PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
Preparing talking points for common interview questions can help you to feel confident and prepared in your interview. While every interviewer is different and their questions may vary depending on the job and industry, there are a few common questions you can expect and prepare for, such as "Tell me about yourself."
The answer will vary depending on the type of job and company you're interviewing with. You always want to dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on whether you're interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, at a casual startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.1
Note
Dressing appropriately is important because the first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing.
If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counselor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it'll send the message that you don't truly understand what's involved in the role. Find out what to wear (and what not to wear) for interviews at every type of company.
Key Takeaways
Professional / Business Interview Attire
Generally, a job interview calls for you to wear professional, or business, attire. This might mean:
You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit. All interviewees should consider color when selecting an interview outfit and avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager.
The more important thing to consider when you're dressing for a job interview is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of position you're seeking. Even though your interview attire depends on the role you're applying for, no matter what the position, you should go to the interview looking neat, tidy, and well-dressed.
Non-Professional / Business Casual Interview Attire
If you have a job interview in a more informal work environment, you might wear a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but they are also more professional and polished than, say, a T-shirt and shorts or a sundress and sandals.
Of course, make sure you know the dress code before you assume that business casual is acceptable.
Note
If you aren’t sure, call the office and ask the administrative coordinator, or contact the person who scheduled the interview and ask them for advice.
Always dress a bit more professionally than the average employee at the company. If everyone is wearing shorts and T-shirts, for example, you might wear khakis and a polo shirt or button-down.
Casual Interview Attire
If you have an interview at a startup, nix the head-to-toe formal business attire. You want to look appropriate and professional, but not too formal.
Rather than showing up in a black suit and dress shoes, opt for something relaxed but still presentable: relaxed-fit khakis, dark-wash jeans, and a nice top, for example.
Internship / College Job Interview Attire
Make sure to dress professionally when interviewing for a professional job or internship as a college student. It'll show that you'll know how to dress appropriately if you're hired.
Less formal attire is acceptable when interviewing for campus jobs and more informal workplace jobs. However, you still want to dress professionally for most positions, even if they are entry-level. Skip jeans, athleisure, or anything you’d wear to the beach, the gym, or a club. Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and free from visible holes or tears.
When you interview for an internship position, your clothing should follow the dress code of the company you’re interviewing with. If you’re hoping to land an internship with a financial services company, professional attire is a must. However, if you’re interviewing for a tech internship at a startup, business casual is a better fit.
- A key part of any interview preparation is practicing your answers, and starting with some of the top interview questions is a prudent approach.
- Categories of questions you may encounter include basic interview questions, behavioral questions, questions about salary and questions about you and your skills.
- Be sure to research the company and the role well, and prepare for an interview as you would a test.
The answer will vary depending on the type of job and company you're interviewing with. You always want to dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on whether you're interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, at a casual startup, or for an informal summer job or internship.1
Note
Dressing appropriately is important because the first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing.
If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counselor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it'll send the message that you don't truly understand what's involved in the role. Find out what to wear (and what not to wear) for interviews at every type of company.
Key Takeaways
- To dress appropriately for a job interview, follow the employer’s dress code.
- If the job interview calls for business attire, wear a suit, a sweater and button-down shirt, or a professional-looking dress or skirt.
- Startup jobs may call for more casual interview attire but be sure to dress professionally.
- Choose accessories carefully to ensure that they don’t distract the interviewer.
Professional / Business Interview Attire
Generally, a job interview calls for you to wear professional, or business, attire. This might mean:
- A suit jacket and slacks with a button-down shirt and tie
- A sweater and a button-down shirt
- A blouse and dress pants
- A statement dress
You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit. All interviewees should consider color when selecting an interview outfit and avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager.
The more important thing to consider when you're dressing for a job interview is that you should look professional and polished regardless of the type of position you're seeking. Even though your interview attire depends on the role you're applying for, no matter what the position, you should go to the interview looking neat, tidy, and well-dressed.
Non-Professional / Business Casual Interview Attire
If you have a job interview in a more informal work environment, you might wear a business casual outfit. Business casual outfits are less formal than a suit, but they are also more professional and polished than, say, a T-shirt and shorts or a sundress and sandals.
Of course, make sure you know the dress code before you assume that business casual is acceptable.
Note
If you aren’t sure, call the office and ask the administrative coordinator, or contact the person who scheduled the interview and ask them for advice.
Always dress a bit more professionally than the average employee at the company. If everyone is wearing shorts and T-shirts, for example, you might wear khakis and a polo shirt or button-down.
Casual Interview Attire
If you have an interview at a startup, nix the head-to-toe formal business attire. You want to look appropriate and professional, but not too formal.
Rather than showing up in a black suit and dress shoes, opt for something relaxed but still presentable: relaxed-fit khakis, dark-wash jeans, and a nice top, for example.
Internship / College Job Interview Attire
Make sure to dress professionally when interviewing for a professional job or internship as a college student. It'll show that you'll know how to dress appropriately if you're hired.
Less formal attire is acceptable when interviewing for campus jobs and more informal workplace jobs. However, you still want to dress professionally for most positions, even if they are entry-level. Skip jeans, athleisure, or anything you’d wear to the beach, the gym, or a club. Make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and free from visible holes or tears.
When you interview for an internship position, your clothing should follow the dress code of the company you’re interviewing with. If you’re hoping to land an internship with a financial services company, professional attire is a must. However, if you’re interviewing for a tech internship at a startup, business casual is a better fit.
SEE HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE
INTERVIEW FOLLOW-UP AND THANK YOU LETTER
Why is thank you letter important?
In addition to thanking the person you talked with, the thank you letter reinforces the fact that you want the job. Use your letter to address any issues and concerns that came up during the interview. You can also view the thank you as a follow-up "sales" letter.
In addition to thanking the person you talked with, the thank you letter reinforces the fact that you want the job. Use your letter to address any issues and concerns that came up during the interview. You can also view the thank you as a follow-up "sales" letter.