Inappropriate interview attire can cost you the job. But how do you know what’s appropriate to wear? The answer to that question depends on your line of work and the company you’re interviewing at. Answer the following questions to decide how to dress for your next job interview.

What job are you applying for?

If you’re applying for a job in a clerical or customer service field, the standard attire is business casual. For men, this means dress slacks, dress shoes, collared shirt and, in some cases, a tie. For women, this means dress pants or a knee length skirt, a modest blouse, heels or flats and professional accessories.

Manufacturing or labor positions, while casual in nature, might still require nicer choices for the interview. If applying for a management role, I recommend the above business casual. For everyone else, jeans or khaki pants with a button up or polo shirt with casual (but clean!) shoes is acceptable.

What company are you applying for?

Do your research! The above guidelines should be used as just that – guidelines. For example, I have a client who needs construction workers and general laborers for his company. What I would normally suggest for a similar company doesn’t work best for his applicants. He would like to know that his applicants can get their hands dirty, and a collared shirt won’t tell him that. For this company, I recommend jeans, a t-shirt and work boots. Some research about the company and their current employees can tell you a lot about what you should wear.

What job do you want?

Rule of thumb: dress for the job you want, not the job you’ve applied for. Are you applying for an entry-level receptionist position, but truly aspire to be in a management role? Dress business professional. Interviewers sometimes connect your appearance to your aspirations. If you wear jeans to an interview, even if it may be appropriate for the job you’re applying for, it might not send the right message to the hiring team. When in doubt, dress a stress up!

How do you get clothes?

Did you answer the above questions and still don’t know what to wear to your interview? The picture guides above can help you make informed decisions about your interview attire, and many appropriate items can be found in thrift and consignment stores at a reasonable cost.

For women interviewing in our Tennessee office who don’t think they can afford appropriate interview clothes, we want to help. Our partnership with Amelia’s Closet in Murfreesboro allows us to help unemployed and low-income women prepare for sustainable employment. This non-profit organization prepares women recovering from hardship by providing an interview outfit and interview tips upon referral from a partner agency like Priority Staffing Group. Upon being hired, they provide returning clients with a week’s wardrobe for work.

Ask us for more information by stopping by Priority Group’s Murfreesboro office or calling (615) 295-2127.