While I can’t say precisely what to wear for the specific company and job you are interviewing for, I can give a solid rule of thumb. Assess the dress attire standard you would follow once in the job and take it up a notch for the interview. In other words, if you would dress business casual for the job (let’s say Dockers and a button-up collar shirt for guys), then wear at least slacks, a dress shirt and sport coat for the interview – and don’t hesitate to add a tie. If you would wear jeans and a pullover collar shirt for the job, then at least dress business casual for the interview. I also recommend mostly ignoring the advice of any existing employees at the company. They might tell you, “Don’t worry about dressing up for the interview because we’re pretty laid back here.” Instead, just take it up at least one notch to come across as professional and serious.
See the rest of my series on Interviewing Tips here. I also have a related series for Resume Writing and one for Job Hunting.
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