It can be challenging to land an academic job interview. You have to consider your required level of job experience, compose a detailed cover letter, and hope that the hiring committee will actually study your papers. Being aware of what you must do in advance can be difficult. No wonder academics develop ulcers. Knowing what to wear here implies. What Not to Wear on a Job Interview is a piece that a former HR generalist I know truly wrote. Take it for granted that you won’t want to wear anything on the “don’t wear” list, but what should you wear in its place? What should you dress to an interview for a job at the entry level? What kind of attire is appropriate for an academic interview?

What to Wear to an Academic Job Interview

When you’re interviewing for a job, it’s important to dress for success. After all, your outfit can say a lot about your professionalism and even your personality.

In this blog post I’ll talk about what to wear for an entry level job interview and how to dress for success.

The first thing I want to talk about is what not to wear: Don’t wear anything too flashy or trendy. Try to find something in your closet that isn’t too out of date – maybe something that you’ve had for a few years or bought on sale or at the outlet store.

It’s also important not to overdress (or underdress). You don’t want to show up in a suit if they’re just expecting jeans and a button down shirt! But on the other hand, don’t show up in jeans if they’re expecting business casual attire.

If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked to wear business casual attire to the interview. This means no jeans or flip-flops, but also no suits and ties. For women, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a skirt or dress.

For men, slacks, dress shirts, and a blazer are appropriate. You may want to bring along a few different outfits so that you can try them on before the interview.

The best way to prepare for an interview is to go through everything in your closet and make sure everything fits well and looks professional.

Wear something that fits well and makes you feel comfortable. It can be hard to relax in an interview if you’re uncomfortable or anxious about what you’re wearing.

Don’t wear anything too revealing or too casual. You want to look professional, but not stuffy. For example, don’t wear a suit if you are interviewing for an entry-level position. But don’t wear jeans and a sweatshirt either.

Choose colors and patterns that flatter your skin tone and hair color. Avoid bold colors and patterns that might distract from your face or make you look younger than you are (if the job is for someone with more experience). This means no white turtlenecks or black pants!

When you’re interviewing for a position, the attire you wear can make a big difference in your chances of getting hired. You want to dress professionally but also in a way that highlights your personality.

When deciding what to wear for an interview, remember that it is more about how you feel than what looks best on you. However, there are some basic guidelines to follow:

Wear something appropriate for the season and weather conditions.

Wear clothes that fit well, don’t need ironing and aren’t wrinkled.

Wear neutral colors such as black, gray or navy blue. Wear darker colors if they are available because they help hide stains and wrinkles better than lighter ones do.

Choose clothes in fabrics such as wool or cotton that wick away moisture and keep you cool during hot weather conditions; or choose fabrics such as polyester or nylon when it’s cold outside so they keep you warm without making you too warm.

Select clothing that allows easy access to your body parts in case you need to use public transportation or walk long distances during your commute.

In addition to the above, it is important that you feel comfortable. You want to be able to move freely and be able to express yourself without feeling uncomfortable or as if you are being judged.

Wear clothes that make you feel confident. For example, if you have long legs, wear a skirt or dress that shows off your legs. If you have a nice figure, wear something that accentuates it. If you are tall or short, wear something that balances out your height (e.g., if you are short, wear heels).

If possible, avoid wearing anything too revealing or too tight (this applies more so for women than men). Also make sure not to wear anything that could distract from the conversation such as an overly large necklace or earrings (that might fall out of your ear).

What to Wear to an Entry Level Job Interview

We all know that dressing for a job interview is important. It’s not just about what you wear; it’s also about how you wear it.

The best way to prepare for a job interview is to learn as much as possible about the company and the position, and then dress for success.

What to Wear For an Interview

There are no hard-and-fast rules on what to wear for an entry-level job interview. You want to look professional, but you don’t have enough experience or skill yet to warrant wearing something too formal.

Some companies have very specific dress codes, while others are more relaxed. If your employer has a formal dress code (for example, suits), then take that into account when deciding what to wear for an entry level job interview. If they don’t have one, keep things simple and professional by wearing dark slacks with a button-down shirt or a blouse/blazer combination .

The most important thing to remember when it comes to dressing for an interview is that you want to look professional, but not too formal. You don’t want to be overdressed or underdressed, so make sure you pay attention to the job description and do some research on the company before going shopping.

Here are some tips for what to wear to an interview, depending on the type of job:

Entry-level positions

If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position in a creative field, like art or graphic design, you should dress up a bit more than if you were interviewing for a more traditional office job. Look for clothes that fit well and are appropriate for the weather — it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed!

Traditional office jobs

If you’re interviewing for a traditional office job, dress professionally but conservatively. Think suits or nice pantsuits with blazers or cardigans; dresses with jackets; or slacks and button-down shirts. If there’s any doubt at all about what’s appropriate in your area, ask someone who works in an office what they’d wear if they were coming in for an interview.

The first step to getting a job is the interview. An interview is a two-way street, and the way you dress can make or break your chances of getting hired.

The first impression you make is often the most important one. You need to be dressed appropriately for the job that you are applying for, but also in a way that shows the employer that you respect their time and professionalism.

Dress conservatively and avoid extremes, such as overly casual or dressy attire.

