Knowing what to wear to an interview as a man can be just as stressful as the interview questions itself. We all know how important first impressions are.
When it comes to securing “that” job, wearing clothing that looks well on you and fits the style of the interviewing firm might make all the difference.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to what to dress for a job interview as a man, including tips for looking your best, feeling at ease, and presenting yourself as the ideal candidate for the position.
Read on!
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Job Interview Attire
According to statistics, the way you dress and walk through the door in a job interview determines 55 percent of initial impressions, and 65 percent of hiring managers believe attire might be the determining factor between candidates.
Learning and knowing the company’s culture grabs the interviewer’s attention right away, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately. The company’s website contains a wealth of useful information.
If there are pictures of the employees, you’ll know whether to dress professionally or stylishly casually.
If you’re still unsure, give them a quick call and inquire about their dress code. Employers frequently exclude dress specifics from correspondence so that they may make their own decisions about how prospective employees dress.
Whether you’re looking for a job in a formal corporate setting, interviewing for a more relaxed setting, or pursuing a dream job, you need to be prepared.
Why is it Necessary to Dress Appropriately for an Interview?
In a job interview, you have the chance to market yourself by making your talents and expertise stand out among the other candidates.
Developing questions to ask the hiring manager, printing resumes and lists of references, and completing more research can all be part of the job interview preparation process.
However, taking the time to dress professionally for an interview can help you feel more at ease and confident when answering questions while still satisfying the employer’s wardrobe standards.
Read Also: What To Do After an Interview | Ultimate Checklist you must Follow
What are the Rules
Before we get into the good bits, let’s set a few rules for you to dress to impress:
- On the day of the interview, avoid determining what to wear. Trust me, you’ll be stressed enough! You don’t want to end up looking like a child in daddy’s suit or wearing the wrong bra with your lone professional dress. It’s just as crucial to get the perfect fit as it is to get the right outfit.
- Make your laundry a day ahead of time. Hiring managers have the ability to recognize an outstanding prospect. They can also see the meatball stain from your last Bumble date, because let’s face it, that’s the only shirt you’re wearing to seal the deal. You need a reality check if you think a stain is human. 59 percent of CEOs were turned off by stains and unclean markings. Drop the mic.
- Avoid wearing too much bling. Coachella can use your stacking talents. When you have too many chains, necklaces, or bangles, they might all clang together, creating a lot of noise and distraction.
- None of these regulations apply to Skype interviews. They necessitate the same amount of thinking and consideration when it comes to your appearance. Please also wear pants. You never know when you’ll need to leap to your feet to obtain something.
Helpful Tips for men on how to dress for a job interview
Keep these suggestions in mind while you shop for the perfect interview outfit.
Follow your employer’s directions.
Normally, the hiring manager of the organization with which you are interviewed will send you an email telling you of an in-person interview.
They should provide complete specifics regarding what you should dress for the interview at this point. If they don’t, follow the steps outlined above.
Perform your research
To view what employees wear at work, go to the company’s website. This might provide you additional direction on how staff dress on a daily basis and give you clothing suggestions for the upcoming season.
Read Also: Group Interview Tips: How To Stand Out Among the Crowd Easily
Make your closet more functional.
During the interview, the interviewer wants to get to know you, so make sure your outfit is visually appealing and acceptable.
What to Wear to an Interview as a Man
Whenever you’re going for an interview, how to dress should depend on the work environment.
For a Formal Business
The following will serve as a guide for you when dressing for an interview in a formal business environment:
- Wear a dark-colored, single-breasted two-piece suit.
- You should wear a solid-colored suit or one with minimal pinstripes.
- Dress shirts in white or light colors are ideal.
- Avoid bow ties and busy designs by wearing a conservative tie.
- Wear dark, polished shoes that are free of scrapes and stains.
- Wear socks that are the same color.
- Wearing a strong cologne is not a good idea.
- In a briefcase or a stylish laptop bag, carry your CV and paperwork.
- Make sure any tattoos are hidden and any body piercings are removed.
In a Casual Business Setting
When going for an interview in a casual business setting like an IT or tech firm, dressing business casual is the right dress code. The following guide will help you:
- Wear lint-free, hole-free, and stain-free chinos or trousers.
- Wear a collared button-up shirt.
- Choose polished leather shoes that are free of blemishes and stains.
- Wear socks that are the same color.
- Carry your résumé and documents in a bag or briefcase.
- Jeans and shirts with no collars should be avoided.
