You’ve landed a job interview for your dream job and you don’t know what to wear. Does wearing a suit look old-fashioned? Is my skirt too short? Is it okay to wear sneakers? Do my tattoos suck? These are all legitimate questions that you’re probably asking yourself as the big day approaches.
Even if it’s legally forbidden, in reality, clothes always make the man, and first impressions count. So it’s better to have the right dress codes to win over the recruiter and optimize your chances of landing the job. We’ll give you some advice on how to avoid making a mistake on the big day.
Choosing the Perfect Dress for a Job Interview – Women
The perfect outfit for a woman’s job interview can vary from one industry or profession to another. When in doubt, if you don’t know the codes of the industry you’re applying for, don’t try to be original. The rule that “Each industry has its look and codes” remains true. Stick to the classics:
- White shirt, jacket, dark chinos for men.
- Colorful blouse, jacket, black slim for women.
Better to risk being too serious than the opposite.
What to wear to a job interview when you are a woman?
A golden rule to always keep in mind when you are a woman and you are going to a job interview: it is better to take the risk of being too serious than the opposite. Do you have any doubts? The skirt or pantsuit for women always demonstrates a certain respect for the interlocutor.
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How to dress for an interview in the banking/insurance/finance sector?
To apply for a job in investment banking, insurance, or finance, you will never look out of place in a skirt or pantsuit or with a dress/small jacket combo. Go for a suit if you feel comfortable in it. Otherwise, opt for a dress.
How to dress for an interview in the construction/building / real estate sector?
Above all, you must not appear too dressed up. Unfortunately, shortcuts are very quick. So if you arrive with an ultra-feminine outfit, jewelry, and heavy makeup for a field position, you will be out of step with the image of the profession. Play it simple with pants, small heels, and a jacket.
How to dress for a service industry interview?
Let yourself go, but stay neat. Without turning into sportswear, come as you are. For example, in slim pants with a pretty blouse. For more balance, add a jacket. A dress in a nice material, neither tight nor provocative, covering the shoulders can also do the trick.
How to dress for a civil service interview?
Sobriety is the order of the day. Here again, we play it sober. Avoid flowery or multi-colored dresses. In the public sector, a very classic plain dress will do the trick. Also out with ultra-flashy makeup and overly red nail polish. No bling bling under the gold of the Republic.
How to dress for an interview in the IT/telecoms/web/communications sector?
To dress well for a job interview, in the IT/telecoms/web/communication sector, it is important not to confuse cool and sloppy. Here too, you can let loose more fantasy with more colors and prints, for example for a summer dress. In terms of length, above or below the knee. The important thing is, once seated, not to constantly pull on your dress for fear of revealing your private parts. You can also dare to wear a modern trouser suit with
And for a creative job, what should you wear as a woman?
For a creative job, nothing prevents you from going a little out of the box with flashier colors. Wearing impeccable sneakers is also possible.
Be careful, even if the sector of activity is more “cool”, it is important to take care of your image. Leave the jeans in the closet, they convey an image that is too casual.
Where can I find out about the company’s dress code?
Leave the offices of the target company at lunchtime. Another source of information: annual reports. Photos of managers and employees posing for the occasion are a wealth of information. If you go through a recruitment agency, you can also ask the consultant about the dress code in force at his client.
What women’s shoes should you wear to an interview?
Whatever outfit you choose for the interview, you have to own it and feel comfortable in it. So, no more new shoes or high heels. No way are you going to force yourself to wear stilettos or buy derbies and put them on without having broken them in.
The type of shoes may also vary depending on the sector of activity in which you are applying:
- Pumps: They are recommended in the banking, insurance, finance and legal sectors.
- Loafers: they are a discreet and effective alternative to pumps.
- Boots and ankle boots: These can be the perfect accompaniment to a winter job interview outfit.
- Sandals: in summer, they can be worn with well-groomed feet.
- Sneakers: They are not a problem in the start-up world or in a creative sector. In other sectors of activity, they should be avoided.
What to wear if the interview takes place in summer?
When it’s hot, is the dress code relaxed for a job interview?
Job interview and dress
Is the dress allowed if the interview takes place in the summer? Yes, it is possible to wear a dress in the summer for a job interview. It is absolutely necessary to avoid or even ban transparent fabrics. It must not be too short, knee-length is ideal. Nor too low-cut. But be careful, especially not a dress with straps. Prefer a plain model that covers the shoulders, arms or even forearms. Otherwise, cover yourself with a small classic jacket.
Good to know: even in summer, shorts are banned.
Job interview and sandal
Can I wear sandals to a job interview in the summer? Yes, as long as they don’t look too “beachy”. However, no flip-flops, espadrilles, or mules.
What subject should you favor in a job interview?
The ones where we sweat the least! So, we avoid synthetics and favor breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, cotton muslin, cotton crepe, or lightweight fabrics like silk and satin for more flexible clothes.
