Interview Outfits for Men

The hiring manager may indicate whether it is a formal or informal interview. But just because it is a formal interview, it does not always mean a suit is best.

The level of formality depends more on the job you are applying for and the type of organization. Generally speaking, the places that will have a more formal dress code are:

• Law firms
• Banks and financial institutions
• Teaching and academic places of work
• Business consulting companies
• Public-service or political institutions

If the role you are interviewing for is a high-level managerial position, then dress for that role. Any executive roles should also be considered formal.

Even if the place you are interviewing for has a very casual dress code, you should still avoid wearing jeans for your interview. They may be accepted in the work environment, but you currently do not work there.

Make the more formal choice and work with suit items.

A traditional suit consists of a button-down with a matching blazer and trousers. For the more formal and high-level job roles, this is your ideal choice.

For the less formal roles, you have the option to mix and match and show some of your personality.

Wool or cotton slacks, a button-down shirt and a dark blazer work well for almost every interview scenario. They are staple items that can be dressed up or down depending on your audience.

Some believe that you should start as you mean to carry on, and wear to an interview what you would wear if you already had the job. In some cases – in particular, creative industries – you may wear trousers and a T-shirt.

However, as you are trying to convince someone that you are perfect for their company, it is always better to make more effort and slightly overdress. The alternative is that you underdress and the recruiter thinks you are not making any effort.

Traditionally speaking, tweed is a formal fabric and is synonymous with British librarians and university professors.

However, a tweed jacket can look incredibly stylish and smart.

If your natural style includes tweed or corduroy, then wear it to your interview. Just ensure that the trousers you wear work with the color and texture of your blazer.

If you have never even thought of tweed, then choose a fabric you would typically wear. You want to be comfortable in your interview.

Deciding whether or not to wear a tie may be the hardest decision you make when dressing for your interview.

The best advice is to decide how formal the role is.

If you know that you need to wear a suit for everyday work, then wear a tie. If your work does not require you to wear a tie, then skip it.

If you do decide to wear a tie, consider the following:

• No novelty prints. Ever.
• If your suit is a neutral shade, then pick a tie with a bold color
• A simple patterned design is also acceptable

If you are wearing a tie, then wear a simple white button-down shirt.

If you decide not to wear a tie, consider wearing a bold-colored button-down under your blazer.

Not only does it give you the chance to show a bit of your personality, but it provides the interviewer with a reference point to remember you by.

They may never refer to you as 'the gentleman in the pale-pink shirt', but in their head, that may be their way of remembering you.

Equally, you could also wear a shirt with a simple pattern.

So long as it is done professionally, there is no reason why your natural style and personality cannot be reflected in your interview outfit.

There is a lot of theory surrounding colors and the influence they have over people.

Traditionally, when asking what color a man should wear for an interview, the answer has always been black or gray.

This rule is still used as a guideline today. However, there is a bit more flexibility.

Black suits can sometimes look a little harsh. They can also make you look like a prom date or a funeral attendant.

It is advisable to choose a gentler color such as gray or navy blue.

Open-toed shoes or sneakers are an absolute no-no. If you are wearing a full suit, you will need the dress shoes to match. Loafers are acceptable if you are opting for more business-casual attire.

Whether you choose loafers or dress shoes, your footwear should:

• Fit correctly. You do not want to be wincing every time you take a step or be falling out of your shoes
• Be clear of any scuff marks
• Be clean and freshly polished

If you are required to bring any documents with you, carry them in a smart, clean briefcase or satchel. Ideally, it should be leather and not look worn.

Even if you don't have any documents to carry, take a bag with you anyway. Your interviewer may give you some documents at the end of the interview.

A bag also gives you space to store your personal items, so they aren't bulging out of your pockets.

You should take a pen and notebook with you to an interview in case you need to make notes.

Ensure that your bag is not over-filled.

When it comes to accessories in job interviews, less is more.

A belt is mandatory and should be black or brown leather with a discreet buckle.

A watch should be worn as it gives the impression that you are time-conscious and likely to turn up to work on time. It also stops you from checking your phone too often.

Ideally, your watch strap should be metal or leather (without tatty straps), but smartwatches are now the norm. Just remember to mute your notifications before going into the interview.

For more corporate and high-level roles, jewelry should be kept to the absolute minimum, the only exception being your wedding band.

It is not unusual for men to have piercings these days, but keep them discreet. There is nothing wrong with having piercings, and you should not be discriminated against because of them. But if they are too shiny or in-your-face, they can be distracting for the interviewer.

The same can be said for rings, bracelets and necklaces. For the interview, consider leaving your jewelry at home.

Yes, these things are more acceptable today, but you don't know how traditional your interviewer is.

Your interview is your one chance to make a great impression. Take the time to make sure:

• Your hair is washed and styled appropriately – no messy hair and not too much gel

• Your nails are clean and somewhat manicured. This may go against everything you believe, but your hands and nails are a prime indicator of your personal hygiene. You should also consider that if your role requires attention to detail, clean nails are a key sign that you possess this skill.

• Your clothes are freshly washed and ironed. Ideally, you want to get your clothes dry-cleaned, but if that is not in your budget, ensure they are wrinkle-free with a good iron and some starch spray.

• You have applied deodorant and aftershave. Use a fresh, clean scent that isn't too overpowering.

• Your facial hair is tidy. If you like to shave, then shave. If you have facial hair, make sure it looks presentable. If you have some growth, but it looks more like you haven't bothered to shave for a few days, then consider shaving for the interview.

Another tip that may make you squirm, is to consider a little concealer if you look a bit tired, and powder if you have oily skin.