- Avoid wearing shoes with exposed toes.
- Shave and get a haircut, or tie your hair back if it’s long.
- Make sure all of your tattoos are covered, and any body piercings you may have been removed.
- Add a little personality to your wardrobe for IT and creative industries; contemporary trends will offer you a more dynamic and energetic appearance, and your employer will likely see you as a more forward-thinking person who fits in.
In a Casual Setting
In a situation where you are preparing to go for an interview in a casual setting like a bar, boutique, lounge, or cafe, make sure you look good.
Yes, you may be tempted to wear anything you want because most of these businesses don’t have a standard dress code. But don’t because the first impression matters a lot no matter the skills you have.
So, when thinking of what to wear in a casual interview, the following guide will help you think right:
Make sure your outfit is polished no matter what you’re wearing.
Instead of wearing jeans, opt for dark trousers or chinos.
Wear a polo shirt with a collar or a buttoned shirt.
- Unless it’s part of the company’s normal uniform, leave the tie at home.
- With chinos, a casual loafer will work; just make sure they’re in decent shape.
- Shave your head and make sure your hair is tidy.
- Make sure all of your tattoos are covered, and any body piercings you may have been removed.
- Don’t overdo the cologne.
- Make sure your nails are clean, which is especially important if you work in the hospitality industry.
Read Also: 50 Behavioral Interview Questions You Must Know Before any Interview
Finally, Worker’s Setting
A suit and tie are inappropriate for a job as a laborer, in a manufacturing factory, or in an area where you work outside all day.
Wearing your favorite band’s t-shirt and worn-out thongs is still a bad idea. The trick is to observe what others in the company are wearing and then dress a little better.
Follow these tips if you’re not sure what to dress for your interview.
- Put on your best pair of jeans (that means no holes, worn-out patches, or stains).
- Wear your jeans with a belt.
- Wear your favorite jeans with a casual top like a polo or a t-shirt in a solid color.
- Avoid shorts of any kind.
- Avoid shirts with graphics on the front or that are overly tight or short.
- Make sure your hair is neat and tidy, as well as any facial hair.
- Wearing a hat to the interview is not recommended.
- The best shoes are those with a closed toe and are in good shape.
- Long-sleeved shirts or long pants should be worn to hide any tattoos or body piercings.
What not to Wear for an Interview as a Man
Just as you know what to wear for a job interview as a man, it’s important you also know what you don’t wear. Knowledge of this will help you avoid some interview attire mistakes most people make.
Bright and Flashy Colors
This is one interview attire mistake most people make. Some believe that looking flashy makes them look smart and attractive, while some believe it will make interviewers give them more attention.
But all are lies. It will only make you look stupid!
And if at all you want to wear a bright color, ensure all you wear acts as a counterbalance. For instance, you can wear a purple shirt with a black suit. Don’t wear it in a blue or orange suit.
Read Also: Best Answer to “Sell me this Pen” Question in an Interview
Wearing Harsh Perfume
You never know if your interviewer has an allergy or intolerance to strong fragrances, so go easy on the perfume and cologne.
You don’t want your overpowering perfume or dab of cologne to be the first or last thing the interviewer notices about you in either case.
Using Headphone
While it’s fine to listen to music on your drive to the interview, remove your headphones before entering the office and stow them away until your appointment is called.
You don’t want to be fiddling with tangled cords or wireless earbuds as you meet and shake hands with your interviewer if you don’t want to appear busy and inattentive.
Wearing Tacky Ties
This is not the moment to wear that quirky tie you got for Christmas last year. Even if you think your tie will make a statement, err on the side of caution and go for a more traditional option.
It’s fine to wear a pattern with conservative colors, such as muted stripes or subtle paisley, but don’t try to be the funny guy with the gaudy tie.
Read Also: What Is Portfolio For Interview? Tips On How To Use
Looking Outdated
Everything matters in a competitive employment market, including your entire appearance. Invest in some trendy, fashion-forward items to wear to your interview if your wardrobe is outdated, or if you have been out of the labor for a while and your closet reflects it.
Don’t forget about your footwear. Wearing a pair of sneakers, an outdated pair of pumps, or a worn-out pair of dress shoes will not make you look polished or professional.
Reference
- thebalancecareers.com/ – What not to wear in a Job Interview
- indeed.com/ – What to wear to a job interview for men
- themuse.com/ – What Every Guy Needs to Know About Dressing for a Job Interview
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