Can you wear women’s jeans to an interview in winter?
How to dress in winter? Yes, jeans can be accepted for certain interviews. Particularly in sectors such as communication, marketing, or more creative sectors. Without holes, without frills, with a classic cut, if possible quite dark, it will be accompanied on top by a fitted jacket.
How to do your hair for a job interview?
Do your hair carefully if you have to go to a job interview. Just like your outfit, your hairstyle can influence the recruiter’s judgment. Every little detail counts, no greasy hair and no fancy, sparkly hair jewelry.
How to wear makeup for a job interview?
In a job interview, discretion is essential. Don’t rely on excessive or flashy makeup. Opt for nude colors: black mascara, pale pink or light brown eye shadow, and a lipstick that’s not too flashy.
Our advice: your makeup must be impeccable right down to your fingertips. If you decide to wear nail polish, make sure it is not chipped on the big day. This shows a lack of care and respect for your interlocutor. So polish every last detail.
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Can you show your tattoos during an interview?
Recruiters are sometimes more open than before to certain extras but not to the point of admiring your wrist or ankle tattoos. A visible tattoo can influence the recruiter’s position. Maybe in a favorable way but when in doubt, hide them.
What feminine accessories can be worn for an interview?
You probably have a ready-made outfit in your closet for your job interviews. That’s great, but it’s just a start. To help you perfect the details that hit the mark, you can focus on accessories. You can afford to add a touch of fantasy, as long as you don’t overload yourself and it doesn’t jump out at you. That way, if the recruiter notices this detail, it can catch their attention and please them, but not obsess them.
Creative, dynamic, sociable, calm… To show a trait of your personality, dare to use an accessory or color.
- a jewel: to say a little more about your personality, you can use jewels. Necklace, bracelet, cufflinks for men, be careful not to overload! The idea is not to look like a Christmas tree. In all cases, elegance remains the watchword.
- a pretty bag or a clutch: the only thing forbidden is panther or sequin prints. Play on elegance.
- a colorful garment: we generally choose a maximum of 3 colors to match in our outfit. Two rather classic ones: black, white, or navy blue.
A third color can be reserved for an accessory depending on the image you want to convey: blue (communication), red (energy), or even green (authenticity).
Choosing the Perfect Outfit for a Job Interview – Men
Are you more of a suit-and-tie person? Or are you a jeans and sneakers person? Depending on the sector of activity in which you are applying, a man’s dress code is not the same. An overview of the customs and habits of a job interview.
What to wear to a job interview when you are a man?
How to dress for an interview in the banking/insurance/finance/ legal sector?
To apply for a job in investment banking, insurance, or finance, you will never look out of place in a dark suit, a white or very finely striped shirt, cufflinks, a tie, and black (polished) shoes. These are probably the only sectors where the suit and tie are still strongly imposed.
If you’re aiming for a sales manager position, not wearing a suit isn’t a deal breaker… but still. So split the difference by forgetting the tie.
How to dress for an interview in the construction/building/real estate sector?
The answer to this question depends on the type of role you are looking for. A construction manager can leave aside the traditional suit and tie without having to show up in canvas trousers and a checked shirt. Instead, opt for chino trousers with a shirt in the same tone and a suit jacket in a different color.
In corporate or high-end real estate, the smart suit is always a must.
How to dress for a service industry interview?
This is a sector that is more open about the dress code. But be careful, you have to stay neat. The triptych of chino pants, mismatched jacket, and shirt is acceptable.
How to dress for a civil service interview?
The higher you go in the public hierarchy, the more likely you are to have representational duties. You might as well get used to protocol right away by opting for a suit and tie.
How to dress for an interview in the IT/telecoms/web/communications sector?
These are the most open sectors on the subject of dress code for a job interview. A shirt and canvas pants, or even dark jeans that are not worn out to the bone, will do the trick. Here, you can drop the jacket.
Be careful not to confuse cool with sloppy. So no T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, or blouses. They look sloppy in a job interview, and even in a heatwave.
If you are applying for a management position, a suit will always be required. But it is true that in the media, one can be more relaxed. Likewise, in the telecom sector. But there may be variations from one company to another.
Our advice: to be comfortable, wear your outfit several times before your interview. A person who puts on their clothes for the first time is often in an uncomfortable position.
What men’s shoes should you wear to an interview?
There’s nothing worse than a candidate with holes in their loafers or those that aren’t polished. Your shoes should be spotless. If your industry accepts or tolerates sneakers, they should be really clean.
In any case, choose comfortable shoes.
How to dress in summer when you are a man?
Can I wear Bermuda shorts in the summer? No. Regardless of the company you are applying to, Bermuda shorts or shorts are the items to avoid at all costs. They always give off a casual, even sloppy image, which does not correspond to the codes of the working world.
