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We understand guys have questions about what to wear (and how to wear) their favorite pieces. Stick with us all this week to get advice on how to look good, stay fresh, and even score a date. This is Complex Style's "How To" Week.
We get it, applying for jobs sucks. Not only are you bugging out about what to say and, more importantly, what not to say, you've also got to look the part too. When it comes time to meet a possible employer for an interview, guys know they need to look sharp, but there's more to an interview outfit than throwing on a suit and tie.
From the colors of your clothes to the accessories you choose to wear—or not wear—there's plenty to mindful before you meet a prospective employer. It's the epitome of dressing to impress, and we're here to show you how to leave a great first impression, without overshadowing your resume. This is What You Should Wear to a Job Interview.
First, understand the culture where you're interviewing.
A single outfit could be underdressed for one employer, and overdressed for another. The wardrobe requirements between a financial job and a creative-driven one are fairly obvious, but dressing for an interview involves a lot more than that. It goes without saying that when applying for a job that's conservative, executive, or client-based, the situation will require an outfit that is more buttoned up. Think blazer and chinos at the least, shirt and tie at the most.
A creative, less "9-to-5" conventional job will likely let you slide in with jeans and an solid oxford shirt, or a simpler T-shirt. No matter what the situation calls for, you're going to look like a herb if you roll through dressed in a full suit, and everyone else is wearing jeans and sneakers. Same issue arises if you've come through in clean denim and a simple oxford shirt... and everyone in the office is wearing suits and ties. You're not only going to look out of place, you'll seem like you don't know anything about where you're interviewing.
Don't get too casual.
Regardless of where you're applying, there's always potential to be underdressed when going in for an interview. Sure, a company may have a relaxed dress code, but there are few things that will be a fail, regardless of where you interview.
Obviously, open-toed shoes like sandals, and loose structured shirts or tank tops are a no-go, but also pay attention to the indirect ways that your clothes can become too casual. Bright suits, loud patterns, or hats may come across as too casual, even when you've got a shirt and tie on.
Even if you're not expected to show up in a tie, avoid any kind of graphic T-shirt. We can't speak for everyone, but this is going to make you look like you're a student going for an internship, rather than an adult applying for a job. If you're leaning towards looking like Harry and Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber when you head to the interview, go back inside and change.
Don't over-accessorize.
A watch? Sure. A chain? If it's underneath your shirt, why not. But several bracelets, a huge watch, earrings, or gaudy chains? Don't do it. Not only does it make you look like you can't correctly proportion your kit, but like anything that's wildly colored, layers of jewelry are just distracting. Guys have also taken an interest in punching up their wardrobes with brighter socks. It's not a bad idea, but that's within reason. Keep it in a color that works in the palette of your outfit.
This principle also applies to fragrances. It's one thing to put something on to prevent from smelling stale, it's completely another thing to smell as though you just bathed in cologne. Rule of thumb, you want to stand out among the other candidates, but let that be because of your excellent resume… not your giant watch and strong cologne.
Fit is everything.
You may have planned out the perfect kit, but that doesn't mean anything if you can't get the fit right. Most guys usually suit up for a few occasions in their day-to-day life, and when it comes time for them to pull on a suit for an interview, they've likely changed physically in the interim. Make sure that your clothes fit properly before the interview. You don't have to wear a suit to look like a million bucks, after all.
If your button down's sleeves don't reach your wrists, or your trousers are folding one-too-many times (they should break once over the top of the shoe if we're talking suit trousers) on the top of your shoes, those are problems that need to be rectified before you meet someone and try to convince them to give you a job.
If you're lucky enough to be able dress casually for your interview, there are still a few fit guidelines. In regards to your shirt, if you feel pinching from your armpits to your undercarriage, then you need to size up, or swap the shirt. Wearing an oxford shirt should fit along your natural shoulder line, with buttons that don't bulge when buttoned all the way up. Jeans shouldn't be too long, though the ability to cuff your denim gives guys a little more wiggle room in this regard. Keep the cut slim. It doesn't need to be more complicated than that.
Exhibit attention to detail, via the details.
This should go without saying, but your clothes need to be spotless. This means everything from having a clean shirt on, to investing in an iron (or heading to the cleaners) to have your suit, and shirt pressed. If possible, and if necessary, you should also polish your shoes.
Even if you're not suiting up for the interview, the same things apply. Make sure your jeans are stain-free, and your shirt as well. In the interest of not embarrassing yourself, make sure it's completely clean, especially in the armpits. You don't want to take off your sport coat or simply shake someone's hand, only to reveal that you should have worn an undershirt.
Before we forget, make sure to pack a lint roller, and a stain removing pen. Believe us, they'll come in handy more often than you may think.
Suiting up? Stick to solid, neutral colors.
Generally speaking, you'll want to stick to neutral, subdued colors, regardless of where you go. According to studies, colors like blue and white suggest you're a team player and organized, while hues in yellow, purple, green, or (notably terrible) orange may give off feelings of unreliability. If you're stumped, just stick to navy blue and charcoal gray—they'll also be useful for special occasions.
If you're vying for a more executive job, black and red are going to be your best bet. Black brings associations of leadership, and red gives off the impression that you're powerful. Why do you think that color combo works so well on some of the best Jordans?
Most importantly, if you don't have a real suit, don't try to mix different shades of the same color together. Nothing's more tacky than eyeballing an odd sportcoat and pair of pants and wearing them together because they're "close enough." People will notice, especially the ones who are considering hiring you.
Avoid square-toed shoes like the plague.
It's so simple, but it's a problem that continues to plague men from all walks of life. Do not wear square toed shoes. Ever.
Not only does the shape seem unnatural and straight-up ugly to just about everyone, but there are so many formal footwear options, at a dizzying selection of price points that there's no reason to not own a pair of simple oxford shoes. Footwear in black or brown leather, with laces, and little to no brogue detailing will work in nearly every situation. If you don't have a pair already in your closet, pass on the latest Jordan release, and cop a pair. Your future earnings will be proof enough.
Sneakers shouldn't necessarily be the first choice when you're heading to an interview, but if you can get away with rocking a pair, go for something in the ballpark of a white colorway, in a low-top. Think Vans Authentics or Common Projects Achilles lows—but not Air Force 1 mids.
The more minimal your outfit, the better.
With an interview, all wardrobe advice amounts to impressing your interviewer with your resume—without distracting them with a crazy outfit. Like your work history, you outfit selection should be an indication of your organizational skills and taste level. From the cuts to the colors, you should keep things minimal.
We suggest wearing a watch, and keeping all the other jewelry at home. Go easy on the cologne (or pass on it completely). If it's a formal interview, wear a simplified suit, and a shirt without a pattern. If keeping it casual, keep the jeans or casual trousers tailored, and in an indigo hue. If you don't need to wear a blazer, wear a solid oxford shirt or clean, solid T-shirt.
Determine the difference between what you need and what you think you need. If you stop to think about this before you leave the house, you'll be flourishing come crunch time. In the world of job interviews, edit your outfit like your work history: include all of the necessary information, but only the necessary information.