This article discusses the appropriate footwear, clothing and accessories to wear to your next job interview whether you are a teenager interviewing for a summer job or a mid-career professional interviewing for your dream job.
We briefly touched on the topic of footwear in What a Teenager Should Wear to a Fast-Food Job Interview but we are going to go deeper in this article on shoe choices that are most fitting for the majority of job interviews. We’ll also discuss interview attire as a whole so that you feel confident in your appearance and make the best first impression.
I recently started a new job and the interview process included three rounds of in-person interviews. While in-person interviewing was always the norm, I had not done it in 10+ years as a result of being at the same job and then working for companies where the majority of employees were remote. I *literally* did not have a single pair of dress pants that were appropriate for the interview so a run to the Gap was necessary. When it came to footwear, I was equally in a bind. My interviews were in the springtime and all I had were boots which seemed too wintery or, open-toed sandals which felt too casual for this particular company culture. I decided to pick up a pair of espadrille wedge closed-toe shoes. The extra effort in pulling together the right outfit paid off as I looked professional, polished and, got the job!
Footwear for an Interview
Why did I even second guess wearing a pair of open-toed shoes for my interview? Now that I have the job, I wear them all the time as do many of my co-workers. Simply put, sandals, sneakers, flip flops and open-toed shoes are just too casual for the vast majority of job interview situations. This guideline applies whether you are interviewing for an office job, an outdoor job, a retail job and everything else in between. It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution and opt for closed toe dress shoes that can include flats, heels, boots, wedges etc. Unless you are working in food service, medicine, construction or a formal industry such as law or banking, you will most likely be able to wear sandals on the actual job so don’t get too sad! We are just focused on helping you land the big gig. If it is not in your budget to go buy new shoes that you may not wear a ton, see if you can borrow a pair from a friend or, check out local thrift stores for an inexpensive pair in good condition.
When you are interviewing for a job, you want to make a great first impression right off the bat. You want your job interview attire to communicate professionalism to potential employers and demonstrate that you are taking this opportunity seriously. What you say during an interview is always going to be most important but professional attire is the best way to get the interview off to a stellar start. Let’s highlight other best practices to help you make a good impression with the hiring manager.
Clothing
A rule of thumb is to elevate your dress one level above what employees wear to work on a regular basis. The chart below details what types of clothing are typically included in each dress code category. For example, if the company’s dress code is business casual, this typically means no jeans. Since business casual is still fairly casual, it would make sense for men to wear a dress shirt and jacket along with dress pants if they are elevating their wardrobe one level above the company dress code. For women, a shirt and pants or skirt with a jacket are a smart pick. Overly formal attire such as a business suit is really only necessary when interviewing for high level corporate positions or, for a position in a known formal industry such as accounting or consulting.
This chart details which wardrobe pieces *typically* fall into each business attire category. If you are interviewing with a casual company, look at the choices in the “Business Casual” section so that you are correctly elevating your attire.
Another example. Most employees who work at fast casual dining restaurants wear a uniform polo shirt with slacks. If you are trying to elevate your interview attire one level above, clothing in the business casual or business category would work well. For men this could include a button-down shirt, slacks (no jeans) and dress shoes (no sneakers). For women, a blouse and skirt or pants or, a casual dress are all good choices. Jeans, shorts and yoga pants are never an option – no matter what. Also, try to avoid any overly bright colors or revealing cuts as these could be distracting during the interview. Neutral colors and/or solid color clothing are a safe bet when planning the right interview outfit. If you are unsure of the company dress code or what to wear in general, you can always ask your point of contact for the interview process for guidance.
Accessories
The best option is to keep your accessory choices simple and distraction free. I typically opt for small to medium sized earrings and a simple necklace. Avoid any bracelets that clank when you move and anything that is overly loud or distracting. If you wear a smart watch, make sure it is set to silent mode so that it is not buzzing or dinging during the interview and of course, don’t pause to look for any messages during the actual interview.
Make-up
I personally love a full make look as I think it enhances my features, brings more color to my very fair complexion and creates a polished look. A make-up free, natural look is also perfectly acceptable if that aligns with your personal style and makes you feel most comfortable. If you opt for make-up, keep the look daytime and natural. Save the cat eye and extra sparkle for dinner out with friends later! If you don’t typically wear make-up but are looking to amp up your overall look, I think most women can benefit from mascara and a coat of lip gloss.
Facial Hair
If you are a male and have facial hair, make sure it is neatly groomed.
Perfume / Cologne
Like everything else we have been discussing, job seekers should keep any spritzes or strong scents to a minimum. Some people are deeply sensitive to scents of any kind and therefore you don’t want to risk overwhelming their senses in the interview room.
Technology
If your cell phone is with you, check check double check to make sure the phone is in silent mode or preferably off. Keep it in your purse or pocket until the interview has concluded.
Final Touches – Crisp, Wrinkle Free Clothing
You’ve now picked the right outfit and shoes for your interview. The final step is to make sure that what you wear is crisp and freshly ironed or steamed, if needed. A wrinkly shirt or dress with visible folds will detract from your appearance. Many items from online retailers arrive folded which can present hard to remove fold lines. A steamer will literally change your life and can get rid of even the toughest wrinkles / creases without damaging the fabric or taking a ton of time. I have both a stand steamer and a handheld steamer. I use my stand steamer almost every day so it is absolutely worth the investment. My handheld is used more for travel but can absolutely do the job as your full-time steamer. Below are links to the same brands of steamers that I currently have and love.
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