Any job interview is nerve-wracking. Of course, you want to impress the hiring manager and land your dream role — duh. Aside from potentially preparing a task, doing your research to ensure you say all the right things, and finding your way on time (gulp), one thing that can really add to the existing stress levels is finding the right thing to wear. You want to show off your personality while also looking professional — not exactly an easy feat. Below, we’ve compiled our top tips on how to nail job interview dressing, including what to steer clear of so you can put your best foot forward on the big day (pun intended).
Dress for the job you want
This might sound like an obvious one, but consider the work environment of the job you are applying for. For example, if you’re in the running to become a restaurant server, you probably wouldn’t turn up to the interview in a sequin dress and a pair of stilettos. Read the room! Employers want to see that you understand what the role entails, and are able to dress appropriately for that. This is especially important if you will be client or customer facing. Remember you can always save your rave-ready gear for the weekends.
Prioritise comfort
This might be the most important one on the list. If you know you’re going to be in a situation where tensions are running high (especially if you really want the job) you don’t want to add to that by wearing something tight, constricting or uncomfortable. Think about how you feel in the clothes that you choose, as what we wear tends to have a big impact on our mood. Breathable fabrics, oversized silhouettes and wide-leg trousers can all work here — but definitely leave the sweatpants at home. Footwear should also be comfortable. Opt for a kitten heel or loafer, both of which are majorly in right now.
Business casual is trending RN
Channel your inner office siren! Blazers, shirts and ties are all seriously in style. Embrace dressing on the smarter side, especially if your job interview is for an office-based role. We won’t tell anyone you don’t actually need those tiny glasses…
An iron or a steamer is your friend
No matter what you choose to wear, make sure that it is clean (very important) and not creased. There’s no point wearing a shirt if it looks like you’ve dug it out of the back of your wardrobe last minute. Paying attention to your appearance signals to your potential employer that you came prepared and that you really want the role. It’s the little things that count.
Invest in timeless staples
If you want to buy something new to smarten up or adjust your look, think about items that will help to build a capsule wardrobe, like a chic hold-all bag or trench coat. Make sure these are pieces that you’ll want to continue wearing once you land the job — which you inevitably will. You've got this!
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
