You dress as if you had the job!

Its better to be well dressed than under dressed for an interview. Sometimes I like to scope out the company and look around to see how most of them are dressed...especially management and then try to follow suit. If you can,t do this...just dress as professionally as possible and be yourself. In the store where I worked ( and it was far from a high end boutique for sure) if a prospective employee came in , in shorts and a tank or tee...no matter how casual we were...I would probably look right over them and go for the person dressed much more professionally...even if they were over dressed...it showed they cared and respected the company more than the person that dressed down and walked in, in a tee. If its semi casual...you can get away with a nice pair of dress slacks or skirt with a very nice ironed button down conservative shirt...somethhing nice, crisp and clean...don,t need the jacket or blazer...keep it simple and classic and shine !!!

Result? Ms. Debbie, It was 20 days ago you posted the question "What's the best culture fit for this scenario?", in regards to dressing for your pending interview. Multiple people responded to your query, which advice did you decide to follow? And how did you feel about your interview, in relation to your attire? Everyone has input, mine would be that I add something unique to my attire. More often than not, it seems to spark a side conversation of '"How interesting..", "What a unique..", or "I like your...". My purpose however is a bit more selfish; I am aware that this will serve as a visual the interviewers could use to reference/remember me by - yes my credentials, personality, and ambition (as everyone would like to say) are what I 'would like' to believe/want to linger in their memories after the interview process. The issue with that is, there may be multiple white pieces of 'copied' resumes in front of them (so it doesn't matter what color shape or size you can put yours on), multiple wonderfully charismatic, Gray/blue/black, suit/pant, or skirt dressed men/women (not that that these represent my choices) with terrifically fitted credentials for the position, focused eyes, and beautiful smiles that have sat next to them/across the desk from them, or with them at a bistro style table at a coffee shop. How many of them are they going to be able to remember, specifically, as an individual? They will remember me; they will differentiate me amongst the others, even if I 'followed' multiple pieces of the helpful advice you were offered. Why? Because they will visually recall the item that I chose to wear as a unique, not too outlandish piece for that specific purpose. It is not difficult, but I also chose it carefully. Not a large, overpowering piece of jewelry, or a fluorescent scarf and it ought not be too directly related (unless intentionally done) to the company I'm applying to. It is a delicate thing, but if done right, could make a statement just loud enough to have their memory of me - "That... lady with all the experiences... you know, she had years of office experience, and ...oh she had negotiating skills... fish, fish... Alaska! Yes, she worked in the fishery in Alaska... she had that red handkerchief!! Now I remember, that red silk handkerchief, Tony!! That's right Tony, a "man's" name. That's why she joked about wearing the handkerchief! Find me her resume!' Sometimes, it matters if the interviewer is male or female; what does not change is that I am always me! I "dress to impress" because that is who I am. I am more than curious.... How did it go? How did you feel about the interview; not specifically whether you got the job or not, but how did you feel about the interview?

I always dress for the job or position above the one I'm going for. I usually wear a sports jacket, collared shirt, dress shoes and, jeans. I takes the formal down but personally, I feel more professional a do better during the interview.

I am old school when it comes to interview attire, which would be a coat and tie. However, lots of new industry has moved into my region and the culture has seemed to shift to a more casual atmosphere at most facilities. Knowing this, I have started asking the some recruiters or HR Manager what the expected attire is for the potential employee. I explain that traditional culture has sometimes changed to more casual, but I also tell them my default is to wear a suit and tie. They generally give honest feedback and have actually had people to instruct me NOT to wear a suit. Said one potential employer, "No, don't wear a suit. You'll freak out everybody here. They'd think you were from the government or something." Needless to say, that interview was a Polo Shirt and khakis. Just my feel for things. I understand it's not like this all over the country.

I interviewed hundreds of applicants over 17 years with a company that was very casual - jeans and t-shirts were the norm. The best applicants understood the company culture and took one step up. Not jeans and t-shirts but khakis and a button down or dark jeans and a blazer or a linen dress. This showed that they were both serious about the job but had taken the time to understand the company culture so would likely be a better fit than someone who didn't.

Hi Debbie, in the environment you describe I would go for "smart casual." You can do a search online and view images to get ideas for presenting yourself in a way that is authentic and appropriate for a professional interview. I would definitely not be afraid to look sharp but I would stay away from denim! You will make a great first impression! Good luck!

I agree with most of the comments, you should always dress to impress for a job interview. The first impression means a great deal. Once you have the job, follow the dress code.

First impressions!!! You can dress according to their culture, after you are hired!

Debbie, I was always told to wear a collared shirt, nice slacks and shoes or dress when doing an interview. Look like you mean business. . No Business Casual clothing like Polo shirts. What I wear is a collared shirt with a sweater or a scarf around my neck. You do not need a suit and tie, yet you want to give the impression that you want the job.