You know that saying, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? Well, this becomes extremely true and important when it comes to a job interview. Women have an array of style options to choose from, but men have it a little more straightforward, or so you think. Men have their own list of dos and don’ts that will help them with getting the job they want. There are three different styles you can choose from: professional wear, business casual wear, and just casual.
This is the day that you need to show off your best self, inside and out. You get the chance to show off your education and skillset and your new blazer. You don’t want to make just any impression, you want to make a good impression. In fact, a first impression is formed within the first 7 to 17 seconds of a job interview and 55% of a person’s opinion of someone is determined by what they are wearing. It could be the difference between landing your dream job or never hearing back from them. Before your next interview, take notes of some of the ways men should never dress for a job interview.
Suit up or Not Suit Up?
Whether it’s winter or summer, business casual or professional, there is a right time and wrong time to wear a suit to a job interview. Do your research and determine if a suit is appropriate for the company you’ve applied for. Summer can be very hot and the last thing you want is to be sweating in a three-piece suit. This doesn’t mean you opt for shorts and forget about professionalism, though. Consider business casual wear if a suit is too professional for the company.
Flashy Clothing
You don’t want your outfit to be the only thing they remember. Keep bright colors to a minimum. If a suit is appropriate for the workplace, don’t make it inappropriate with a red, yellow, or white suit. Stick with black, navy blue, grey, brown, or even tan. If you do want to throw in a pop of color, consider adding color to your tie. It’s important to make sure to choose clothing colors that are appropriate for you.
Tight or Loose Clothing
Maybe the place you’re interviewing at is more laid back and you get to try out some business casual wear. Don’t be too casual. If you haven’t worn your suit since high school graduation, the chances of that fitting are very slim. You also don’t want to be swimming in your clothes. No matter what you opt for, casual or suited up, consider getting your outfit tailored. It would be terrible to not get a job because your clothes didn’t fit properly.
Leave the Jeans at Home
Sure, jeans are comfy but way too casual for a job interview. For just about any interview, jeans are a big no-no. If casual is how you should dress for a job interview, consider casual trousers for men instead of jeans. If you’re still not convinced, look into athleisure clothing for work to find pieces that can be the perfect mix between comfortable and professional.
Not All Accessories Are Good Accessories
Accessories are also a part of your business casual wear and certain accessories are a good idea such as watches and ties. But aside from that, accessories should be avoided. Steer clear from hats. If you’re known to wear a hat at all times, you don’t want to be known as that during a job interview. You want the interviewer to be able to remember your name and not “that guy with the hat”. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum as well. A wedding band is always okay but avoid necklaces, rings, and earrings. Once you land the job and if the workplace is casual enough, you could definitely start wearing those other accessories. But remember, a job interview is all about first impressions.
Sneakers
Just because you spent over $200 on the new Jordans does not mean you should be wearing them to your interview. Sneakers and a suit may be appropriate as a very chic wedding guest outfit but not for a job interview. Opt for dress shoes that compliment the suit or trousers that you chose. Sneakers can send the message that you aren’t serious about it and that is the message you don’t want to send.
Hopefully, by now, you have a pretty good idea of what you should never wear to a job interview. If the goal is to make the best impression and land that job, then you’ll hopefully take great consideration of our interview outfit. Good luck and blow them away with your outfit!