If it’s hot, we recommend you opt for a white shirt. Light colors don’t absorb light. White is a safe bet for interviews. Otherwise, you can also imagine a pale blue model. Stay classic!
Above all, even in very hot weather, never open more than one button on your shirt collar. And make sure to cover your forearms.
How to dress in winter?
In winter, the suit is a safe bet. Be careful, however, with color combinations. Here are two with which you will not make any mistakes in taste:
- Navy blue suit, white shirt, brown shoes.
- Grey suit, white shirt, green tie, brown shoes.
If it’s cold, you can choose a wool and cashmere flannel suit.
Banish patterns or they should be discreet (fine stripes or discreet checks).
For a more casual chic look, you can use the jacket of one of your suits with well-cut chinos or raw jeans.
And accessories for men?
Men’s outfits tend to be less accessory-oriented. However, you can complete your look with a belt, a watch, a simple and elegant tie, or even cufflinks depending on the sector you are applying to.
How to do your hair for a job interview?
For a neat hairstyle, a visit to the hairdresser a few days before will guarantee you a neat cut. If you have long hair, it must be impeccable. You can also tie it up. But be careful, no pot of gel on your head.
Avoid three-day beards and shaving nicks, they don’t look neat.
What to remember about dress code for a job interview – men and women
In conclusion, focus on sobriety and elegance in a job interview, without falling into extravagance.
For women, take care of all the details: from hairstyle to shoes. Opt for a comfortable outfit. The safe bets remain pants/blouse/jacket or dress/jacket.
For men, the suit or chinos/shirt/jacket are classics in your wardrobe on the day of the job interview.
Also, make sure that your clothes are not wrinkled or stained. If necessary, give them a quick wipe with an adhesive roller just before going in front of the recruiter to remove any dandruff or animal hair.
Finally, don’t forget to take a mask with you to have a safe job interview (COVID-19 and job interview: can you keep your mask on? ).
Interview Outfits 2024: How to Get Dressed For Job Interview.
Interview Outfits 2024: What To Wear For A Female
Of course, it’s the resume that counts, but anyway, we do not dress anyhow when we post the job of our dreams. There are certain codes to be respected. To make your life easier and give you extra stress, here are all the fashion tips and some examples of how to get dressed for a job.
A priori, we should be able to dress as we want. Even to apply for a position. Except that in the same way that we do not eat on the floor when we have a table, we do not wear pajamas to a job when we have pants with pliers in her dressing room.
The image you send back is not everything but it counts. Of course, your knowledge, your experiences, and/or your motivation play more than anything during a job, but knowing what to wear on D-Day can help. It can even give your future employers an idea of your personality.
Some know. Because they assume their style and claim it. A style, a personality.
And then, some do not know, who hesitate, who doubt. This article is for them. To relieve the stress of a good job. Stress can quickly become torture of the mind. So that they can consider this moment with less anxiety.
What to Wear for an Interview Outfits
To be comfortable: the essential. Being good in your clothes on the day of your is the first thing you need to think about. Choose a comfortable and practical outfit. Do not wear stilts if you are not used to heels, for example.
Stay yourself. This is the second commandment to follow to dress well for a job. Even if you make sartorial efforts, you must not lose yourself. More than a formal outfit, we must find the one that comes closest to your personality.
All the subtlety will be to find the right balance. Not too much, not enough. Be on the wire. Bend for the right dose. There are certainly as many outfits for a job interview as trades. A professional family = a maintenance outfit.
Do not forget to choose the right materials, those that breathe such as cotton. If you are stressed, she will be your best ally.
To achieve unanimity, go on a classic. The combination jacket / white T-shirt/ jeans/moccasins (beware, jeans are not tolerated everywhere) is a good compromise.
Feel free to follow the fashion trends of the moment for your service outfit. The plaid print works perfectly on a trouser suit and a culotte skirt matches the cotton shirt perfectly. For side accessories, we adopt the trendy pieces of the season: the beret, the babies, and the round bag.
Fashion pieces to avoid for a job interview
If your outfit needs to look like you and reflect your style, it should not, for all that, exceed certain limits.
In the same outfit, avoid accumulating pop colors or trendy prints. We stick to a strong piece like leopard print moccasins or a blazer of color.
Side cuts: avoid the mini-length and plunging neckline. We prefer to bet on asymmetrical cuts and lengths ( midi or maxi, to feel as comfortable as possible.
Fashion accessories are crucial for a successful holding of maintenance. We forget the accumulation of bling jewelry, we prefer fine and delicate pieces. We do not hesitate to add an animal print belt or metallic shoes to boost a casual look.
Torn jeans, top transparency, or jogging are among the parts to be avoided on the day of a job.
These fashion tips adapt according to the position you are applying for.
Now, all we have to do is cross our fingers for you!
