Interview Techniques - What to Wear for a Job Interview

It used to be so simple. “Dress as though you already have the job.” But what does that mean today? Office dress codes — if they even exist — are all over the map. And there really are jobs that still require a suit, for men and women. Every organization is different. Tech firms are perceived as being casual, fun places to work, but that doesn’t mean you can dress down for your big interview. If you’re struggling over what to wear for an upcoming interview, we have a few tips to share.

Interview Techniques: What to Wear

The way you dress for a job interview creates a lasting image or perception of the type of person you are and the employee you might be. So choosing the right attire is critical when presenting yourself as the right candidate for the job. While the dot-com industry played a big role in a more casual approach to office attire, interview attire should be chosen to make a positive impact. Here’s how to dress to impress.

• Research the organization. Spend some time online learning all you can about the firm you’re interviewing with. Look for photos or videos on their website, social media pages, or YouTube channel that show the office environment and how people dress.
• Go up a notch. When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly overdressed, rather than taking the risk of showing up dressed too casually.
• Just ask. Still not sure what to wear? If the company has an HR department, call and ask what they recommend. If you received an email for the interview, write back and ask “Can you please advise me on the appropriate attire for an interview?”
• What the heck is "business casual"? Most tech firms fall into the business casual category, and it may be what you hear is acceptable. For women, business casual can be a simple, knee-length dress, or conservative top and jacket or cardigan with pants. For men, it’s dark pants, a collared button up shirt, and leather shoes.
• Do a Test Run. Put on your outfit and then sit and stand in front of a full length mirror. Make sure there are no button gaps and that your clothes fit smoothly.

Interview Techniques: What Not To Wear

For good measure, here are a few things to avoid:

• Don’t wear perfume or cologne. The last thing you want is the person interviewing you to be an allergy sufferer.
• Don’t overdo makeup or jewelry.
• Don’t wear jeans, runners, caps, or anything with a large logo.

Dressed for Success

Remember, the goal when choosing what to wear is to make the hiring manager see you in the position. As the old saying goes, “Perception is reality,” so think about the image you want to project and then choose the attire and interview techniques that create a positive first impression.