What to Wear on Job Interviews?
You know your favorite t-shirt and shorts combo? Leave them in the closet when you go for a job interview. While the American workplace has gone more casual, the interview uniform is still the classic look.
“You can’t go wrong by wearing a professional looking outfit,” said Alan Hubbard, LandAjob’s Chief Operating Officer. “You can go wrong, though, by not dressing properly. I have seen people show up for interviews in casual clothes or outfits that aren’t appropriate for the workplace. Often, that takes them out of the running.” LandAjob helps Americans with disabilities find jobs with a database of more than 600,000 positions. They also show you how to get up to $13,000 in job reimbursements and expenses when you register for free at www.landajob.org.
When the recruiter or hiring manager sees you come through the door, there are going to make an initial impression and that could be positive or negative one.
“You want your clothes to give the best impression of you,” said Hubbard. “You want to show you are serious about being hired and give them the impression you are confident in your ability to do the job better than the other candidates. You want it to look like you are successful.”
That doesn’t mean you have to wear a $5,000 suit to meet with the hiring manager. The main thing is to look clean and opt for a more conservative look. You probably want to stay away from that orange and the purple outfit in the back of the closet. Going with dark colors with a classic look, rather than opting for anything trendy is the way to go. If you are on budget, try outlets, look for sales and shop online, according to Bamboo HR.
“Do yourself a favor and wear pants and jackets that fit properly,” says Temeka Thompson, president and career coach with Next Level Solutions, in a Monster.com article. “Take your garments to your local dry cleaner or tailor so they can properly hem and tailor your clothing. If you appear sloppy, the hiring manager may perceive that the work you produce is also sloppy.”
That expensive cologne or perfume should stay at home. You want your smell to be a distraction or offensive to the hiring manager. It’s better to go with none.
What should you wear if you are woman to the job interview? You should go with a blouse and dress pants, conservative dresses or skirts, which are an appropriate length. Jackets are optional, but you can go with Cardigans knit shirts. The footwear should be a nice, closed-toe shoes. Hosiery is optional.
If you are a man, make sure your clothes are neat, and that includes being ironed. Dress slacks, chinos and khakis are suitable with nice shots. A button-down long-sleeved shirt is preferred with a sweater as jackets and ties are optional.
“Those outfits won’t call attention to you in a negative way,” said Hubbard.
This is a good guideline for your interview.: What you want to avoid includes jeans, shorts, low-cut or short blouses, undergarments that are visual to the hiring manager. You also want to make sure have any tattoos covered up and take out any body jewelry.
“I interviewed a candidate who showed up to their interview wearing a small fortune of bangles and bracelets on their wrists,” says Zachary Vickers, hiring manager and resume expert at Resume Companion, in a Monster.com article. “Normally, I wouldn’t have thought twice about how someone chose to accessorize, but the sound of metal clinking and clanking, every single time they gestured with their hands, was completely distracting.”
“When you are setting up the interview, the recruiter or the hiring manager, will tell you what the dress code is for the interview,” said Bertram. “Make you sure you are listening to them and following their directions. You don’t want not looking professional to keep you from getting the job.”
Besides, if you need help, it’s only a text away.
“If you are debating what to wear, send pictures to your inner circle and ask them which one is more ‘you,’” says Ashley Adair, founder and Chief People Coach of Blue Shoes Leadership, in a Monster.com article. “You'll be surprised at how quickly your circle will be able to identify the better choice.”
(LandAjob helps Americans with disabilities find job opportunities with a database of more than 600,000 available jobs. You can also learn how to receive up to $13,000 in job expenses and reimbursements. Register for free at www.landajob.org.)