What to wear to a job interview (with outfit examples)
What should I wear to a job interview if it is a ‘neat business casual’ type of job? We have all the answers, complete with outfit examples.
This question is asked time and time and time again in my interview coaching sessions.
Secondly, how should I do my make-up and hair? What about a tie? Should I wear big heels or flats?
The answer to all these questions does vary slightly, depending on the job you are interviewing for. i.e. you don’t want turn up in your suit and tie if you are going for an interview as a landscaper, on site in the grounds!
So, I thought I’d start by answering the 5 most commonly asked questions and hopefully that paints a clearer picture for your next interview!
What is neat business casual?
This term has really only come into fashion in full force in the last few years. Largely gone are the days of full suit and tie and overly structured and manicured outfits.
Broadly speaking, it refers to dressing professionally without being overly formal. It’s a step up from jeans and a tee or a casual maxi dress, however leave your formal tie and tailored suit at home.
Dressy chino’s and a crisp shirt or a pencil skirt and blouse are ideal combinations for ‘business casual’. Neat business casual is what you would wear to an interview over coffee.
How should I do my hair and make-up?
A client once asked me that, and suggested she go and get her make up professionally done. My response to her was ‘you want to look like yourself and you don’t want the make up to interfere with what you are actually saying’. i.e. a bright red lipstick probably isn’t the wisest choice, and is most likely an interview no no.
However, I absolutely understand that you want to put your best self forward, and if that includes some subtle professional make up, then go for it! However, it is most definitely not needed.
Make up – With regards to make up, I advise clients to present yourself the same way as you were going out for a casual dinner with a friend. Polished, yet relaxed and no heavy eye liner or fluorescent lips!
Hair – My advice for hair is similar – you want to feel and look like yourself, however leave the crazy hairstyles for after the interview. Hair down or a simple loose pony tail are ideal.
Should I wear jewellery?
My response here is similar to the hair and make up question. Unless you are going for a job in fashion or retail, keep it understated and classy.
Some simple earrings or necklace and for the guys, your everyday watch and/or rings are enough.
Giant plastic purple hoops will do no favours for your interview in a highly corporate environment.
What shoes should I wear?
Remain comfortable!! You don’t want the newly formed blister you got when walking form the train station, to distract you during the interview or even worse, require medical attention mid-way through! (I’ve had that happen to one of my clients recently).
As long as they are clean and presentable, if you are comfortable in high black stilettos go for it, equally so if you’d prefer some ballet flats, then that is fine too. As long as they blend in with your overall presentation i.e. professional and neat, then either is fine.
For the guys, a simple black or dark brown dress shoe is always a safe bet.
Should I wear a suit?
The general rule of thumb is, to dress for the job above yours. i.e., your managers job. A simple blouse or dressy top with some dressy pants or skirt (knee length or longer) is a great start. It allows some individuality to shine through, while remaining professional and classy.
A full 2 (or 3) piece suit is somewhat outdated, but definitely take a blazer or dressy jacket if the weather and culture of the organisation and role requires it.
This same sentiment echoes for the gents, some dressy chinos and a clean and crisp shirt are ideal.
Get the neat business casual women’s look for 2023
Neat business casual should always be exactly that. Neat. Business. But a little casual. So make sure what you are wearing is clean, ironed, and not showing too much skin. Neutral colours are always a win. But if your personality is a little more out there, then why not wear a little pop of colour.
Get the more formal business women’s look for 2023
If you are unsure if the job is neat business casual, then just dress up. It can’t hurt.
Get the neat business casual men’s look for 2023
For men, neat business casual is still a shirt, slacks and nice shoes. Again, like the ladies, make sure they are clean and ironed.
Get the casual men’s look for 2023 (Tradies)
If you are going for a job such as a tradie, or in hospitality, you should still wear something nice. So Smart business casual is definitely what you should be looking for. It isn’t what you are going to wear on a construction site, but that’s ok. They will see that you mean business, and are taking the interview seriously.
Get the more formal business men’s look for 2023
If you are looking for a job that’s semi formal, make sure you are wearing pants/slacks and a nice shirt. No tie needed!
Hopefully these tips have alleviated some of your concerns and cleared up some grey areas. If you are to take one piece of information away from this blog, it would be to keep it simple and don’t let your outfit do the talking!
Written by Emma Moore, Founder and Director of Workspeak Consulting, Melbourne Australia.
