6 Rules For Your Shoes During The Job Interview (2024)

No one wants to spend two hours in ajob interviewwith wet feet. This time of year, snow or rain could dampen your footsteps as you head into an important career conversation (especially if you live in a region where it snows!).

However, stepping into a job interview in those bright pink or polka dot rubber boots that look ‘so cute’ may not send the right message if you’re there seeking a job as acorporate lawyeror afinancial analyst, or even if your future boss comes from a traditional background.

6 Rules For Your Shoes During The Job Interview (1)

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Big furry boots may convey your practicality and weather-readiness if you’re applying for a job as aparks supervisor, but may seem out of place in a Fortune 100 conference room.

So how do you manage the winter weather footwear so you look professional and stay warm?

Start by considering the culture of where you’re interviewing.Accountingandlaw firmsare likely to favor candidates in more conservative footwear. But, if you’re at a design studio something more colorful and stylish may be perfectly appropriate. Check the employer’s website, Google the company, and research the company’s culture on sites likeGlassdoorfor clues.

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Then, go to your favorite weather website or station so you know what kind of weather to expect on the day of the interview. (The best forecasts are made within 24 hours so re-check one day before.) If a snowstorm is in the forecast, allow extra time for the commute to your meeting. And take a look at your best boots (or those borrowed from your sister or best friend) to see if they are polished and ready. You won’t want to walk in leaving muddy footprints in your path.

Consider these 6 do’s and don’ts when it comes to footwear for job interviews, especially during winter:

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1. Save shimmery shoes and sneakers for after hours. Shoes with crystals and studs are inappropriate for professional settings, especially job interviews, Desiree Stimpert writes in anAbout.compost. She’s their Shoes guide, and while she likes “renegade” footwear, she cautions that trainers and Converse chutes do not make the best first impression when “business is business.”

2.Too high is too risky.Yes, they are beautiful and show off the curve of your leg or your hemline wonderfully. But in an interview you want to show off your work skills and your ability to advance the employer’s goals. Stimpert wrote: “The emphasis should be on you and your skills, not on your shoes.” Other experts suggest heels should max out at 2 or 2 1/2 inches.

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3. Black boots may work, but beware.If women are wearing boots with a skirt, they need to stick with a neutral color, usually black or dark brown, and make sure it matches their outfit in tone, said Jayne Mattson, a senior vice president at Keystone Associates. Never wear your galoshes into an interview, no matter how cute and colorful they seem. The same goes for basic winter boots. If it’s pouring rain or sleet outside, it’s ok to show up in those winter boots, and then take them off and change once you arrive, she suggests.

4. Make sure your shoes and boots are clean and polished. It’s easy for them to pick up road salt or grim in the winter months, so take time to clean them and make sure they are well cared for.

5. Seek a safe stash. Some options to hide those winter boots include the coat closet in the waiting room, a dark corner of the entryway or even behind a plant. However, if there’s no good place to stash your winter weather boots you wore in, see if the receptionist will keep them behind her workspace for an hour. When she agrees, get her name and title because she merits a note of appreciation as much as the recruiter who recommended you for the job.

6. Be prepared to walk… and walk.Skip the very tight shoes or those that make a strange squeaky sound. If you’re going to a major company, you may have a long walk from the parking garage to the person you’re seeing, so choose shoes that are comfortable as well as professional. If the weather is dicey, wear something that’s up to the elements and won’t allow you to slip before you arrive at the interview. You want to be walked to a second and third office to meet more people and not be limping along to get there, or squeaking along each step of the way.

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If you want to be hired, make sure your shoes are clean, professional and appropriate for the company, even when it’s raining or snowing outdoors.

6 Rules For Your Shoes During The Job Interview (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 rules for dressing for an interview? ›

Dressing for an important interview
  • Dress for the position. ...
  • Dress slightly more formally than required. ...
  • Pay attention to fit and comfort. ...
  • Lean toward conservative colors. ...
  • Accessorize with care. ...
  • Maintain a polished appearance. ...
  • Consider scent sensitivities.

How important are shoes in an interview? ›

By presenting yourself with neatly polished shoes, you demonstrate to your potential employer that you value quality and take pride in your appearance, setting a positive tone for the interview.

What shoes should I wear to a job interview? ›

Flats can be more comfortable to walk in than heels, which is super important if you have those pre-interview nerves. Choose a pair of flats with closed toes and backs to them so you look like a true professional.

