What should you wear to an interview? This question deserves much more thought than you might imagine; the right outfit can make you feel more confident, potentially edging you over the line to secure that dream role. It can also help you make a good first impression with your potential employer.But how do you show personality and authenticity while still looking professional? Our recruitment experts share how not to dress for an interview, give tips on how to choose an outfit, and reveal how to show personality without sacrificing professionalism.
Research your potential employerOne of the first interview preparation tips any candidate should follow is to research the company they’re interviewing with. Aside from helping you learn more about company structure, values, and ethos, research can reveal more about the company dress code.We recommend visiting the ‘meet the team’ page or finding the company on social media (if they have one). What is everyone else wearing? Do they have a relaxed or traditional approach to office attire? Anything that can help you gauge the general dress code will help you make a more informed choice on the day.Dress for the roleRole type is another factor that can influence what may or may not be appropriate to wear. Different roles come with different expectations, especially client-facing roles and roles involving regular meetings with suppliers or company stakeholders.Our experts recommend reviewing the job description as part of your pre-interview preparation. It's not just a helpful tool to help you sell yourself for the role; it'll also indicate how formal your outfit should be. Creative, marketing, and tech roles are usually more relaxed than finance or accounting roles, for example.Prep your environment for video interviewsAre you interviewing over a video call? Choosing clothes to wear to an interview is only half the battle — you'll also need to prep your space ahead of time. Choose a quiet room where you won't be disturbed and make sure there’s no clutter visible in the background. It's also a good idea to ensure you aren't being lit from behind or in a way that might make it hard for you (or the interviewer!) to see clearly.Related:how to prepare for a job interview
Too many casual garmentsYou can blend several casual pieces with workwear for more relaxed roles in tech, creative, or marketing industries — like a t-shirt with a blazer on top or tailored trousers with clean white trainers. The tipping point comes when all the garments in your outfit are overly casual, like athleisure wear, a full tracksuit, etc. Try to balance casual with smart for a more 'work-appropriate' look.Are you applying for a role in the legal, finance or accounting industries? In that case, the smart-casual look probably isn't role-appropriate, so we recommend suiting up and avoiding casual garments altogether.Half an outfitVideo interviews might lure you into a false sense of security where outfits are concerned! Although it's tempting to only worry about the top half of your body — the bit visible on camera — it's a good idea to wear an entire ensemble. Not only will this help you get into the right frame of mind, but it also covers you if you need to unexpectedly stand up or move around during the call.Uncomfortable or impractical garmentsFeeling confident is all about feeling comfortable. This might mean checking the weather forecast or looking up the best travel route if you're heading to an in-person meeting. Planning ahead can help you make smarter outfit choices, so you don't arrive feeling hot, flustered, and uncomfortable. This might look like bringing a change of shoes, opting for a lightweight shirt, or remembering to avoid the too-tight trousers that are uncomfortable to sit in. If you plan to wear a hat while you travel, remember to remove it before your interview so people can see your face.Dirty or creased garmentsThis sounds like common sense, but when you're rushing to leave on time and realise you still need to iron your favourite shirt, you might be tempted to chance it! Plan your outfit ahead of time and give each piece a once over (including your shoes) — does it smell fresh? Is it crease-free and unstained? Is there pet hair stuck to it? Taking care of the small details ahead of time can give your outfit finesse and stop you from feeling self-conscious on the day.What to wear to an interviewCultural fit is a huge factor in how happy you’ll be with a potential employer, and it works both ways. Walking (or dialling) into a meeting room feeling like your most authentic and professional self will allow both parties to gauge the fit accurately.Related:How to be your best self at workWe advise finding a happy medium between a role-appropriate, company-appropriate outfit and something that makes you feel like yourself. This could mean adding a patterned tie or scarf to the outfit, choosing a colourful shirt, or adding personal flair with accessories and makeup.Are you looking for more tips on how to prepare for an interview? Check out our webinar on interview preparation techniques, or browse open roles on the Robert Half website now.
