What to wear to a job interview
The rule is simple: dress one level more formally than people who work there dress every day. Look at the company's photos on social media or its website – a bank or law firm calls for a suit, a tech company for business casual, a creative agency for considered smart casual.
For women
- A suit, or a blazer with trousers / skirt – for conservative firms
- A blouse, tailored trousers and a fine knit – for tech and relaxed firms
- A sheath dress with a jacket
- Closed shoes you can walk in
For men
- A dark suit and tie – for banking, law, consulting
- A blazer, chinos and a shirt, no tie – for tech and start-ups
- Pressed, well-fitting clothes matter more than labels
- Clean leather shoes
What to avoid
- Brand-new, unworn shoes
- Big logos and slogans
- Strong perfume
- Creased or ill-fitting clothes
Tips
- Try the outfit the day before – sit, bend, check nothing pulls.
- For a video interview, plain tops – fine patterns flicker on camera.
- When in doubt, a blazer: you can always take it off.
By industry
Finance, law, public sector – a dark suit and tie for men, a suit for women. Sales, marketing, consulting – a blazer with tailored trousers, tie optional. Tech, start-ups, creative agencies – clean dark jeans or chinos, a good shirt or knit, minimalist shoes. Manufacturing and services – neat business casual. In fashion and beauty, your outfit is part of your portfolio: show taste without trying too hard.
Business professional
Women: A suit or blazer + tailored trousers/skirt + blouse + closed shoes.
Men: A suit + shirt + tie (usually) + leather shoes.
Business casual
Women: Tailored trousers or a skirt + a blouse or fine knit + (blazer) + loafers or pumps.
Men: Chinos or wool trousers + a collared shirt + (blazer or knit) + leather shoes or loafers. No tie needed.
Smart casual
Women: Dark jeans or trousers + a good blouse or knit + a blazer + elegant shoes.
Men: Dark jeans or chinos + a shirt, polo or knit + (blazer) + leather shoes or clean sneakers.
Frequently asked
01Do you need a suit for a job interview?
Only in conservative fields (banking, law, public service, senior roles). Elsewhere a blazer and trousers is enough.
02Can you wear jeans to a job interview?
Only where everyone wears jeans (e.g. creative or tech firms) – then dark, smart ones with a blazer. Otherwise, no.
03What colours are best for an interview?
Navy, grey, black, beige – they look trustworthy. One accent colour (a blouse, a tie) is good.
04What to wear to a job interview in summer?
Lighter fabrics – wool-linen, cotton; carry the jacket and put it on before going in. Open shoes only at relaxed companies.