Dress to Impress: What to Wear to an Interview Based on Your Industry

What you wear is important when you are getting ready for a job interview. The people conducting the interview only know what is on your resume or job application, in most cases, and have not yet met you. You want to make a great first impression by arriving for the interview dressed in the best for the industry.

woman in job interview

What attire is best for your job interview? Check out our tips for what to wear and what not to wear to an interview.

  • Executive Positions: These types of jobs mean you want to be dressed in a business suit with tie and dress shoes. You would not want to show up in casual business attire since you would be representing a high-end position within the company.
  • Technology Positions: For this industry, it is acceptable to wear a colored shirt and casual business slacks for most positions. If you are interviewing for a management-level position, then wear a suit and tie.
  • Government Positions: It is best to take a conservative approach to your attire and make sure everything is neat and pressed. Business casual attire is acceptable for entry-level positions and suits for mid- and upper-level positions.
  • Hospitality Positions: It is a good idea to check out ahead of time what others are wearing to get a sense of how to dress. In some cases, business casual is acceptable, while in others you will want to wear a suit and tie.
  • Automotive Positions: Many people in this industry typically wear a uniform of some sort. Try to choose clothing that fits closely with the uniform style and colors. Choose casual dress slacks instead.
  • Healthcare and Medical Positions: Many medical professionals wear various medical scrubs, lab coats, and other such attire. For the job interview, dress business casual or wear a suit based on the type of position.
  • Manufacturing Positions: A collared shirt and pair of khaki slacks would be fine for most manufacturing interviews. For mid- and upper-management positions, also wear a sports jacket or opt for a suit and tie.
  • General Trades Positions: For interviews for construction, HVAC, and other such trades positions, stick with business casual attire.
  • Restaurant Positions: Business casual is a good choice for restaurant interviews, with a clean and pressed dress shirt and slacks. If employees are dressed a certain way, like black slacks and a white dress shirt, it is also safe to dress in a similar way.
business people meeting in restaurant

What Not to Wear to an Interview

There are certain types of clothing you should avoid wearing during the job interview if you want to make the best first impression, such as:

  • Jeans would not be a good idea for the interview, even if you see employees wearing them, as they can be considered too casual.
  • Do not wear a lot of flashy jewelry.
  • Be conservative with hairstyles and avoid unnatural colors.
  • Wear makeup conservatively.
  • Never wear cologne or perfume to an interview.
  • Never wear tennis shoes, sneakers, flip-flops, or sandals to an interview.
  • Any clothing that is stained, ripped, or damaged should not be worn.
  • White socks that can be seen when sitting down are not a good idea.

By remembering to dress your best for the industry and position, you will make a great first impression during your interview.

For businesses looking for work attire and uniforms rentals so your employees always look their best, please feel free to contact Prudential Overall Supply at (800) 767-5536 today, or visit www.shopprudentialuniforms.com for work apparel!