Have you ever found yourself struggling to choose what to wear for an interview? Causing a good first impression when meeting a hiring manager for the first time can be as crucial as preparing for the interview questions themselves. Here is where the job interview dress code becomes critical.
Whether you’re aiming to express your individuality while maintaining professionalism or trying to decode the expectations of a more casual work culture, this article provides the essential job interview dress code guidelines to ensure you’re dressed for success.
The Importance of First Impressions
First impressions are critical, especially when it comes to job interviews. The moment you step into the interview room before you have a chance to answer your first interview question, your interview outfit speaks volumes. Job interview dress code can be as important as maintaining eye contact or a relaxed body language.
Ben Richardson, Director of Acuity Training, stresses the significance of this initial impression: “While more spaces are becoming more casual in their approaches, there are still many who view your attire as a mark of the attitude you will take when it comes to work”. Like it or not, your choice of attire is an indicator of your professional attitude.
The Evolution of Office and Job Interview Dress Codes in Recent Years
The transformation of dress codes over the years provides a fascinating backdrop to today’s standards. Adria Solutions’ Director David Berwick recalls his first days working in recruitment about 25 years ago when corporate jobs mandated no facial hair, hidden tattoos, black shoes (never brown or trainers), and a strict suit policy.
“We were so used to corporate dress code that, when Nick and I founded Adria, we always wore suits to the office, even if it was only the two of us and we weren’t meeting a client”, says Dave.
The office dress code has since shifted, a reflection of the social changes towards inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. However, if you asked hiring managers what they expect candidates to wear for a job interview, many would choose a small job interview etiquette over a casual one.
Expressing Individuality Through Fashion
How important is fashion as a form of expression when we consider what to wear for an interview? José Moya, from the UX Design firm Capicua, champions personal style over conformity: “Style is about expressing who you are, not impressing others,” Moya asserts. It’s about reflecting your personality, mood, and values”.
Your business attire for job interviews should reflect that balance between professional expectations and personal style so that you stay true to yourself while fitting into the professional environment of the company you hope to join soon.
Dos and Don’ts of Job Interview Dress Code
Cleanliness and Tidiness
Our Director, Nick Derham, always advises candidates preparing for an interview to look smart, clean and tidy, even when if the company doesn’t have a strict job interview dress code. Wearing a suit jacket is always a good idea.
Entrepreneur and investor Matthew Ramirez also emphasises the importance of clean and well-kept clothing: “Whether you decide to wear a tie or adopt a business-casual look, it’s crucial to present yourself as adaptable and in tune with the company’s culture”.
Under-dressing vs Over-dressing
A relaxed job interview dress code doesn’t equate to a laissez-faire approach to interview attire. It’s about striking the right balance. A relaxed interview dress code doesn’t mean you should attend your job interview with a hoodie and a beanie, much less that you don’t take your beanie hat off for the actual interview process with the hiring manager!
Our recruitment consultant Stuart McGill now jokes about the candidate who, years ago, turned up like that for his in-person job interview, but it caused a bit of a stir at the moment. “The dress code was relaxed, but not that relaxed”, jokes McGuill. “If only he had asked us before!”.
Jon Morgan, CEO of VentureSmarter, also suggests avoiding anything too flashy or revealing: “Steer clear of anything that might distract from your professional image. You want your interviewer to focus on your words, not your outfit”.
Over-dressing and over-accessorising can be an issue, too, so Michael Wall, founder of Codefixer, advocates for moderation in accessories and makeup and extends the warning to scents: “Perfumes that are too strong may be subjective and could make the interviewer feel uncomfortable”.
Finding the Perfect Balance
For James Smith, founder of Travel Lingual, the secret to interviewing etiquette success is finding the perfect balance: “You want to stand out from the crowd but not be remembered as the girl with the weird outfit“. For example, a candidate he once interviewed wore a tie with subtle hints of his passion for coding, a great way to break the ice and prove great attention to detail.
Special Considerations for Online Interviews
The rise of remote work has introduced online video interviews as a common first step in the candidate journey process. The same principles of professionalism apply, albeit with additional considerations for camera compatibility. Avoid attire that doesn’t translate well on screen, such as stripes or metallic textures, and always opt for a setting that reflects your professionalism.
Are you having an online interview? You may be tempted to pair a nice top with leggings or pyjama pants. However, research shows that a candidate’s interview performance improves when you wear the right job interview dress code. You will feel more focused and prepared and will likely give clearer answers.
Irrespective of the company’s dress code, you should steer clear of wearing clothing with checks or stripes for online video interviews. The reason? These patterns can cause a distracting moiré effect on the camera. Find more guidance on preparing for a video interview here.
Finding out about the Dress Code of a Company
The final piece of the puzzle is understanding the specific dress code of the company you’re applying to. If you’re going to research the company, start with the company’s website, careers page and social media channels. Companies usually post images of their office on LinkedIn and Instagram, so you should be able to get a general idea of the office dress code just by looking online.
Now, if you work with a recruitment consultancy like Adria Solutions, you’re at an advantage here. Don’t be afraid to ask your recruitment consultant directly. If a recruitment consultant doesn’t know what’s the company’s dress code, they should be able to find out for you. Not only is it OK to ask about the dress code for an interview, but our team 100% recommends that you do it to ensure you arrive appropriately dressed for your interview and cause a great first impression.
Job Interview Dress Code Shouldn’t be a Cause of Stress
Follow the advice from the experts above, do your research on workplace dress codes and ask your recruitment consultants and talent managers to present yourself confidently in job interviews. The goal is to be seen as a professional who both respects the company’s culture and showcases their own individuality. By balancing these two aspects, you will be able to make a strong impression in your next job interview.
So, the next thing to do is browse our jobs board to find your next opportunity. Or simply upload your CV here, and our expert team will reach out to you as soon as we have a role that might fit your skills and experience.