Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on
Select your interview outfit by considering today’s workplace norms, an employers’ dress code, and the location of the interview.
What to wear to an interview
When choosing interview attire, there are some important considerations:
Making a good impression on a potential employer
Feeling comfortable and confident during the interview experience
Dressing appropriately for the job to which you’re applying: Is the employer’s dress code casual or formal, especially as more and more offices shift toward remote work?
Dressing for the location: onsite at the company’s headquarters or via Zoom
Keep in mind that your priorities are to present your qualifications and make empowered career decisions. That means your attire should complement rather than distract from the real focus of your interview. Using our simple process below, you’ll choose your outfit confidently, without having to spend a lot of time and energy on this aspect of interviewing.
- Get access to 7,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
- Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
- Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
- A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime
Start 7-day free trial
3 steps for choosing your interview attire
Follow these steps to select your interview attire, while freeing up mental energy to conduct the rest of your interview preparation.
1. Consider common rules of thumb.
Dress one step up from what those in the workplace environment wear. For example, if a company’s leaders and employees typically dress in jeans and T-shirts, your one step up might include a pair of non-denim pants and a tucked-in shirt.
Prioritize feeling comfortable and confident. Even if you’ll be wearing a tie and button-down shirt, make sure your garments do not restrict movement or irritate your skin so that you can focus on the conversation with a potential employer. You may even choose to wear something you already know feels comfortable, rather than investing in a new set of garments.
Make sure every garment in your ensemble is clean, free of wrinkles or tears, and properly fitting. These details alone can polish your look.
2. Research the company’s dress code.
In conjunction with dressing one step up, you’ll want to get a clear sense of the company’s environment, culture, dress code, or workplace attire expectations. You can find this out by:
Calling or emailing your interview point of contact and asking them about the company's dress code. Here are examples of questions you could ask: “How do people who work here usually dress?” or “How would you dress for an interview with this company?”
Perusing the company’s website and social media profiles for images that offer clues about the typical attire
Visiting the company’s location (if convenient) and observing firsthand how employees dress
Once you find out the company’s dress code, consider the examples in these four workplace attire categories:
In formal environments, appropriate attire might include a tailored suit, button-down shirt with tie, blouse, lace-up dress shoes or close-toed pumps, and stockings or dress socks.
In casual environments, such as a tech company or start-up, you might see staff members wearing a broad range of attire, from khaki pants and button-downs to jeans, T-shirts, and hoodies. For your interview, you might choose an outfit that is more on the business casual side, rather than something very casual. Business casual attire typically blends some elements of formal and casual attire and can include non-denim pants, blazers, button-downs, and dresses and skirts that aren’t part of a business suit.
In creative environments, such as a design company, art gallery, or a clothing boutique, you might find a more fashion-forward culture of dressing. In this case, you might choose garments and accessories that reflect the latest trends and resemble the styles worn by employees and clientele.
In industry-specific environments, dress codes can differ significantly between interviews and that which is worn on the job. For example, for a personal trainer interview at a fitness studio, you might wear business casual for the face-to-face part of the interview and athletic attire for a physical demonstration of your training approach. For an interview at a medical facility, you might opt for business casual or a step above, even if you’ll be wearing scrubs or a lab coat on the job.
3. Dress for the interview location.
Interviewing on Zoom or at a company’s headquarters may determine the garments you choose.
For interviewing on Zoom, choose colors that contrast with your background, so that you stand out, but opt for colors that don’t clash too much.For interviewing onsite, keep your physical comfort in mind. For example, air-conditioned office spaces can feel frigid after a short period of time of being there, while fitness facilities may feel balmy. For an outdoor location, you may need a durable pair of shoes or a weather-proof coat.
What not to wear to an interview
While you have some leeway in choosing your interview attire, there are some things to avoid:
Heavy perfume or cologne
A lot of accessories
Wrinkled, torn, or ill-fitting garments
Garments that feel uncomfortable, restrictive, or completely at odds with who you are
An outfit that doesn’t match the brand or culture of the company you want to work for
A combination of radically different patterns, colors, textures
Flip flops or athletic shoes
Need more inspiration? Search image-based sites like Pinterest and Instagram for visual examples of appropriate interview attire.
Next steps for getting more out of your interview experience
Once you’ve settled on your interview attire, remember to reserve plenty of time to prepare thoroughly for the conversation you’ll have with the prospective employer.
This can include researching the company, crafting STAR method stories about your professional experience, and preparing questions to ask the interviewer.As you continue your job search, it’s a good idea to build strong interviewing skills to draw upon along your career path.
Set yourself up for success in your next interview with The Art of the Job Interview from Big Interview on Coursera. Learn more about non-verbal communication, mistakes to avoid, how to analyze job descriptions, and more.
Updated on
Written by:
C
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
Greetings, enthusiasts of professional attire and career advancement. I am an expert well-versed in the nuances of interview attire, having delved deeply into the realm of workplace norms, employer expectations, and the impact of one's outfit on the overall interview experience. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, backed by a wealth of practical experience and a keen understanding of the dynamics shaping the contemporary job market.
Now, let's dissect the comprehensive guide provided by Coursera on "What to Wear to an Interview: 2023 Guide." This article offers valuable insights into the multifaceted considerations involved in selecting the perfect interview outfit, ensuring you make a lasting and positive impression on potential employers.
Key Concepts:
-
Prioritizing Impressions and Comfort:
- Expert Insight: The article emphasizes the dual importance of making a good impression and feeling comfortable during an interview.
- Practical Advice: Dressing one step up from the workplace norm is recommended, ensuring a balance between professionalism and comfort.
-
Researching Dress Codes:
- Expert Insight: Understanding the company's dress code is crucial for aligning with its culture and expectations.
- Practical Advice: Methods for researching dress codes include contacting the interview point of contact, exploring the company's online presence, and visiting the company's location if feasible.
-
Workplace Attire Categories:
- Expert Insight: The article categorizes attire based on the formality of the workplace, ranging from formal environments to casual and creative settings.
- Practical Advice: It provides specific examples of appropriate attire for each category, offering a nuanced approach tailored to different industries.
-
Adapting to Interview Locations:
- Expert Insight: Dressing appropriately for the interview location, whether on Zoom or at the company's headquarters, is highlighted.
- Practical Advice: Tips include choosing colors that contrast with Zoom backgrounds and considering physical comfort for onsite interviews.
-
What Not to Wear:
- Expert Insight: The article provides a list of items to avoid, such as heavy perfume, ill-fitting garments, and inappropriate accessories.
- Practical Advice: Clear guidelines are given on elements that may detract from a professional appearance, helping candidates steer clear of potential pitfalls.
-
Additional Resources for Inspiration:
- Expert Insight: Suggesting image-based sites like Pinterest and Instagram for visual examples of appropriate attire.
- Practical Advice: Encouraging candidates to seek inspiration from these platforms to enhance their understanding of suitable interview outfits.
In conclusion, the Coursera guide not only delves into the theoretical aspects of interview attire but also provides practical, actionable advice to empower individuals in their career journeys. As you prepare for your next interview, remember that your attire is a powerful tool in conveying professionalism and confidence. Good luck on your path to success!
