Landing an interview is an important step in your job search. How you present yourself, from answering questions well to positive body language and what you wear, can make or break the opportunity to progress further in the screening process.
While there aren’t hard and fast rules of what to wear or not wear for job interviews, these general suggestions can help guide your outfit choices.
Generally unacceptable interview wear includes:
- Shorts
- Short skirts or dresses
- Tank tops
- T-shirts
- Low-cut or cropped shirts
- Hoodies or sweatshirts
- Flip flops, open-toed shoes, or dirty or scuffed shoes
- Clothing that is ill-fitting, distressed, torn, stained, or overly worn
- Distracting clothing or accessories like bright-colored items, noisy jewelry, unkempt hair, messy makeup, or strong perfume or cologne
Dress to Impress
Your interview outfit should be clean, polished, and well-fitting. Shoes generally should be closed-toed, clean, and undamaged. Hair and makeup are subjective but should be well-kept and clean.
If you choose to bring a bag to carry copies of your resume or work samples, a small notepad and pen, or a water bottle, choose a reasonably sized, non-distracting bag, and avoid backpacks if possible. Store any papers in an undamaged, neutral-colored folder. Travel light and keep one hand free for introductions, collecting business cards or other handouts, and opening doors if needed.
Expectations of appropriate interview wear vary across industries, workplaces, and even recruiters’ or hiring managers’ preferences. If the dress code is unclear, err on the side of dressing more professionally, or ask for clarification from the person scheduling your interview. This may be a recruiter, HR representative, the direct supervisor, or your Express Employment Professionals representative. The Workplace Attire Guide is another great resource when building an interview outfit. Use these pointers to steer your outfit choices.
Skilled Trades or Light Industrial – Business casual
- Blouse, polo, or button-up long- or short-sleeved shirt
- Clean jeans or khakis, slacks, pencil or A-line skirt, or dress
- Clean, closed-toed shoes that aren’t work boots, like dress shoes, loafers, or neutral-colored sneakers
Office Services – Business casual or professional
- Blouse or button-up long- or short-sleeved shirt
- Slacks, pencil or A-line skirt, or dress
- Cardigan or blazer
- Matching pant suit or skirt suit with shirt or blouse tucked in, matching belt, and complementing tie
- Clean, closed-toed shoes like dress shoes, loafers, oxfords, heels, or ballet flats
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million since its inception. Learn more at ExpressPros.com or ExpressPros.ca.
Last Updated on April 9, 2026
