Just what is acceptable or expected in job interviews today? The world of work has absolutely changed in the last five years, and workplace norms have become increasingly casual. Given all the recent changes, it’s natural to wonder just what should a job candidate wear to an in-person or virtual interview.
The Current Landscape of Work Attire
First, let’s get some data in here. According to a recent study by Gallup, the majority of workplaces have embraced more casual dress codes. Specifically:
• 41% of workplaces wear business casual attire
• 31% wear street clothes (think jeans)
• 23% wear uniforms (common in healthcare, emergency services, police, fire, and some F&B, Delivery and Hospitality sectors)
• Only 3% of the workforce wears professional attire (suits)
For those job seekers in the professional attire category, you likely know who you are. Dust off your best Theory or Hugo Boss and get going!
For the other 97% of job seekers, what does this mean?
What Not to Wear Let’s get the easy stuff out of the way. Here are some items that are generally not acceptable in 99% of interview scenarios:
• Dirty sneakers
• Hoodies
• Sports jerseys
• Baseball caps
• Evening attire
• Beachwear
• Clothing with holes
• Stained shirts
• Shorts
• Wrinkled clothing
What to Wear
Given today’s more casual workplace culture, should I wear a suit? Many job seekers today are puzzled by this. This is something you will need to gauge based on the company you are interviewing with and the role that you are interviewing for. We all accept that an SVP role at a Fortune 500 company is different than a Project Manager role at a local start-up. For the majority of job seekers today, a full suit is not necessary and these items are appropriate for job interviews:
Clean, pressed pants
Blazer
Button-down shirt or collared shirt
A short sleeve or long sleeve blouse or shirt
Dress
Skirt that is an appropriate length (use the fingertip rule: at least 1 inch past your fingers)
Shoes that are clean – casual sneakers, flats, and heels are all fine
Dressing for Virtual Interviews
Dressing for a virtual interview follows the same guidelines as above. Should you get fully dressed for a virtual interview when the interviewer will only see you from the shoulders up? This one is up to you. Many find that getting fully dressed puts them in the right mental frame of mind and boosts their energy. And if there is ever a time to have your most positive energy, it’s during an interview.
A Tip from a Hiring Manager
Here’s a handy tip from a hiring manager to help you get ready for your next interview: Imagine you’re attending a Thanksgiving afternoon lunch at your significant other’s family home for the first time. The family is posh, the house is grand, and the meal is catered. Visualize the kind of impression you’d want to make if you were meeting the Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the Gilmore grandparents from Gilmore Girls or the van der Woodsens from Gossip Girl. Think about how you’d dress, style your hair, and choose your accessories. Use that same mindset for your upcoming interview, whether it’s in person or online!
Conclusion
Choosing the right attire for a job interview doesn’t have to be a stressful decision. By understanding current workplace norms and following some basic guidelines on what to wear (and what not to wear), you can present yourself in the best possible light. Remember, making a good first impression with your appearance can set the tone for a successful interview.
For more insights and statistics, you can check out the full Gallup study on casual work attire here.
Happy job hunting, and dress to impress!
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