Top 6 Things You Should Never Wear to a Job Interview
10. Nov, 2009 
10 Comments
It has been said that “Clothes make the man (or woman)”. This is especially important when trying to find a job.
You have only one opportunity to make a first impression, and how you are dressed contributes to that impression. It is critical, particularly in this competitive job market, to understand the importance of choosing the appropriate dress for an interview, and understanding that what we choose to wear on that interview can often impact the outcome of that interview before you even open your mouth.
You can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress. How you dress is not only a personal expression, but reflects how you feel about the occasion. The first impression of the hiring manager should be reflecting your dedication to landing the job. It is vital to present a professional look which will demonstrate a serious attitude and show that you put some thought and care into your first impression. In the same way, displaying a disrespectful appearance will show hiring managers that you don’t care about the interview, and probably won’t care about the job.
Sometimes people are unsure about what to wear and how to dress appropriately to an interview, and often the final result will do more harm then good. We recently surveyed 100 human resource professionals and selected some pointers which will help you learn what NOT to wear on your next job interview.
1. Short Skirts
NEVER wear a tight, short skirt on a job interview! Always try on your clothes before the interview. Never assume that something will fit, or not be too tight. Tight shirts and short skirts are inappropriate for the work place, and will keep people from taking you seriously. If being sexy is important to you, try a form fitting, yet not too tight – knee length, high-waisted skirt. It will create a clean, slimming look, and it will also imply that you care about your appearance, but want to be professional at the same time.
2. Short Sleeved Shirts with a Tie
Short sleeved shirts and ties do not go well together. Short sleeved business shirts in men are too casual, and adding a tie will often create a conflicting image. Steer clear – the informal look will make you look unprofessional. Try a button down, long sleeved shirt with a complementary tie instead. If you must wear a short sleeved shirt, add a matching blazer to your look so no one can tell the difference.
3. Sun Glasses and Bulky Accessories
Let’s face it, wearing sunglasses indoors is at best, pretentious, and at worst, suspicious. Eye contact is very important in any conversation. Sunglasses hinder eye contact , and thus can create the illusion that you are not paying attention, or are not serious about the interview. Other accessories like jewelry also need to be work-appropriate. Large, garish costume jewelry can also make you look irresponsible. Avoid cheap costume jewelry, and pick smaller, flattering pieces instead which dress up your look and draw it together, rather than make you look disorganized.
4. Underwear as Outer Wear
Nobody wants to see your boxers, or bra straps. See-through clothing isn’t sexy, it’s trashy. Always remember your business wardrobe is a look into your character, and you will not be taken seriously if you look as though you want to to be treated like a sex object. Your business wardrobe needs to reflect your attitude, and should always be respectful to the workplace, and yourself.
5. Work Out Clothes
As with underwear, spandex and muscle gear is for the gym, and NEVER the office. Workout gear is often provocative – neither look is what you want to display to a potential employer. Keep gym clothes in the bag, and respectful, work-appropriate attire at the work place.
6. Soiled, Stained or Wrinkled Clothing
You don’t want to look like you just got out of bed. It is better to wear a cheap new shirt and pair of pants that are neatly pressed clean, stain and wrinkle free, and fresh – than designer brands that are soiled or wrinkled. Second hand stores, thrift stores and garage sales are great places to look for career wear if budget is a factor. Lower end department stores and mass merchandisers are also good places to find work-appropriate attire. Also remember to keep your work clothes clean, and fresh. In addition, pressing business attire creates the appearance of an outfit being crisp and new. Looking your best will make you feel your best, and will boost your confidence during your interview.
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Wow, if this is valuable news to you, then you’ll never get the job anyway.
All you forgot was Chubaka slippers.
Amazing that this rates an article – it’s common sense! I agree with Cheryl Gray’s comment.
Clearly you are both over 25. You would be astounded what some young people think is appropriate – and then they are indignant if you call them on it! This isn’t your father’s job market. We wouldn’t even have dreamed of wearing anything like this for any serious purpose.
Do you really think this article is helping many people? Perhaps this should have been published in a high school newspaper.
This is common sense.
Please tell me you didn’t actually interview 100 HR manager to come up with this “great” list.
Nothing surprises me. I recently attended a wedding ceremony where the bride wore a wedding gown and the groom wore a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flop shoes.
the younger generation???
As a writer I know how much a labor of love an article can be, so generally I comment on the topic and not the article. But for this to have been written, and posted as if it would be useful for general audiences, is an annoying waste of time. Hence, i agree with Cheryl, Betty and Paul.
if the writer got paid for writing this, we should get paid for having had to read this well-written non-sense. If the primary target audience is idiots with no common sense when applying for a job, then the article should preface it with that. Sorry, you write well, but this was of no use.
Imran
Imran Anwar recently posted..Bird House- Home By The Sea
Another article on how not to conduct yourself on a job interview,if this stuff happens I can understand why the unemployment rate is 10% and maybe we need another two years of unemplyment benefits.
You can be overdressed or underdressed; but you can never be overly prepared with what really matters… your job skills, abilities and genuine enthusiasm for the position.
Many male and female professionals who are serious about their careers normally discuss their style of dress with other professionals before they go on a job interview solely because they want to make a good impression. However, from reading this article on ResumeBear, I guess many job applicants do not, and many good applicants could be rejected because of the way they dress.
Many male and female professionals who are serious about their careers normally discuss their style of dress with other professionals before they go on a job interview solely because they want to make a good impression. However, from reading this article on ResumeBear, I guess many 1job applicants do not prepare properly. Sad!