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Even if you're attending your interview remotely, follow this guide to look your best.
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We all know the old adage that you should never judge a book by its cover. However, in certain settings, your appearance plays a significant role in how you are perceived.
During job interviews, your experience, knowledge and manners will only go so far. If you’re not dressed correctly, the first impression you make will be less than favorable, and any success you have will happen in spite of the clothes you’re wearing.
This article will take you through everything you need to know about appropriate interview attire for all dress codes. We’ll also walk you through some outfit ideas, what not to wear, and dressing for virtual interviews vs. in-person interviews.
During your interview preparation, you should take the time to understand the company culture to determine the best interview attire.
Exploring the company website and other sites like Glassdoor will give you valuable information on what the company is like and whether there is a company dress code.
If you are applying for a political, finance, or business job, you will typically be expected to wear formal interview clothes.
Start-ups or businesses with staff who are pictured with a more casual look might appreciate a more casual look. However, you should try to appear slightly more formal, so they can see you have made an effort for the interview.
Business formal attire will typically be made up of a suit or matching pants and jacket, collared, button-up shirts, and a tie.
When dressing for formal interviews, you should appear neat and clean. Avoid ties, shoes, or socks that are too bright or contain cartoon characters, as this can deter from the overall aesthetic, and you may not be taken seriously.
Read More: Formal vs. Semi-Formal Style Guide
While business casual outfits are still quite polished, you aren’t so restricted when putting them together as you are with formal business interview outfits.
Business casual clothing for men typically consists of smart pants like chinos or dress slacks, button-down shirts, sports coats, sweaters, and polo shirts. Stick with leather footwear for business casual attire.
Smart casual dress for job interviews isn’t a million miles away from business casual. Another step down in formality, you don’t have to wear a jacket, and dark denim and clean sneakers are typically acceptable.
Job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, so taking the time to prepare properly can help to build your confidence before your appointment.
Research and prep before a job interview makes a significant difference to your chances of impressing during the interview process.
Again, always check the company website and social media to get a grasp on the general dress code. Then, you’re more likely to look the part when it comes time to interview. Also utilize databases like Glassdoor for additional info and advice from past employees.
To feel your most confident when you walk into your interview, invest in your underwear, too. Especially important if you’re interviewing in person, a fitted undershirt protects your skin from irritation against clothing fabric, so you don’t squirm or itch during your interview.
An undershirt also protects your clothes from sweat stains and odor, so your outer appearance isn’t impacted by nerves or a long walk to the office.
A really good undershirt, like an UnderFit undershirt, will streamline your shape, fit close to the body and keep you cool and comfortable throughout the whole day. UnderFit undershirts also stay tucked, so you don’t have to worry about getting the “undershirt gut” or bunching around your waist. Remember, appearance matters in an interview (even if it shouldn’t).
Choosing your interview attire the night before, or even further in advance, will give you peace of mind knowing that your outfit looks good and fits well.
Try everything on as far in advance as you can, and make sure everything is washed and pressed a few days before the big day.
Many job interviews are now carried out remotely. Even if you are being interviewed virtually, however, you should still dress as you would if you were interviewing in person. Make sure everything fits, and still prioritize your personal hygiene, as it’s still possible to look unkempt through a screen.
Even though you may not need to worry as much about your dress trousers or shoes, be aware that if you have to stand up for any reason during the interview and reveal shorts or sweatpants, this will reflect poorly on you.
Showing up to an interview confident and prepared shows the interviewer that you are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and look the part.
As well as ensuring you wear the right style of clothes, something as simple as an undershirt will enhance your appearance, keeping you cool and comfortable while protecting your clothes from sweat stains and off-putting odor.
How you look, how you interact with the interviewer and your knowledge about the role will all be considered during the interview process. The more calm, cool, and collected you are, the better chance you will have of impressing. Check out our premium undershirts to find the best fit for your big day, and approach your interview with a different kind of confidence.
Leigh is the owner of UnderFit, a premium men's undershirt brand based in Philadelphia, PA. You can follow Leigh on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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