Dressing for Job Interviews in a Changing World

When Dani McEwen attended a job interview at an insurance company, she dressed in a matching blazer and pants, thinking it was a wise choice. However, she noticed most employees wore T-shirts and jeans. This left her feeling like she was trying too hard. McEwen, a student at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, realized that figuring out what to wear for job interviews has become tricky with the rise of casual work environments and virtual interviews.

Traditional professional attire, once the norm for interviews, is not always necessary today. Interviewers might appear in hoodies and shorts, adding to the confusion of job candidates who want to make a good impression. Christina Adamo, a personal stylist, notes that everything has become more relaxed in recent years, including dress codes due to shifts to hybrid and remote work.

A suit remains recommended for executive roles or fields like law and finance. However, researching a company’s culture or asking directly about the dress code can help. As McEwen mentions, getting the attire wrong can affect one’s performance, and confidence in an outfit can set the mindset for success.

“If the last six years has proven anything, it’s that everyone and everything has become slightly more relaxed,” said Christina Adamo, a personal stylist.

Researching a company’s dress code involves checking its social media or website. For instance, The Walt Disney Co. shows how various employees dress on their career section. Experts advise dressing slightly more polished than the company’s standard. Samantha Harman, a stylist and author, suggests looking at language used by companies on LinkedIn to gauge their dress code.

While dress codes can vary, sometimes candidates dress more formally than interviewers. Molly Tyndale experienced this when she wore business professional attire for an online interview, only to see an interviewer in an athletic T-shirt. She noted that wearing casual attire as a candidate might lead to negative impressions.

Creating a positive first impression can be essential for career advancement. Harman mentions how wardrobe functions as a personal branding tool, especially for senior positions. Dylan Thomas Cotter, a publicist, wears a tailored suit for job interviews to convey capability and professionalism.

“To convey quiet confidence as a publicist in Los Angeles, Dylan Thomas Cotter wears a dark blue tailored suit to job interviews.”

Harman advises staying updated with fashion trends for leadership roles and checking out fashion magazines. Those on a budget can find career clothing in thrift stores or through community organizations offering donated attire.

Practical Guidelines for Interview Dressing

While formality may vary, some basic guidelines remain crucial. Ensure clothes are clean and well-fitting, as this impacts confidence. Jamie Close, a recruiter, recommends against wearing new clothes to an interview without prior use to ensure comfort during the meeting. For interviews in skilled trades, wearing clean and neat versions of work attire is advisable.

For virtual interviews, dressing up as you would for in-person meetings is beneficial. Harman suggests wearing shoes even for virtual interviews to signal professionalism to yourself. Adamo advises against busy patterns on camera and emphasizes dressing smartly to appear as the best version of yourself.

“You want to show up as the best version of yourself and that includes dressing the part,” said Adamo. “Feeling confident in what you’re wearing is the most important part.”