First impressions matter, and never is this more true than when attending a job interview. Your clothing, color scheme, and makeup choices say a lot about your work ethic, maturity, and understanding of what is appropriate in a workplace environment. Here are the 19 fashion and personal grooming choices to avoid when attending an interview.
Revealing Clothing
Unless you’re interviewing to be a glamor model or something similar, excessive skin, muscular abs, or cleavage is a big no-no. Indeed warns both genders against flashing too much skin and recommends you cover up tattoos and tan lines and opt for clothing that covers your back, stomach, thighs, chest, and armpits while avoiding excessively clingy materials.
Uncomfortable Clothing
You need to strike a balance between looking professional and being comfortable enough to concentrate on the interview. Avoid clothing that is too restrictive or rides up, and keep your heel height to a respectable 2–3 inches maximum. Try to choose materials that aren’t itchy, and consider the weather too—if you’re likely to get wet, cold, or hot, dress appropriately.
Excessive Jewelry
Remember to look like a professional worker when attending an interview, and don’t go all-out with the bling! A few tasteful, coordinating jewelry items are acceptable, but don’t wear every charm and bracelet you possess. Keep earrings minimal (not too huge and dangling!), and remove facial piercings unless they’re very subtle.
Strong Perfumes or Colognes
Strong scents can be overpowering and even trigger allergies in some individuals, so it’s important not to make an aromatic entrance shrouded in clouds of scent! Monster Jobs warns that strong smells can distract the interviewer from your attributes and professionalism, so opt for very light scents or none at all.
Flip-flops
Sandals, in general, aren’t appropriate, but flip-flops are the worst offenders! According to Top Interview, you should “wear sensible shoes that match your attire—nothing flashy or too out there.” Make sure your footwear is in good condition, in a muted tone (like black, gray, or brown), and leave the beachwear for the beach!
Offensive Slogans
Curse words and pop culture references might be cool when you’re hanging with your buddies, but it’s not the side of you a potential employer needs to see. Avoid any clothing with statements, slogans, or images that are crude, offensive, or controversial. In fact, it’s better to avoid slogans altogether and opt for something ‘safe’ and stylish instead.
See-through Clothing
Business Insider states that neither gender should have visible underwear in an interview but should wear some! Avoid wearing materials that are sheer or transparent, including clothing made from lace, chiffon, or spandex. Take care that your underwear is appropriately colored, too—that means no black or red bras under pale-colored shirts.
Distressed Garments
Any high-fashion or ‘trendy’ clothing is probably best avoided. Items like ripped jeans, overly distressed denim jackets, or apparel with intentional holes or tears are inappropriate for an interview, even in relaxed work environments. Choose classic, timeless clothing items like blazers and tailored skirts to convey professionalism and maturity.
Loud Patterns
You’re not attending a ‘70s music concert, so don’t wear flashy-colored prints or vividly bright patterns. While stripes and polka dots may be appropriate, anything too busy will distract the interviewer from concentrating on your qualifications and communication skills. Choose classic, monochrome prints or solid colors instead.
Uneven or Sloppy Hems
Ensure all your clothing fits you properly and has even hems. The Job Network says hems that are too long, uneven, or unfinished make a person look disheveled and messy, making you seem unorganized, lazy, or careless (not attributes you want to convey in any job interview).
Workout Clothes
Unless you’re interviewing for a job as a personal trainer, gym wear isn’t appropriate at all. Items like swimwear, yoga pants, training shorts, or cropped tops aren’t suitable and make you look overly casual and inappropriate. Show your professionalism and understanding of workplace etiquette by wearing office attire instead of gym clothes!
Wrinkled or Stained Clothing
It’s not just what you wear; it’s the condition of your outfit, too. The Gentleman’s Gazette states that unironed clothing (especially shirts) makes you look lazy and unkempt. Dirty, stained, torn, or poorly fitted clothing will also put off a potential employer. Show that you are smart, professional, attentive, and respectable by wearing clothes that are in good condition.
Hats or Head Coverings
Headwear that is required for religious or medical reasons is perfectly okay, but anything else is generally best avoided. Even smart hats, like trilbies, can make you seem foolish and hinder eye contact between you and the interviewer. Opt for a clean, well-manicured hairstyle instead, and ensure it doesn’t cover your eyes in any way.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses should be removed when entering the interview room and kept off throughout the conversation unless there’s an outside tour in bright sunlight. Wearing sunglasses indoors can make you look suspicious, secretive, or even hungover. It can also create a barrier, making it challenging for the interviewer to read your facial expressions.
Heavy Makeup
No matter your gender, excessive facial makeup gives the wrong impression at a job interview. Liveabout writes, “Keep your look natural by avoiding dark eyeshadow, bright lipstick, or heavy foundation.” Aim to look fresh-faced and well-groomed without excessive cosmetics—this is the best way to demonstrate you know how much makeup is appropriate for the workplace.
Jeans
Don’t wear denim at all unless you are 100% sure that smart, dark-colored jeans are acceptable attire. Faded, bleached, ripped, or heavily adorned jeans are an absolute no-no because they make you look childish and sloppy. If in doubt, opt for fitted trousers or a tailored skirt. It’s always better to be overly formal than overly casual!
Excessively Bright Colors
This isn’t a carnival, so don’t try to include every color under the sun in your outfit choice! While a statement pop of color may be acceptable, you should keep most of your outfit relatively dark and muted. Opt for black, gray, navy, dark brown, or khaki, and only add brighter accessories in moderation.
Too Much Gel or Hairspray
Strong-smelling hair products like hairspray, wax, gel, and leave-in conditioners can trigger allergies or distract your interviewer. While a tidy, professional hair-do is definitely recommended, try to use combs or clips to keep your hair coiffed and avoid piling on excessive amounts of product.
Sneakers
I know we said to be comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you can wear your favorite comfy sneakers! They may be practical and easy to walk in, but sneakers aren’t appropriate for most job interviews and make you look too casual and relaxed. Stick to more professional footwear, like flat, polished leather shoes, brogues, or loafers.
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