Having trouble picking out the perfect job interview attire for men?

It's not always easy to choose the right interview attire for men. Obviously, you want to make the best possible impression on employers, and your appearance can play a critical role in ensuring they see you as a great fit for the job. But there are so many things to consider. 

  • Should you always wear a suit? 

  • Are jeans the right option? 

  • Do you have to wear a tie every time?

In this article, we'll explore the issue of interview attire for men and consider the different options available to male job candidates. We'll also offer some advice and tips to help you match your interview attire to any job situation.

Related reading: How to Make a Good Impression at a Job Interview

What qualifies as appropriate interview attire?

Black, navy, gray, or khaki suits, dress pants, blazers, and jackets are always acceptable interview outfits. White shirts are the norm, but you can sometimes also get away with shades of blue or striped dress shirts. Ties shouldn't be too loud or outrageous for an interview, either.

For most interviews, you'll need to opt for either business casual or business formal attire. But what qualifies as formal or casual business attire? 

Business Casual

If you are going to an interview in a business-casual setting, you'll have more dress code options than in a formal environment. For example, a sweater over a button-down shirt with slacks, a button-down with slacks and an open jacket, or a polo shirt with slacks all qualify as business casual.

Business Formal

Business formal is typically a three-piece suit with a tie. You should stick to a black or navy suit with a solid-colored tie.

Jeans, t-shirts, graphic or offensive language, prints, torn clothing, and heavy cologne are all huge interview attire no-nos. Accessories should be very minimal – watches are an example of something acceptable. Dress shoes should always be clean, shined, and in good repair.

If you're in a creative field, you may have a bit more leeway when it comes to colors and styles but don't take things too far. You might consider a more creative tie or a brighter shirt, but all of the other rules still apply.

What job interview outfit should you wear in every situation?

Internships

Business casual is typically acceptable for internships. While a lot of internships are less than business casual, you want to show the company and hiring managers you are professional and serious about your impending career. Dressing in business casual attire can show them you take the opportunity seriously.

Startup positions

Startup positions should be treated like internships: stick with business casual. The company is new, so dressing formally could make you feel out of place and make everyone uncomfortable. A button-up shirt and a pair of slacks should be enough to show them you are excited about the opportunity and can be professional.

Entry-level positions

When applying to an entry-level position, research the company and see if business formal or casual is the best way to go. If you can't find the information you need, business casual is fine. You want to show you are ready to jumpstart your career but don't want to seem like you are trying too hard.

Mid- to senior-level positions

When interviewing for mid- to senior-level positions, you should research the culture of the company to determine the appropriate interview attire. If you can't find that information, business formal attire is the best option. You always want to leave the best impression on the hiring manager and demonstrate you are ready for the new responsibility.

Management and executive positions

Business formal is the right choice for management and executive-level interviews. You'll be expected to dress as a manager would during your work hours, so you want to make the strongest impression you can.

Related reading: How to Interview for a Management Position Without Experience

Skype or video interviews

You should dress for the position you're seeking, regardless of the type of interview. That includes video interviews on platforms like Zoom or Skype. Note also that wearing business casual for a phone interview can help put you in the right mindset and boost your confidence.

The wrong interview attire for men

Of course, there are certain things you want to avoid when choosing interview attire for men. For example, there are a certain number of interview mistakes that can quickly derail your ability to land a new job. For example:

  • Don't wear clothes with distracting patterns or bright colors

  • Never wear a hat, sunglasses, or other accessories that cover any part of your face

  • Avoid casual clothing like sweatpants, t-shirts, or hooded sweatshirts

  • Try to remember the old adage 'less is more' when you apply cologne

Things to consider when you choose your interview attire

Below are a few interview tips to help you determine your best option for interview attire:

  • Research the company to see how employees usually dress when they're in the office.

  • Make sure your clothes fit properly and are in good repair

  • Pay attention to your grooming. Even the most appropriate interview attire for men can't make up for a lack of personal grooming and hygiene.

  • Keep things simple. Ultimately, you need the interviewer to be focused on your qualifications rather than what you're wearing.

The right interview outfits for men can make all the difference

It's always important to go to any interview feeling confident and as comfortable as possible. What you wear says a lot about who you are as a professional and how seriously you take your job. The good news is that dressing to impress isn't as hard or stressful as it may seem.

Knowing which types of interview attire for men are available to you can help you quickly identify the outfits you need for a variety of interview types. That should free you up to focus on showing hiring managers that you're the best fit for their job!

Now that you're comfortable enough to choose the right interview attire for men, it's time to make sure that you're ready for other aspects of the interview process. Take time to touch base with one of our TopInterview coaches and career experts today.

This article was originally written by Felicia Tatum. It has been updated by Ken Chase.

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