How to Dress for an Interview

Appearance is an important aspect of how you present yourself during an interview. The goal is to express your personal style in a professional way and feel confident in what you are wearing.

Interview attire can vary depending on the company or organization, but in general, business professional attire is the best choice. If you have any doubt, ask the person who scheduled the interview how you should dress for it.

Read the guidelines below and search for “business professional attire” or “business casual attire” on Google or Pinterest to see examples of each.

• Suit, solid-color dress shirt, and tie
• Skirt suit, pantsuit or dress with jacket/blazer
• Neutral colors
• Conservative footwear
• High-fitting dark socks
• Clean grooming, ironed clothes and attention paid to details

• Solid-color collared shirt, polo shirt (tucked in), blouse or sweater
• Dress pants, skirt, or dress
• Avoid jeans until you are certain they are acceptable, which could be every day, Fridays only, or never, depending on company culture.
• Leather shoes or business-appropriate shoes. No sandals, athletic shoes or hiking boots.
• Belt, if needed, that coordinates with outfit or shoe color

• Consider limiting bold/bright patterns and jewelry. They may be distracting to the interviewer when the attention should be on your conversation.
• Consider dressing “one step above” your interviewers, if possible. For instance, if the company dress is business casual, it may be wise to dress in business professional for your interview.

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