Readers Respond: The Worst Job Interview Outfits

Responses: 71

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

I was job hunting, my ride wanted to put in applications also. I had interviews on the spot and was hired at a very popular Steak House. I was wearing nice black slacks and a nice powder pink button down blouse, nice hair and little makeup. The manager asked me why my (friend) was even bothering with an application. She wore a stained white T-shirt tucked into tight light blue VERY stained sweat pants, greasy hair no makeup and dirty face. she didnt get an interview or job.
—Guest Carol

I dressed up in a 2 piece suit and went to turn in my application. I dressed like I was going for an interview, I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't get the job.
—Guest jaccie74

Several years ago I had a client who had clearly pickled the night before in a tub of cologne - - the aroma hit me as he entered the lobby. The meeting was very short - no more than 5 minutes. When he left - we opened the front door out into the elevator lobby (couldn't open windows) and got a fan to help exhaust the aroma out to the bank of elevators - so others could share in are experience!! :):) - Actually so our eyes would quit tearing up.
—KayPStout

I get people all the time who come in to interview for a factory position wearing a shirt and tie... Sorry! I am looking for factory workers, not a receptionists. I know people should look decent but come on! A tie for a factory position?
—Guest HR Rockford

I once landed a job interview for a State Park in my area. Out of over 2,000 people, I was chosen. The interview went great and I knew everything that I was asked. Sadly though I showed up in blue jeans, Chuck Taylor Converses, and a Led Zeppelin t-shirt. Easily I didn't get the job. Don't show up in t-shirts and jeans!
—Guest Scott

Too many horror stories to share here. At a recruiting firm, I had women come in with baggy sweat pants and t-shirts applying for office positions, women with low-cut blouses wearing dangling necklaces that drew attention to their cleavage, a man wearing a marijuana necklace. But the worst are those that I can smell before they hit the door. One person had body odor so bad that I had to go out and buy air deodorizer. She claimed that she could not help the odor and that she was using body sprays, etc. What I realized the second time she came in, is that her appearance demonstrated that she was not washing. How a person cannot understand this issue is beyond me. Oh, and to the person who mentioned that it sounds like they should wear blue jeans to an interview. It all depends upon the position. Possibly for entry level factory work, but for anything else, a pair of black dress pants and an ironed and clean button front top that is modest is the minimum you should wear.
—Guest Michigan HR

I was once called to an interview after being recommended by a former colleague from my then current job. The manager wanted me to come over right away. I explained that I was not presentable for an interview at the moment. She said it didn't matter, so I showed up to their very nice corporate offices wearing a tie-dyed over-sized t-shirt with the neck line cut to show some cleavage, purple leggings and sport sandals. I was hired on the spot. Worked that time, but not recommended.
—Guest Lionmama

I worked at a company that recorded books on tape for the Library of Congress. It was a very casual environment, but when a potential hiree showed up dressed as a clown (make-up and all), we were a little, well, confounded. He explained that he worked as a children's entertainer and his previous job had run long. He didn't want to be late to the interview. The bottom line is that he probably wouldn't have gotten the job no matter what he did. But rescheduling may have been a better option than coming in full clown regalia.
—Guest Kim

Some of the best advice I ever got from a job search trainer. He said to either pick up an application or research the company on line to get a sense of the corporate culture of the company you're applying to. Go to the interview dressed in a similar way to those who already work there. F He likened it to an actor going after a role. If you're going for a role as a cowboy don't dress like one out right but just wear clothes that suggest how you'd look in the role. Let the interviewer see you as the person that would fit in.
—Guest blacita

I went to my first interview in approx. 20 years. I located the facility the day before, had my notes and contact info in order. I looked very good, very professional At interview time, I was met by a lady who I thought might work somewhere else. She was wearing yardwork type clothes. I felt like a funeral director. She escorted me the manager's office. She asked me a few HR type questions. She then flipped her trash bin upside down, took her shoe off, poured herself a cup of coffee, and then explained that she has to elevate her hurt foot. I soon realized this was the hiring manager. I was then given a tour by an overworked/ abused type looking employee wearing jeans and football shirt. I think "nice" clothes were banned. I was taken back to the manager office, only to be told the interview was over because she needed a cigarette. I left only to meet her again in the parking lot. Had a pleasant 5 minute coversation- wierd interview. The job was not offered...What to wear next?
—lkgrzesik

Definitely I remember the ones who were too skimpily dressed. Microskirts and too much cleavage, etc., like many of the above replies. Very distracting. When in doubt, cover up and go more conservative, not less!
—Guest Kris

I help students get ready to leave our program (resumes, cover letters, interview skills things like that). a student who went through the class had an interview and said he had the perfect outfit! It was a nice button up shirt, nice slacks, nice shoes and a tie. The clothes looked like he slept in them and the (clip on tie) was hanging from about the second button down sideways! Needless to say he did not get the job! I wish he would have showed me the outfit before the interview!
—Guest C. Montoya

I was working in a retail copy store and a guy walked up to the counter wearing a pair of baggy, stained sweatpants, an oversized white t-shirt with oil, grease and dirt all over it, and sandals with socks. His skin was covered in dirt and sweat. I asked if I could help him and he said he was scheduled for an interview with my manager! I showed him to the manager's office and then my co-workers and I burst out laughing! He didn't get the job.
—Guest Jules

Going to my interview for my second professional position I smoked cig and then brushed with toothpaste. At some point I wiped my mouth and spread toothpaste almost to my ear. Didn't know until getting back into the car afterward and looking the mirror YIKES. Got the job and mucho heckling from HR guy. Thanks Rick G!
—Guest petey

I wore it.. thought I looked just great, got the job and worked for the company for 15 years. However EVERYONE remembered that light blue suit! and not in a good way. I did look like an oversized ice cube.
—Guest Jayne

Alison Doyle
Job Searching Guide