Do interviewers look at your shoes? ›

Want to impress your interviewer? Make sure you wear the right shoes! A study revealed people can accurately determine 90 percent of someone's personality simply by looking at the color, condition, cost, and style of his or her shoes.

What are five 5 do's and don'ts for a job interview? ›

Top five interview dos and don'ts
  • Do your homework. ...
  • Make a good first impression. ...
  • Listen and respond accordingly. ...
  • Prepare smart, open ended questions to ask the interviewer. ...
  • Sell your strengths and expertise. ...
  • Don't speak poorly about your present or former employers. ...
  • Don't falsify information. ...
  • Don't speak over the interviewer.

Can I wear sneakers to an interview? ›

Open-toed shoes or sandals are generally too casual for a job interview, regardless of the company's dress code. Sneakers or athletic shoes. Even if the company has a casual dress code, it's best to avoid athletic shoes for an interview. Opt for dress shoes or loafers instead.

Why do people judge you by your shoes? ›

There is this saying, “Shoes convey a thin but useful slice of information about their wearers. Shoes serve a practical purpose, and also serve as nonverbal cues with symbolic messages. People tend to pay attention to the shoes they and others wear.”

How important are your shoes? ›

Footwear is your first line of defense against the wear and tear of an active lifelong lifestyle. Proper footwear provides not only protection, but helps you maintain your balance and posture and prevent falls. They also help prevent conditions such as bunions, plantar fasciitis and calluses.

Why is it important to wear the correct shoes in the workplace? ›

Reduced risk of injury: Proper footwear can reduce the risk of work-related accidents like slips, trips, and falls. Comfortable shoes with good traction could help prevent slipping and tripping on wet or uneven surfaces.

Is it OK to wear flat shoes to an interview? ›

If you are cannot wear heels for whatever reason, basic, professional-looking flats will not cost you a job offer.

Is it unprofessional to wear open toed shoes to an interview? ›

Sandals, flip-flops and other open-toed shoes may be more appropriate for casual situations than a job interview. Instead, you may want to consider a classic dress shoe, such as a pair of oxfords. Since many of them are leather and scuff easily, look over your shoes before getting ready for your interview.

Which Colour shoe is best for interview? ›

Keep it simple and smart – navy, brown, tan or black are all the safest shoe colours to go for. These neutral tones will ensure you look put together and professional.

What do your shoes tell the employer about you? ›

"Practical and functional shoes generally belong to agreeable people." If there's any truth to the research, it can't hurt to wear practical, functional, clean, and polished shoes to your interview. Impractical or flashy shoes may leave the impression you'll be a high maintenance employee.

Do people notice your shoes? ›

Yes, actually, it is true. The first thing most people notice in a person is the shoe they wear. Disclaimer: The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice.

Do interviewers look at your hair? ›

When attending a job interview, you want to make sure that your interviewer sees you as a professional. Your hairstyle should align with the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are interviewing for a job in a corporate firm, it is best to go for a sleek and sophisticated look, avoiding messy hairstyles.

What is the interview code of dress? ›

You should wear a suit to interviews. “Suit” means the works: a matching jacket and pants, dress shirt, tie, coordinating socks and dress shoes. A dark-colored suit with light colored shirt is your best option. Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well so that you look and act your best.

What are the general rules of dressing? ›

10 Rules of Dressing for Success
  • #1) Avoid Wearing a Sports Coat. Don't make the mistake of wearing a sports coat. ...
  • #2) Stick with Basic Colors and Patterns. ...
  • #3) Press Your Suit. ...
  • #4) Wear the Right Socks. ...
  • #5) Avoid Baggy Clothes. ...
  • #6) Made-to-Measure Suit. ...
  • #7) Wear a Belt. ...
  • #8) Wear the Right Dress Shoes.

How not to dress for an interview? ›

Avoid overly casual attire: Even if the company has a relaxed dress code, steer clear of casual clothing like jeans, shorts, or flip-flops during an interview. Show that you take the opportunity seriously. Say no to loud patterns: Refrain from wearing loud patterns or bright colors, as they can be distracting.

What is the best color to wear to an interview? ›

As a result, while hues of blue, gray and black will work wonders for formal or traditional job interviews, applying for a more creative job will likely require you to wear something like purple, green or yellow.

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