What to wear to a job interview

Key points

• What you wear to an interview is important and can help make a positive first impression. 

• Wear something clean, neat and simple, for example, a collared shirt with long pants or a skirt.

• Plan your outfit the day before, ensure it is clean and ironed (if needed). 

Preparing an interview outfit

Choosing suitable clothes to wear to a job interview can help make a positive first impression. There are no strict rules about how to dress for an interview, but it’s generally advised to wear something neat and simple. For most workplaces, a good interview outfit is usually:

• a shirt with a collar

• a cardigan or blazer (if it is cold weather)

• long pants or a skirt

• shoes (but not sports/exercise shoes).

These types of clothes are sometimes described as ‘smart casual’.

If you decide to buy a new outfit for your interview, it’s a good idea to do this at least a week in advance. This way, you’ll have enough time to wear it around the house and get used to how it feels. When buying an outfit, you should try to bring along a trusted person to help you. Alternatively, you can ask staff members at the store for their advice.

If you decide to use an outfit you already own for your interview, try it on at least a week in advance. This way, you can make sure everything is still clean, fits well, and has no holes or missing buttons. And remember to polish your shoes if they’re looking a little scuffed!

Make sure that whatever you choose to wear is comfortable. It can feel odd to wear something different than your usual clothes, but this can also help you get into the right headspace – think of the outfit as being your interview ‘uniform’! 

Don't forget the basics!

In all the excitement (and nerves) of the interview, it's easy to forget the basics, but these are as important as ever. The day before your interview, iron your clothes (if needed) and/or hang them on a clothes hanger or a chair so they are ready. 

On the day of your interview, to be extra careful, you should wait to change into your interview outfit until after you’ve eaten. This can prevent disasters caused by last-minute spills!

Don’t forget the basics, like checking your hair is neat, checking your breath is fresh, and using deodorant. Interviews can be stressful enough already, so you don’t want to worry about sweaty and smelly armpits too!