Did you know that in an interview it is in the first few seconds that a first impression is made, when meeting your interviewer(s) and/or leadership of the company for the first time. Generally the rest of time in conversation is usually spent confirming or discarding the initial judgments made by your counterpart and rationalizing them. It can be incredibly difficult, at times impossible, to overcome a first bad impression. At UWM Men’s Shop we are here to help so that you don’t even have to bother worrying about making a good first impression. What you wear is a key part.
Wearing a formal business suit is not always necessary for an interview. At times it is, if you have nothing else to go on it is a safe default. Keep in mind that overdressing can cost you a job just as easily as under dressing depending on the job type. We recommend The One Step Higher rule. If day to day you’d be wearing khakis and a dress shirt but no tie, you should show up at the interview wearing slacks, a sportcoat, and a shirt with a tie, but no suit. If you’d be wearing jeans and a polo at the job, wear khakis and a tie but no jacket. Do some prep work to ensure that you are appropriately dressed to impress. Here is a few ways to accomplish this depending on your connections,
Find An Insider
There are some situations where the interview offer will include instructions such as “no need to wear a suit” or “dress professionally.” If you don’t have these instructions, try to connect with someone who works there and ask their opinion.
Make a Visit
If you are unable to make an internal connection, stop by the office or location to see the work attire for yourself. Drop by at the start or end of the workday to get an idea of what the dress code is based on the attire of those coming and going.
Online Research
Another option is to visit the businesses website and social media pages. Generally these pages will include images of behind the scenes, work parties or other company related images that may provide you with a general idea of work attire.
If these suggestions don’t provide you with definitive answers narrow down to what industry it is and the general formality or standards of that industry. Here’s a few examples to help:
Strict Business Dress: Business Suit, Shirt and tie in conservative colors
Law Firms
Financial Institutions
Executive Roles
Political Positions
Business Consulting
Managerial or Administrative
Business Casual: Sportcoat. Nice Slacks, Nice Shoes, Button down Shirt, Tie (Optional)
Mid/Entry Level Office Jobs
Clerical, Civil Service Desk Jobs
Upscale Retail Positions
Political Office and Campaign Roles
Engineering, Laboratory, Software, Tech-Sector Jobs
Casual: Buttondown Shirt (tucked in), Tie (Optional), Khaki Pants, Leather Shoes
Retail Stores
Casual Dining or Food Service
Customer Service or Customer Support
Hands On or Skills: Work Shirt, Work Pants, Work Boots
Construction
Skilled labor
Landscaping or Gardening
Farm or Ranch Work
Factory floor jobs (machinist, etc.)
To Review, here is the three key steps to having the perfect interview attire:
Know Before You Go. Learn what the company’s dress and culture are like.
Follow the One Step Higher Rule. Dress for the job you want, plus one level of general formality.
Take Care of Your Grooming Details. Plan the appropriate outfit for the level of formality. Have it cleaned and pressed. Get your hair trimmed, your nails cleaned.
If you are still unsure after reading this, stop by UWM Men’s Shop and let us help put your look together to make sure you look ready for success!!