What to wear to your first job interview

You may have a fantastic resume and winning personality, but if you show up to your first job interview in jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s pretty likely that it won’t end well. To increase your chances of success, use these tips to avoid committing an interview fashion faux pas:

1. Scope out the company

You will want to dress for your interview in a way that is in line with company standards and culture. To make sure you’re not over- or under-dressed, grab coffee near the company you’ll be interviewing with one morning and observe what everyone’s wearing. When in doubt, err on the side of professionalism.

2. Be detail-oriented

Take the necessary steps to ensure that your perfect outfit is ready to go for interview day. Make sure your clothing fits you well and get it tailored if necessary. You will also want your outfit to be wrinkle-free, so break out that iron!

3. Keep accessories simple

Wearing anything too flashy could be distracting for the interviewer, so it’s best to keep your accessories simple or stick to one statement piece. Make sure your shoes are close-toed and scuff-free. You may also want to practice walking in them beforehand to avoid an embarrassing fall.

4. Dress conservatively

For women in particular, it’s important to make sure that your interview clothing is not too revealing. You don’t have to stick and black and white, but it’s a good idea to choose classic silhouettes like a basic blouse, trousers or pencil skirt.

5. Do a test run

Before the day of your interview, try on your outfit to make sure everything is clean and fits properly. Practice sitting down to check that your outfit still looks professional. Address any problem areas, such as gaping buttons.