What to Wear for Job Interviews on Casual Fridays

Your appeal for job interviews is the first thing to be judged and examined. You only get one chance to make a great first impression. The interviewer may not remember what you are wearing, but you must remember that your appearance is refined and professional.

In a job interview, they judge absolutely everything, including your image and appearance. It is imperative that you make the right decision about what to wear to job interviews so that you look professional and can be taken seriously.

Regardless of what the company’s dress code is, the default standard for job interview clothing is always conservative. When in doubt, go ahead and wear a business suit or sexy.

But what if hiring managers tell you in advance that the dress code is casual since the interview is on a Friday? They probably gave you that advice so that you can dress appropriately for the job interview.

Then what do you do?

The general rule of thumb to use when selecting your interview clothing is to dress one step above the dress code. This is what I mean. If you are business casual, your interview attire is attractive for business. If it’s casual, your job interview appeal should be business casual.

So, if it’s a casual Friday and you’ve been specifically told what the dress code is, don’t make the mistake of dressing like all the other employees. It’s okay for them to wear jeans, sandals, and shorts, but they already work there. You also don’t want to be overly conservative and overly stylish (especially if you’ve been informed that it’s a casual day at the office). Therefore, focus on the casual business attractions.

Here’s a quick checklist for you to follow:

Clothing – Wear dress pants or a dress skirt and stick to neutral colors like navy blue, brown, gray, and black. Wear a blouse or dress shirt, again in pretty neutrals or pastel colors. Limit yourself to white or light pink, blue and green. Stay away from flashy colors like red that can be distracting.

Shoes – Everyone else may be wearing sandals and flip flops, but you should always wear closed-toe shoes like pumps to give it that business look. Stay away from the six-inch heels that you would wear on a Friday night to hang out with the ladies. There is nothing worse than tripping in the hallway during the interview.

Jewels – Even if it’s Friday, wear minimal jewelry that matches your overall appearance. Nothing fancy and nothing that dangles or makes noise when you move your head to speak.

Hate – Your hairstyle can make or break your entire interview outfit. Again, you want it to be conservative and polished, not messy and casual. Opt to pull your hair back in a ponytail instead of a casual, free-spirited “hang out at the beach” look.

Purse – A casual and modern bag is not going to be enough for a business casual look. Carry a small purse or purse or briefcase or briefcase with you with your resume, references, and other important documents that still convey a conservative and professional look.

Choosing what to wear to job interviews on Fridays doesn’t mean you have to look less professional, does it?