Land That Job! A Complete Guide to Interview Attire for Men

Did you just land a job interview that you’re super excited about?

Congrats! But, don’t hand in that two weeks notice just yet.

We all know how difficult it can be to go from interview to new employee, so it’s very important to prepare yourself for the next step and not get too cocky.

From prepping for interview questions, practicing your handshake, and figuring out how you’re going to sit — there’s a lot people do to prep for interviews.

One of the most important things to think about when interviewing for a job is what you’re going to wear.

As a guy, there’s a bit less of a range compared to women when it comes to clothing options for a job interview. Which, actually, is quite a good thing.

However, even with fewer options, there’s still a lot of room to screw up your attire completely.

So, what should you wear?

Read on to discover a complete guide to interview attire for men.

First: Why Does It Matter?

There’s a good chance that some of you are already thinking, “Why does it really even matter what I wear, shouldn’t the employer only care about my credentials?”

While it’s true that your outfit won’t be the determining factor in whether you get the job or don’t, it can certainly sway employers one way or another.

For example, if you show up to a prestigious law firm interview wearing jeans and a t-shirt, they likely aren’t going to take you seriously.

But, more importantly, dressing the part for the interview helps you feel confident. And walking into a job interview with confidence is perhaps the best weapon you could have in your arsenal.

So, let’s dive into what you should be wearing.

Research the Company Culture

First and foremost, it’s very important to understand the culture of the company you’re interviewing for.

Company dress codes are all across the board — from three-piece suits to sandals and shorts — so it’s very important to know what kind of culture you’re walking into.

If you know someone who works at the company, call them up and ask them what they typically wear. Or, if you can get a peek into the office (in a non-creepy manner), sit outside a cafe nearby and make note of what people are wearing who walk in and out.

Or, if you really have no idea, don’t be afraid to just call and ask the receptionist. This won’t make you seem dumb — it will show that you care about how you present yourself to your potential future employers.

Once Done Researching, Plan Accordingly

Ok, so you’ve done your research and you have a pretty good idea about the culture and environment of the workplace.

Now, let’s take a look at a few basic dressing suggestions for each environment.

Conservative Office Environments

If you’re working in conservative office environments, such as banks or law firms, you’re going to want to go pretty textbook with your look.

Stick to traditional colors, like tan, black, blue, and grey. Select a suit that’s in a classic style.

Make sure your suit is ironed and well-pressed and that your shoes have been shined. Also, a great fit is important.

Keep in mind that a tailored suit can often take a bit of time. So, as soon as you land that interview, shop for a suit and then book an appointment to get it tailored.

Suits

As a side note for those who have never purchased a suit before: Don’t just go to the mall and buy a mass-produced generic suit.

You’ll want to choose a suit that can be tailored, and that’s made of high-quality fabric. Yes, this will be a little pricier, but it’ll fit a million times better and you’ll be able to wear it again and again.

Don’t forget the suit accessories. A nice pocket square and cufflinks can really finish your look. You can click here to check out some cufflink ideas.

Business Casual

What should you wear for a job interview in a business casual office environment? In this type of environment, you have a bit more wiggle room with what you wear.

You could opt for some slacks with a nice button-down or jeans with a dress shirt and a jacket. If you do opt to wear jeans, make sure they are a bit darker in color, and that they don’t have any holes in them.

Startups

Last but not least — startups. If you’re interviewing for a couple of guys or gals who don’t even have a real office space yet and wear flip-flops and t-shirts, what should you wear to the interview?

This one can sometimes be the trickiest, actually! You don’t want to overdress and make it look like you don’t fit in with the company culture. But, you also still want to appear professional and serious.

A hoodie paired with a collared shirt is a great idea in this situation. But, always make sure you pair it with closed-toed shoes, even if you know some of the startup members wear flip-flops.

In general, regardless of the office environment, it’s best to err on the side of overdressing instead of underdressing.

Don’t Forget About Grooming

Don’t put so much time into your outfit that you completely forget about grooming! Even the best outfit can be completely destroyed by improper grooming.

Whether you’re interviewing somewhere super conservative or somewhere totally laid-back, you need to groom yourself beforehand.

This means you should have clean, trimmed nails, a fresh haircut, and freshly trimmed facial hair. Don’t be afraid to splurge for a manicure (yes, men can get manicures too).

Top the look off with a small spritz of a nice cologne.