The first impression you make on a potential employer is incredibly meaningful and important. When you first meet, employers will form an assessment based on what you’re wearing and how you carry yourself. Regardless of the work environment, it’s important to dress professionally for a job interview. This will help guarantee that you make a great first impression.
In general, the candidate dressed in a suit and tie is going to make a much better impression than the candidate dressed in scruffy jeans and a t-shirt.
That said, different industries do have varying expectations for what candidates and employees should wear. The appropriate dress code can vary greatly depending on company and industry.
Here’s more on what to wear to an interview for professional, casual, and startup companies, when you want to make the best impression.
How to Dress for a Professional Interview
Men’s Interview Attire
Here are examples of interview outfits for men. For a professional interview, men can default to wearing a suit. All clothes should fit well and not have any stains. Here are the fundamental items a man wears during a professional interview:
- Suit (solid color – navy, black, or dark grey)
- Long sleeved shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)
- Belt
- Tie (here’s how to tie it)
- Dark socks, conservative leather shoes
- Little or no jewelry
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Limit the aftershave
- Neatly trimmed nails
- Portfolio or briefcase
