Dress for success

Looking good for your interview is important as first impressions last and your interviewer will form an opinion of you within the first few seconds of meeting you based on your appearance.

Whether you look professional or scruffy can be an important factor determining if you get hired. Here are some tips on what to wear and what not to wear.....

Where possible, research the company culture:

When deciding what to wear to your interview, if possible you should research the culture of the company and dress appropriately for the company and the role. A job as an engineer with a corporate company may require a different level of dress formality to a field assistant or field technician role with a casual company.

When unsure of what to wear, the best bet is to always be smart. Ideally, you should aim to be slightly smarter than the normal work attire of the company and slightly smarter than the person who is interviewing you.

For Men

Generally speaking, a two-piece suit is the best choice to wear for an interview. A classic, smart suit never goes out of fashion and is what most interviewers will expect you to wear. Dark, simple colours like black, grey and navy are generally best.

Shoes should be brown or black and match the colour of your suit (black shoes for a black, charcoal or blue suit and brown shoes for a brown, light grey or blue suit). Make sure that your shoes are polished and smart and that your belt matches the colour of your shoes. Socks should be a dark colour like black or navy.

A white or simple colour business shirt is best and one made of cotton is better than any shiny material. A simple tie with solid, striped colours that match the rest of your outfit will have you looking smart!

For Women

The best option is usually a trouser suit or a skirt suit. The best rule to follow with a skirt is that the hemline should be on the knee or just above. Again - dark, simple colours like black, grey and navy are generally best.

Avoid dressing provocatively or wearing bright colours or patterns. Go for a plain blouse or one with a simple stripe – you can add a splash of colour with a scarf or accessories.

It’s best to be conservative with shoes - keep heels at a sensible height and make sure they are comfortable so that they don’t distract you.

General Tips

  • Ensure that your clothes that are clean and ironed. Wearing dirty or creased clothing is a sign that you have not prepared or are not taking the interview seriously.
  • Make sure your clothing is comfortable, fits well and that you have tested or worn it before – you don’t want your interview to be the first time you wear something and find it is too tight or uncomfortable
  • Avoid flashy jewellery or too much jewellery – it can be distracting for the interviewer
  • Don’t wear too much perfume or aftershave – a little bit is ok, but you don’t want the smell to be overpowering!
  • Pay attention to your grooming - make sure you have trimmed your fingernails and have a clean haircut
  • For men - have a shave and keep facial hair to a minimum where possible.
  • For women - avoid anything that could be too revealing – it can be distracting for the interviewer and not appropriate
  • For women – avoid wearing too much makeup – go for soft, natural colours and avoid lots of lipstick or eye shadow


Hopefully with these tips, you should be looking smart and professional and give yourself the best chance of getting the job!