Tips on Dressing Up for a Job Interview

First impressions last.

First Impressions on Job interviews

Facing a potential employer to prove that you are qualified for your dream job is already nerve-racking as it is.

But aside from preparing for the questions you have to answer, you also have to decide on what to wear for a job interview.

Right when you enter the room and before you even say “hello”, the interviewer will surely have an instant number of conclusions about your candidacy just from what you’re wearing.

So, picking the perfect outfit will be very crucial to set a great first impression that can potentially set you apart from other applicants and hopefully get the job.

We know that’s too much pressure and all. So, today we will lend you a hand!

We have prepared here an expert cheat sheet on how to decide on what to wear for a job interview.

Decode the Dress Code

Picking the perfect ensemble to wear for a job interview will depend heavily on the company’s culture, the job you’ll do there, and of course, the dress code.

Understanding Dress Codes

It is important that you do your homework and research beforehand the company’s level of attire formality.

You can start by looking at their social media platforms and company careers page. You would often see photos of employees. From there, analyse how they normally dress for work.

You can also have an educated guess depending on the nature of the company and the job you are applying for.

For wardrobe recommendations and style guides on what to wear for an interview when applying for a specific type of job, here’s more info:

Strict Business Dress

This is the highest level of formality when dressing up in an office setting. These are usually adopted by companies that are very traditional and conservative, and where employees engage in formal business negotiations.

Strict Business Dress Code

There is no room for any error or testing waters in this type of dress code. There’s also a very slim opportunity for you to show your individuality with what you’ll wear.

A strict business dress code is typically seen in these types of industries:

  • Prominent Law Firms
  • Bank & Finance
  • Executive Roles
  • High-Profile Political Positions

The Wardrobe Formula for Strict Business Dress Code

  • Dark coloured, tailor fit suit
  • White point collared dress shirt
  • Single breasted jacket
  • Black oxford shoes
  • Crisply folded white pocket square
  • Dark coloured (preferably greyscale) classic tie

Interviews requiring a strict business dress outfit are high-stakes considering the kind of salaries in jobs like these, you surely need to let them know that you are there to do serious business.

Business Dress

This is a dress down to the “strict” type of business dress. This dress code also allows more freedom for personal style expression, but still without compromising a high standard formality.

Business Dress Code

The business dress code is typically seen in these types of industries:

  • Casually-inclined Banks and Law Firms
  • Most Managerial and Administrative Roles
  • Business Consulting Jobs
  • Public Relations, Advertising, and High-skill White Collar Jobs
  • Highly-placed Public Service Positions
  • Collegiate/University-level Teaching or Academic Positions

The Wardrobe Formula for Business Dress Code

Business dress code differs from the “strict” dress code as it allows little bit of colour and self expression with subtle touches on the accessories.

But it still has to be done with caution. A touch of pastel or a pattern on your pocket square is really more than enough to establish your individuality without looking too casual.

Business Casual

This type of dress code is adopted by companies where a full tailored suit looks too aggressive, high-status, or ambitious.

Business Casual Dress Code

Prepare on wearing business casual to an interview for a job that would require you to look professional, but rarely expects a flashy pair of suits and trousers.

Business Casual dress code is typically seen in these types of industries:

  • Mid-level Small Business Office Jobs
  • Clerical and Civil Service Desk Jobs
  • Upscale Retail Positions
  • Political Service Office and Campaign Roles
  • Engineering, Laboratory, Software, and other Tech-Sector Jobs
  • Front-end Food Service (Wait Staff, Bartender, etc.)

The Wardrobe Formula for Business Casual Dress Code

  • Dark coloured sport coat or blazer
  • Neutral coloured, wool or cotton trousers
  • Minimal patterned, button down shirt
  • Pastel coloured pocket square
  • Matching leather belt and dress shoes

A wider range of clothing options are allowed with a business casual dress code so you’ll definitely have more room for colours and patterns. But always make sure to keep the formality and still be on the conservative side for the job interview.

Casual Dress Code

“Casual” is often misunderstood and some job seekers interprets it as “street” or “day-to-day” clothes, but that definitely not true.

Casual Dress Code

Dressing casual still has to look professional but a bit relaxed. Most of the time, you can wear casual clothes at interviews for service-sector jobs:

  • Chain Retail Stores
  • Casual Dining and Food Service
  • Part-time Jobs
  • Customer Service
  • Casual Start-up Jobs

The Wardrobe Formula for Casual Dress Code

  • Button down collared shirt or polo
  • Khaki pants or black jeans
  • Casual leather shoes or loafers
  • Statement tie

You can dress down by losing the jacket and work with a well-fit dress shirt and an elegant tie. You don’t have to be too formal, but you have to keep everything neat, tucked in, and well-fitting.

For this type of dress code, even if the job you are aiming for is not generally formal, you would want to look your best for the interview.

“Hands-on” Work Clothes

This type of jobs usually require uniforms mainly because of safety purposes. But if you’re still applying for the job, you would want to set your best foot forward.

Uniform Work Clothes

Skilled dress code is typically seen in these types of industries:

  • Construction
  • Skilled Labour (Plumbing, Carpentry, etc.)
  • Landscaping/Gardening Positions
  • Farm or Ranch Work
  • Factory Floor Jobs (Mechanist, etc.)

The Wardrobe Formula for Skilled Dress Code

  • Dark coloured work shirt with collar
  • Brown or blue work trousers
  • Work boots
  • Clip on ties

Being a skilled worker doesn’t mean you are not allowed to be fashionable. You can still dress up your work clothes with a touch of panache with clip on ties without compromising safety.

READ: Learn more about styling clip on ties with this guide from DQT.

Now that you are all dressed up and looking your best to bag that dream job, you also have to remember that you have to prepare and craft sharp, meaningful answers to nail that job interview.

Nailing a Job Interview

After all, you are heading to a job interview – not a fashion show.

Interviews are all about presenting yourself with confidence. Showing up looking polished and dressed appropriately will show that you put effort into yourself and into understanding the organisation’s culture.

Get all the style essentials and accessories you need to ace that job interview only here at DQT!

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