I received an email the other day from someone who wondered what happened to the dress code for job interviews. She said that she'd seen more applicants lately in ratty jeans and sneakers or flip-flops than dressed in interview appropriate attire.
Is there a job interview dress code, anymore, she wondered. The answer, in a nutshell, is yes. It does matter what you wear to a job interview. When you are dressing for a job interview the image you present is important, even if you're applying for a part-time job at a local store. Your image is what makes the first impression on the interviewer, so it's important to dress appropriately when interviewing.
Regardless of the type of job you're interested in, you want that first impression to be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire. If you're applyng for a job in a more casual environment, a store or restaurant, for example, it's still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer. And, even if you're a teenager going on an interview for a first job, what you wear matters, too.
More: What Not to Wear to a Job Intervew | What Not to Wear for Teens
My experience differs a bit. I’ve gone to interviews were the interviewers were dressed like slobs, making me feel uncomfortably overdressed in a pantsuit or blazer and dress slacks. I know I’m the one who has to make an impression, but give me a break!
I’ve seen young girls getting the job because of what they were wearing–low cut blouses! Also, I’ve seen the flip-flop clad crowd applying for jobs where one was required to wear professional clothing (they must not have really wanted to work there). I was told at one place that I was too overdressed to work there. It was hot that day, and I wore a simple white blouse with a navy skirt and low-heeled pumps. They were dressed in shorts!
THAT is straight up discrimination in my opinion Carol. I am here because after applying for a “laundry position” I was told NOT to wear jeans or I would be turned away at the door! I left my old job I was so miserable at to reapply for way less pay doping basically the same Sh*t. Now I’m upset because I’m going back 2 square 1 all because this crap economy & jobs. I do not feel comfortable taking an interview 4 a company who requires me 2 dress a certain way for an interview,for “laundry”. SICK. STILL I don’t think flip flops & ripped jeans are right. But if I wanted a business job I would go apply 4 one. I want to go as myself and that is the way it should be now days for a job like this. At a hospital. Keep in mind the interview area has nothing 2 do w/the dirty area I would work!!!
When dressing for an interview, your choice of clothing is a reflection of your respect to the interviewer and the company you are intending to work. It has absolutely nothing to do with discrimination. The term “professional” means nothing more than you are paid to do what you do. So you should dress as a professional. I have worked as a flight instructor and airline pilot, and I have seen people turned away at the door for being dressed in anything other than a business suit. Also, nothing flashy, no pinstripes, no cleavage, no short skirts, etc. I guarantee you will be noticed and respected from the minute you enter the interviewing room if you dress the part.
When you say dress code, well guess what I thought that I had dressed to code, with wearing a black suit to find that it was said my skirt was to short at knee length and when I sat down I made sure it still was at that length by pulling it down along with my legs closed and still it was not enoughSo I guess I must have done something wrong with clothing because it was brought to my attention about it.