What to Wear to a Job Interview (+ What to Avoid)
By Marta Gongos Attending job interviews can be intimidating and nerve-wracking, with hiring managers assessing if you’re a perfect fit for the company. Don’t let your nerves get the best of you—come prepared, comfortable, and confident by wearing the right interview outfit!
We’re here to help you make a strong first impression and advise you on what to wear to an interview, no matter the dress code. By the end of this, you’re on your way to landing a final interview and a job offer.
How to Pick the Perfect Interview Outfit
The “appropriate interview attire” isn’t one-size-fits-all. Employers nowadays have varying company dress codes you need to consider. Some require employees to wear formal business attire, while others are comfortable with a casual company dress code. That’s why you must research your potential employer’s clothing policies to match their workplace environment and culture.
We’ve compiled the different company dress codes so you can plan what to wear for a job interview accordingly:
Casual Dress Code
This refers to a relaxed, loose, and less formal clothing style than business casual. Employees can dress casually but avoid wearing items meant for street or home wear. Cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and start-ups often have a casual dress code for a more comfortable and informal look.
Here’s a list of what’s deemed appropriate and not for a casual dress:
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| Outerwear |
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| Fabrics and Designs |
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Related: How to Negotiate Salary: 5 Strategies and Tips
Business Casual Dress Code
Most small businesses and some start-ups enforce a business casual dress code. This combines traditional business wear and a relaxed or laid-back motif, creating a style that’s comfortable and professional for work.
Here’s what you should and shouldn’t wear to a business casual interview:
| Wear | Avoid | |
| Tops |
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| Pants |
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| Dresses |
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| Shoes |
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| Fabrics and Designs |
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Related: 5 Ways to Ace the Intro Call With a Recruiter
Business Formal Dress Code
Most employers in traditional industries like finance and law require business formal attire. It’s a conservative and formal style embodying professionalism, authority, and competence—in other words, suit up! A pair of tailored jackets and slacks can impress recruiters.
Find out what to wear and avoid to a business formal interview below:
| Wear | Avoid | |
| Tops |
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| Pants |
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| Dresses |
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| Shoes |
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| Outerwear |
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| Fabrics and Designs |
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Related: How to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?” Successfully
Tips for Perfecting Your Interview Outfit
Once you find out a company’s dress code, it’s time to create the perfect interview outfit that matches their work environment. We recommend the following tips to dress professionally:
- Wash and iron clothes days before the interview. Hang them on hangers instead of folding them to avoid wrinkles and creases.
- Look for holes and stains on your interview outfit. See if you can stitch the fabric together or use a laundry stain remover.
- Remove pet hairs and loose threads with a lint roller.
- Fashion your interview outfit with the workplace and the season to stay comfortable and presentable.
- Choose neutral or earth-toned colours for your make-up; avoid bold colours.
- Research the company’s tattoo policy and follow it accordingly.
- Avoid using strong perfume.
Source: Canva
You’re Ready to Land a Job!
Knowing what to wear to a job interview and showing up in the appropriate attire shows preparedness, interest, and professionalism—traits that make you a top candidate. More than that, the right interview outfit raises your confidence in answering questions smoothly!
If you’re still seeking job opportunities, submit your resume at Ad Culture today—you might be the one we’re looking for. We’re a top marketing recruitment agency in Toronto, skilled in matching employers with adept candidates. Our fast-working team will find a company that fits your skills, giving you the chance to land interviews and get hired.
Call us at (416)-827-2944 or message us to learn how we can help you snag that job offer.
