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. I always suggest being a step above the dress code, but if you do decide that it would be in your best interest to come completely casual, just make sure that you look put together. 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.
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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 good to go!