What do I wear for that first on-site job interview?

After all the work you have put in to create the resume, cover letter and application content to land a job interview, the hard truth is: the work is only beginning! When you are selected to the first interview round, you are excited to make your debut appearance, and feel that you are a great fit for the company, but you need to decide what to wear to continue to impress.

It may seem that the outfit you choose for the interview is not as important as your skills and experience, but your wardrobe can make or break their first impression.

Dress for the Target Culture

Because each company has a unique organizational culture, you’ll feel more confident and make the most of your job interview by dressing appropriately. Do the men wear business suits and dress shirts with ties, or collared shirts with sports jackets, or no jackets at all? Are the women in dresses or blouses and skirts, or well-tailored pants? Or is everyone wearing jeans? If you appear too casual, the employer may question your professionalism. Significantly overdress, and it may seem like you don’t fit in the company or its unique culture. You don’t want to walk into a very casual company dressed in your best suit, but you also don’t want to go the business casual route only to find out the interviewer is wearing a suit.

What if You Don’t Know How Formal or Informal the Work Culture Is?

Do some research to find out how people at the company dress. How to figure out the appropriate attire: If you know someone who works at the company, ask about the standard office attire.

- Consider bringing up the dress code policy on the phone when scheduling the in-person meeting.

- Drop in to the lobby or go to the facility and watch the employees come and go.

- Consider the type of organization you’re interviewing with and what is considered standard attire for that profession. For example, the dress code will likely be more formal at a law firm than a creative agency.

Think about the role you are after and dress for the part. This will help the hiring manager visualize you in the position. You might dress up a little more if you’re interviewing for a more senior-level position. To be flexible, keep your options open by wearing a jacket. You can remove it if it feels too dressy once you arrive.

Prepare your outfit ahead of time.

A professional and put-together outfit can make a strong impact on a hiring team and solidify that first impression during a job interview. Don’t forget to maintain good posture. As for grooming, your hair should be neatly styled, nails clipped and clean, and makeup minimal. Also, forgo perfume or aftershave; many people have allergies or get headaches from strong scents. No matter what, the probability of losing the second interview is greater if you underdress than if you overdress – so always consider stepping it up a notch. Look sharp, focus on success — and you will get that job!