You landed the interview, now comes one of those surprisingly stressful questions:
What am I supposed to wear?
Should you wear a full suit? Is business casual okay? Are jeans ever appropriate?
To take some of the guesswork out of preparation, we asked 65 interviewers and hiring managers in the Greater STL Area what they expect candidates to wear to a job interview. While the right outfit can vary depending on the company, position, and workplace culture, the results point to one clear takeaway: when you're unsure, it's better to dress slightly more professionally than the role may require.
Business Professional Is Still the Safest Choice
49% of respondents said they expect candidates to wear business professional attire to an interview.
That doesn't mean you need to overthink every detail. A polished business professional outfit might include a suit or sports jacket with dress pants, a dress shirt and coordinating tie, or a suit jacket or business dress paired with a blouse or professional top. Dress shoes, closed-toe flats or heels, simple jewelry, and a neat hairstyle can help complete the look.
The goal isn't to have the most expensive outfit in the room. It's to look polished, prepared, and like you took the opportunity seriously.
When Business Casual Makes Sense
Not every workplace calls for a suit.
20% of respondents said they expect candidates to wear business casual attire, while another 14% said any neat, professional outfit can be appropriate for an interview.
For organizations with a more relaxed dress code, business casual may be perfectly appropriate. Think collared polos, button-down shirts, fitted blouses, dress pants or khakis, modest skirts, loafers, flats, or dress shoes. A blazer, cardigan, or quarter-zip can also add a polished finishing touch without making the outfit overly formal.
If you know the company's everyday dress code is casual, you don't necessarily need to arrive in a three-piece suit. You should, however, still look like you're headed to an interview and not running weekend errands!
Consider the Company and the Role
17% of respondents said appropriate interview attire depends on the role and company.
Before your interview, consider the environment you're walking into. A corporate accounting position may call for something different than a role at a casual creative agency or a position in a manufacturing environment.
If you're working with a recruiter, this is also a great question to ask! Your recruiter may be familiar with the client's workplace culture and can help you determine what level of dress is most appropriate.
What Not to Wear to an Interview
Although there can be flexibility in what counts as appropriate interview attire, there are still some choices that are best avoided.
Our guide recommends staying away from athletic wear, ripped or distressed jeans, slippers or slides, extremely high heels, oversized or overly revealing clothing, distracting accessories, sunglasses, and shirts featuring prominent logos, graphics, or slogans. Hats should generally be avoided as well, except when worn for religious or cultural reasons.
Essentially, you don't want your clothing to become the most memorable part of your interview.
When in Doubt, Dress Up
Your interview outfit doesn't have to be complicated. It simply needs to help you make a professional first impression while allowing the focus to stay where it belongs: on you, your background and experience, and what you can bring to the position.
Research the company, consider the role, and choose something clean, polished, and professional. And if you're stuck between two options, our survey results offer a simple rule of thumb:
It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
When it comes to interview attire, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. At ebs Recruiters, we're here to help with more than finding the right opportunity! From interview preparation to making a great first impression, our team can help you feel prepared for every step of your job search.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Contact ebs Recruiters today!
