How to dress for an interview (for men)

A job interview is an important opportunity to demonstrate your skills and competencies, but it's also a chance to make a good impression from a dress code perspective. Dressing appropriately and professionally can positively influence the employer's judgement and increase your chances of success in the selection process.

In this article, we will give you some tips on how to dress for a job interview if you're a man, taking into account the type of company and role you are seeking. You will learn how to choose the right clothing items, how to combine them, and how to take care of details to present yourself at your best during the interview.

• How to choose the appropriate clothing?
• What to avoid?
• How to combine clothing items?
• Which accessories to use?

Keep reading to discover all our tips on how to dress for a job interview as a man.

Know the Company and Industry

Before choosing what to wear for a job interview, it's important to know the company and industry in which it operates. This will give you a good idea of the type of attire expected from employees.

Research on the Company

Researching the company should be the first thing you do when preparing for a job interview. There are several sources where you can get useful information:

• Company website: check the "About Us" or "History" section to understand the company's mission and goals.
• Company social media pages: read posts, comments, and reviews to get an idea of the company culture.
• Online reviews: search for reviews on sites like Glassdoor to know about former employees' experiences.

Industry

Each industry has its own rules regarding professional attire. For example, in the banking or legal sector, a formal and sober look is expected, while in a technological startup, a more casual attire may be acceptable.

In any case, it's important to avoid dressing too casually or too formally. If you're not sure what the right compromise is, it's better to opt for a more formal attire.

Finally, it's important to remember that clothing should always be clean and well-maintained. No matter what look you choose, if your clothes are dirty or worn out, the overall impression will be negative.

Choose Appropriate Attire

The first step to dressing appropriately for a job interview is choosing the right attire. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Formal Clothing

In general, men should wear a suit and a long-sleeved shirt. The color of the suit should be dark, such as gray or navy blue. The shirt should be white or coordinated with the suit.

Pants should be of the same shade as the suit and must be long enough to cover the shoe. Shoes should be clean and polished. Accessories should be minimal, such as a black or dark blue tie.

Semi-Formal Attire

If the interview calls for less formal attire, you can opt for a pair of elegant fabric or cotton pants and a long-sleeved shirt. You can also add a lightweight sweater over the shirt.

Shoes should still be clean and well-maintained but may be less formal than suits.

What to Avoid

• Jeans and shorts: these are never appropriate for a job interview.
• T-shirts and sweatshirts: these are also not suitable for an interview.
• Sneakers or sandals: these shoes are unprofessional and should be avoided.

Remember that clothing is important because it communicates your respect for the employer and their company. Dressing appropriately will help you make a good impression and increase your chances of getting the job.

Important Details to Consider

For a job interview, it's important to present yourself in a professional and well-groomed manner. Here are some details you shouldn't overlook:

• Clean and pressed clothes: make sure your shirt, jacket, and pants are clean and pressed. You don't want to give the impression of being messy or unkempt.
• Choose the right color: for a formal interview, opt for dark colors like navy blue, gray, or black. Avoid overly bright or flashy colors that may distract your interviewer.
• Clean and polished shoes: shoes are one of the first details noticed during an interview. Make sure they are clean and polished.
• Accessories in moderation: avoid wearing too many accessories such as flashy watches or ostentatious jewelry. Instead, choose one or two discreet but elegant accessories, such as a tie or pocket square.
• Paying attention to sleeve length: make sure the sleeves of your jacket reach your wrist and those of your shirt protrude slightly from the jacket.
• Make sure your hair is well-groomed: cut and style your hair professionally. Avoid overly elaborate or eccentric hairstyles.
• Maintain good posture: during the interview, keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. This will help you convey confidence and professionalism.

Remember: clothing is one of the first elements noticed during a job interview. Pay attention to details and present yourself professionally to increase your chances of success.

Suitable Accessories and Footwear

In addition to clothing, the right accessories can make a difference for a professional look. Here are some tips on what to wear:

• Cintura: Choose a black or dark brown leather belt that matches your shoes.
• Watch: Wear an elegant and simple watch with a white or black dial. Avoid sporty or too flashy watches.
• Cufflinks: If you're wearing a shirt with double cuffs, add a touch of class with discreet cufflinks.
• Pocket square: If you want to add a touch of color to your outfit, you can opt for a silk pocket square. Make sure the color matches your tie or shirt.

In addition, shoes are just as important as clothing. Here are some options suitable for a job interview:

• Oxford: Black Oxford shoes are the most classic and formal choice for an interview. Make sure they are shiny and clean.
• Derby: Derby shoes are slightly less formal than Oxfords but still suitable for an interview. Choose a pair in black or dark brown leather.
• Loafer: If your interview is less formal, you can opt for elegant and simple loafers in black or dark brown leather.

Remember that shoes must be clean and shiny. Make sure you have socks that match your shoes and outfit.

Example:

If you're wearing a dark gray suit with a white shirt, you can choose a black leather belt, shiny and clean Oxfords, and a gray or blue silk pocket square. Add an elegant watch with a black dial to complete your professional look.

Conclusion

Dressing for a job interview can be stressful, but by following some simple rules and using common sense, you can present yourself in a professional and confident manner.

Remember that clothing is only part of the impression you want to give during an interview. Your attitude and preparation are equally important.

In general, opt for a clean, tidy, and professional look. Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid too flashy or casual items, such as T-shirts with slogans or jogging pants.

Finally, don't forget to pay attention to details: clean and well-polished shoes, combed hair, and a well-groomed beard can make a difference in the impression you will give to your potential employer.

• Remember: dressing well doesn't necessarily mean spending a fortune! With a few essential items in your wardrobe, you can create outfits suitable for every occasion.
• Never underestimate the importance of personal appearance during a job interview. The right clothing can make you feel more confident and self-assured.

In conclusion, dressing appropriately for a job interview is essential to make a good impression and increase the chances of success. By following some simple rules, such as opting for clean and tidy clothes and paying attention to details, you can make a difference in the impression you will give to your potential employer. Remember also that clothing is only part of the overall impression: your attitude and preparation are equally important. With a little care and attention, you can present yourself in a professional and confident manner during your next interview.