Men: Wear a suit with a button-down shirt and tie (or if it’s not required at the company, wear slacks with a button-down shirt). If you’re not wearing a suit, wear a pressed pair of pants and dress shoes. Jeans are acceptable if they fit well and aren’t torn or overly casual looking. Avoid short sleeves (sleeves should cover your wrists), t-shirts, shorts and flip flops; these are inappropriate for an interview no matter how casual the company appears to be or how warm it feels outside. Women: Wear business attire that includes a skirt or pantsuit in dark colors like navy blue or charcoal gray with lighter colored tops such as cream or white blouses. Keep jewelry simple and avoid dangling earrings or other distracting

How to Dress for an Entry-Level Job Interview

Dress in a way that reflects the kind of job you’re interviewing for. If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position with a professional services firm, wear business clothes. If you’re interviewing at a technology company, wear casual attire.

The best thing to do is call the company (or check their website) before the interview and ask what type of dress is appropriate. It’s perfectly fine to ask what employees typically wear to work on a daily basis, but don’t ask about wardrobe specifics unless you’re specifically told that it will be helpful (for example, if they want you dressed in khakis and a white button-down shirt).

What to Wear to an Entry-Level Job Interview: Men’s Clothing Options

Many companies have relaxed dress codes for men, so long as their employees look professional. You may want to opt for khakis or a pair of dark dress slacks with a button-down shirt and tie or sweater vest if it’s cold outside. If you’re going on an interview with a more traditional company, wear a suit — no matter what your age or gender!

The most important thing to remember is that you’re going to an interview, not a job. You want to look professional but not overdressed, and you don’t want to make the interviewer think you don’t take the interview seriously.

What Not to Wear

The best way to know what not to wear is by knowing the company’s dress code. If there isn’t one posted on their website or in their employee handbook, call and ask someone who works there what they typically wear on casual Fridays or even during the week. The more you know about their style preferences, the better off you’ll be when deciding what to wear.

There are some things that should never be worn to an interview:

Jeans (even if it’s “casual Friday”)

A T-shirt with profanity on it or pictures of beer pong or whatever else might give off the wrong impression (even if it’s “casual Friday”)

Your favorite team’s jersey — unless you’re interviewing for a job with them (then go ahead)

The Best Outfits for Job Interviews

What’s the best outfit to wear to a job interview? The answer will vary depending on the type of job and company you’re interviewing with.

You always want to dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on whether you’re interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, at a casual startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.¹

Note

Dressing appropriately is important because the first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing.

If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counselor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it’ll send the message that you don’t truly understand what’s involved in the role. Find out what to wear (and what not to wear) for interviews at every type of company.

Key Takeaways

To dress appropriately for a job interview, follow the employer’s dress code. 

If the job interview calls for business attire, wear a suit, a sweater and button-down shirt, or a professional-looking dress or skirt.

Startup jobs may call for more casual interview attire but be sure to dress professionally. 

Choose accessories carefully to ensure that they don’t distract the interviewer. 

Professional / Business Interview Attire

Generally, a job interview calls for you to wear professional, or business, attire. This might mean:

A suit jacket and slacks with a button-down shirt and tie

A sweater and a button-down shirt

A blouse and dress pants

A statement dress

You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit. All interviewees should consider color when selecting an interview outfit and avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager.

The more important thing to consider when you’re dressing for a job interview is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of position you’re seeking. Even though your interview attire depends on the role you’re applying for, no matter what the position, you should go to the interview looking neat, tidy, and well-dressed.

Non-Professional / Business Casual Interview Attire

If you have a job interview in a more informal work environment, you might wear a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but they are also more professional and polished than, say, a T-shirt and shorts or a sundress and sandals.

Of course, make sure you know the dress code before you assume that business casual is acceptable. 

Note

If you aren’t sure, call the office and ask the administrative coordinator, or contact the person who scheduled the interview and ask them for advice.

Always dress a bit more professionally than the average employee at the company. If everyone is wearing shorts and T-shirts, for example, you might wear khakis and a polo shirt or button-down.

Casual Interview Attire

If you have an interview at a startup, nix the head-to-toe formal business attire. You want to look appropriate and professional, but not too formal.

Rather than showing up in a black suit and dress shoes, opt for something relaxed but still presentable: relaxed-fit khakis, dark-wash jeans, and a nice top, for example.

Internship / College Job Interview Attire

It’s important to dress professionally when interviewing for a professional job or internship as a college student. It’ll show that you’ll know how to dress appropriately if you’re hired. 

Less formal attire is acceptable when interviewing for campus jobs and more informal workplace jobs. However, you still want to dress professionally for most positions, even if they are entry-level. Skip jeans, athleisure, or anything you’d wear to the beach, the gym, or a club. Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and free from visible holes or tears. 

When you interview for an internship position, your clothing should follow the dress code of the company you’re interviewing with. If you’re hoping to land an internship with a financial services company, professional attire is a must. However, if you’re interviewing for a tech internship at a startup, business casual is a better fit.

Job Interview Style Tips

Remember that your goal is to impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, and enthusiasm. Avoid any style choices that distract from your abilities or detract from a professional impression. 

Choose the Right Accessories

When wearing accessories to an interview, less is more. Select accessories that will enhance your interview attire, not overwhelm it. 

Style Your Hair

If you have short hair, schedule a haircut close to the interview—but don’t try out a new hairstyle right before. If you have long hair, choose a neat, professional style. You will want your hair to be professional and polished, like your entire outfit.²

Wear Subtle Makeup

If you wear makeup, be sure that it doesn’t distract the interviewer. This is not the time for bold lipstick or glittery eye shadow. Instead, keep makeup unobtrusive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I wear to a job interview at a law firm?

Dress conservatively for law firm interviews. Wear a suit with slacks or a skirt. Dark and neutral colors are usually best—think gray, navy, or black.³ 

What colors should I avoid wearing in a job interview?

Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing anything that detracts from your qualifications. Avoid wearing neon colors, all-black ensembles, or busy patterns to job interviews.