While your outfit choice won't nail down your dream job, dressing smartly and professionally can be extremely effective. However, a suit isn't always the best option — it depends on the nature of the position and the company's culture.
So, when is a suit the right choice and when is it not? That's exactly what we're here to help you with. By the end of this article, you'll know precisely how to style yourself for the highest chances of interview success.
Why Interview Attire Matters
We've all heard the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," and it couldn't be more accurate in hiring decisions. Your outfit makes or breaks your first impression during an interview. After all, it's the first thing they'll notice when you enter the room. And studies have shown that interviewers form an opinion about candidates during the first few minutes, so ensuring you're dressed appropriately boosts the likelihood of a positive start — and a likelier, "You're hired," at the end!
But it isn't all about first impressions.
Dressing well shows you take the interview seriously, have a professional attitude, and respect the company you're interviewing with. Not to mention that looking smart gives you confidence, affecting everything from your posture, body language, and overall demeanour. Think about how you feel when you're in loungewear versus a suit. You're more likely to be productive and professional in the latter.
When a Suit is the Best Choice
A suit is your best bet in the following cases:
Corporate and Professional Industries
Wearing a suit conveys professionalism, company respect, and seriousness about the role and shows you're a perfect fit for a corporate environment. From law to accounting to engineering to finance to healthcare to management consulting, slipping into a well-fitting suit for a job interview in these fields gives off the perfect first impression.
Customer-Facing Roles
While there are some exceptions, wearing a suit for an interview for a customer-facing role is usually preferred, especially in car sales, estate agencies, human resource professionals, customer service representatives, and hotel concierges. Most companies like to exude sophistication and professionalism when dealing with clients.
Senior or Leadership Positions
Dressing in a suit for senior and leadership positions is a must-do. It conveys the ideal amount of professionalism, commitment, and sophistication needed to land yourself the job.
When You Might Skip the Suit
As briefly mentioned, a suit isn't always the best option for interviews in these fields:
Creative and Casual Industries
Typically, you won't need to wear a suit to an interview in fields such as design, video game development, arts, media, and other industries wherein relaxed yet creative environments are upheld. Companies in these areas often have flexible work schedules and a similarly laid-back approach to dress codes.
Similarly, some organisations (especially start-ups) have unorthodox interviewing approaches. You might be invited for a pint or to a social to see if you're a good cultural fit. These cases require the Silicon Valley dress code — jeans, a t-shirt, or anything casual really.
Practical or Trade-Based Jobs
Suits are often out of the question for practical/trade-based jobs like bricklayers, plumbers and plasterers unless you fancy being the butt of many a white-collar joke!
Think of it this way — dress for the role you're trying to fill.
Company Culture Considerations
The company culture is essentially the business' personality. Do the employees wear suits every day? Or are they in jeans? You need to research this to figure out when to skip the suit.
It is not a nice feeling to show up in a suit and tie when all the staff are in shorts and flip-flops. But the same is true of the opposite. If you show up wearing shorts and flip-flops while everybody else is in professional attire, you won't look like a good fit for the company.
Don't be afraid to ask the recruiter or HR contact about the dress code beforehand. This will leave a good impression and ensure you don't stick out like a sore thumb when it's your time to shine.
How to Find the Right Balance
Ultimately, you need to find the right balance when dressing for job interviews. Some companies may opt for a smart casual in-house aesthetic but prefer business formal when meeting clients, and they expect you to dress this way during your interview.
Dressing for Video Interviews
As a jobseeker in today's digital environment, you'll most likely encounter a video interview or two. If this is the case, just wear what you'd wear if it were an in-person ordeal! Business formal for corporate, leadership, and customer-facing roles; smart/business casual for creative and casual industries.
Buy or Rent? The Best Suit Option for Your Interview
While purchasing a suit is a good idea if you expect to wear it for multiple interviews or during your employment, it isn't worth the splurge if your dream role calls for something less formal daily. But that doesn't mean you have to cut the quality. Renting a suit lets you save money and look your best. Win-win!
Additional Tips for Dressing for an Interview
Whether you decide to wear a suit or not, here are a couple of extra top tips to ensure you're dressed for success:
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Lay your clothes out the night before your interview to save time and stress on the day.
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Look polished and put together by sticking to classic, timeless pieces.
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Style your hair so it's neat and doesn't need constant maintenance throughout the interview.
Should You Wear a Suit to an Interview?
If you're searching for employment in a customer-facing, corporate, professional, senior, or leadership position, then a suit is your best bet.
But if you're looking in a creative industry or a trade, you should stick to something less formal.
Do your company culture research to find exactly what to wear, and never be afraid to contact the recruiter for advice.
If you want to look fresh for your interview, explore our range of suits available to hire.