Welcome back, everyone! As you head into Halloween weekend, we hope that you will be able to fit in a quick read on a super crucial topic for all candidates: how to dress appropriately for an interview. If you read our most recent post, then you know the importance of complying and being speedy about verification processes like background checks. However, how are you supposed to dress so as to fit in with the culture and present yourself as a top candidate? Find out everything you need to know below!

Let’s Chat… Interview Dress!

• Research: You have to research the company beforehand anyways, so you should definitely compile a bit of research about the company culture. In doing so, try to figure out how they dress by checking out their social media, pictures on the website, or capture any information in an employee or company resource guide. Types of dress include business professional, business casual, and generally casual – we recommend dressing in a way that will allow you to fit into the company preference. If the way they dress is uncomfortable to you, make sure you evaluate this component of a role well ahead of the interview process to best understand your fit!
• Dress For Success: Let’s say that you’ve already done your research and discovered that the company is business casual, but you really wanted to wear your pencil skirt or suit. Guess what? It’s okay to overdress for the interview! Dressing for success is proven to boost our confidence in situations like interviews. Extra effort is always okay for an interview outfit – just make sure that you are comfortable with envisioning how you will fit into the long-term dress expectations.
• Simplicity: When you think of your outfit, keep it simple. Don’t go overboard on jewelry, accessories, brand names or labels, layers, colors, patterns, etc. We are explaining this to make sure that you don’t distract from the most important part of the interview… you! Try to incorporate simple pieces that are elegant and conservative.
  • Extra tip: Simplicity also applies to colors! Sticking to blacks, browns, greys, dark blues, or other dark shades of colors will ensure you appear professional and aligned with any possible company culture or dress code.
  • Extra, extra tip: If you are someone who may sweat under pressure, we recommend layering your outfit so that you have an opportunity to cool off when you arrive at the office. This may look like a cardigan, blazer, jacket, etc., whatever it may be, doing so will help you to not feel trapped or suffocated by your nerves! Arriving early is also a great way to allow yourself extra time to use the bathroom, cool off, reorganize and feel fully prepared when you are ultimately called into the meeting!

Remember, interview outfits are not intended to be that stressful! Planning ahead of time, ordering a few appropriate pieces to choose from, and trying things on before the interview day will help you to feel as comfortable and confident as possible.

Searching for a new position? Read through our open jobs list!