Dani McEwen opted for a matching blazer and pants for a job interview at an insurance company. However, she quickly noticed that most employees wore T-shirts and jeans. “The first thing that went through my mind was that I probably looked like I was trying way too hard and maybe seemed too uptight,” said McEwen, a student at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.
With the rise of virtual interviews and casual work environments, candidates struggle to decide what to wear for meetings with potential employers. Traditional business attire, once a staple for job interviews, no longer fits all settings. Interviewers might appear in hoodies and shorts, further blurring expectations.
The conflict between traditional norms and today’s relaxed workplace environments poses challenges for applicants. Christina Adamo, a personal stylist at Neiman Marcus in Paramus, New Jersey, noted, “Everyone and everything has become slightly more relaxed, especially dress codes, due to hybrid and remote work transitions.” Wearing a suit remains common for executive roles and fields like law and finance, but researching an organization’s culture or asking about the dress code helps. Feeling out of place can affect your performance. McEwen remarked, “Most of what matters about your interview outfit is that you feel confident about it. It puts you in the mindset that you’re going to succeed.”
Research to Align Your Appearance with Company Culture
Investigate a company’s dress norms by checking their social media or website. The career section of The Walt Disney Co.’s website showcases employees in various roles, helping you gauge typical work attire. Dress slightly more polished than what you find. Samantha Harman, a personal stylist and author from London, advises analyzing company language on platforms like LinkedIn to understand dress codes better.
Despite research, candidates sometimes end up more dressed up than their interviewers. Molly Tyndale wore a blouse and suit jacket for an online interview with a “business professional” dress code. She was surprised when one interviewer wore an athletic T-shirt. “If I, as the candidate, had joined in a T-shirt, that would almost certainly be an automatic no,” Tyndale said.
Crafting a Strong First Impression
Wardrobes serve as branding tools. Hiring managers for senior roles assess whether a candidate looks capable of representing the company. Dylan Thomas Cotter, a Los Angeles publicist, wears a dark blue tailored suit to project confidence at job interviews. Harman suggests keeping up with fashion trends to maintain a modern appearance.
For budget-conscious individuals, thrift stores or organizations offering donated clothing are viable options. Regardless of attire formality, certain guidelines remain. Jamie Close, a recruiter from HireQuest, advises presenting yourself cleanly and confidently.
Dress Appropriately for Different Interview Formats
Dress for virtual interviews as you would in person. Wearing shoes, even off-camera, can boost confidence and professionalism. Opt for solid colors, which look better on camera than patterns. Adamo suggests treating virtual interviews seriously, dressing fully as you would for an in-person meeting.
For discussions on workplace wellness or to share questions and stories, contact [email protected] or follow AP’s Be Well coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well.
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