It’s time to start looking for a new job. With that comes the stress of what to wear. There is no perfectly correct answer, but it is generally understood that shorts and a tank top is too little and a tux is too much.
That said, there are some quick rules of advice one may go by.
1. It never hurts to wear a tie.
This is true even for a job where everyone wears jeans and ties are not required. Wearing a tie lets the interviewer know that you are serious about the position. Also, be sure to knot the tie in a professional manner.
2. Always dress a little better than dress code, but not better than the boss.
There are exceptions to this. However, for the most part one should dress it up, but not seem threatening to the person doing the interviewing. If you are not sure how people in the company dress, there is no harm in calling and asking.
3. Make sure clothing is clean and pressed.
This may seem like a no brainer, but I have interviewed people that should have been to the dry cleaner’s a few days before they came in to talk to me. If the person doing the interview can’t stop looking at a crease, stain, or noticing a bad smell, you are not the focus of the interview. Even if one is wearing relaxed clothing, making sure they are laundered and pressed (and shoes are polished) can make all the difference.
4. Let your attire define your professional personality.
How one fits into a company’s personality can make or break an interview. For example, I generally wear a three piece suit to an interview. If the company is more laid back, I take off the jacket to show that I can be professional and relaxed. There have been many times when taking off my jacket has relaxed the person I am interviewing or being interviews by. This works for me, one should find out what works for them through time and experimentation.
5. Wear clothing that you feel good in.
If one does not wear a tie to work, or in general, and plans to start job hunting, he should start wearing a tie to get use to the feeling. If one is not comfortable in his clothing, he will not do well in an interview.
Final thought:
An interview is more than what one wears. It is a good idea to interview for a new position three or four times a year – not necessarily to obtain a new job, but to stay in practice of doing it.