Interviewers mostly notice whether you’ve made an effort: clean, ironed clothes that fit, tidy hair and shoes you can walk in. The right level of formality depends on the job, so a quick look at the company’s website, social media or the staff in store will tell you a lot.
The simple rule
Dress one step smarter than the everyday dress code of the job. If staff wear uniforms or casual clothes, wear neat smart casual. If staff wear smart casual, add a blazer or a collared shirt. If staff wear suits, wear a suit or equivalent.
Not sure? Ask. It’s perfectly fine to email the recruiter or hiring manager: “Is there a dress code I should keep in mind for the interview?”
What to wear by industry
- Corporate, finance, law and government: business attire, such as a suit, or tailored pants or a skirt with a blazer, and closed dress shoes.
- Office and administration: smart casual to business, such as chinos or tailored pants, a collared shirt or neat top, and an optional blazer.
- Retail: neat smart casual that suits the brand. A fashion store may welcome some of its style; a bank branch or phone store expects more formal.
- Hospitality: neat and practical. Dark pants or a skirt, a plain top, closed shoes and long hair tied back. For a trial shift, “blacks” and non-slip shoes are common.
- Trades and warehouse: clean, tidy work clothes or smart casual. Bring boots or PPE only if you’ve been told there’s a site visit.
- Aged care, disability support and childcare: neat, comfortable smart casual you could move in, with closed shoes and minimal jewellery.
- Creative and tech: often smart casual. Clean jeans can be fine, but pair them with a good top and shoes, and avoid anything too relaxed.
Video interviews
Dress as you would in person, at least from the waist up. Solid colours usually look better on camera than busy patterns or fine stripes. Check how you look on screen beforehand, and see our video interview tips for setting up your camera and lighting.
Group interviews and assessment days
Choose something you can sit, stand and move in comfortably for a few hours, because there may be activities or a walk-through. Neat smart casual suits most retail and hospitality group interviews.
The details that matter
- Clean, ironed or steamed clothes that fit well.
- Clean, comfortable shoes you can walk in. Consider the weather and how far you’ll walk.
- Tidy hair and nails, and light or no fragrance.
- A jacket or layer for air-conditioned offices or changeable weather.
- A folder with copies of your resume, a pen and any documents you’ve been asked to bring.
What to avoid
- Clothes that are creased, stained, ripped or very tight.
- Thongs, very casual sneakers or shoes that are hard to walk in.
- Strong perfume or aftershave.
- Slogans, big logos or anything you’d wear to the beach or the gym.
- Trying a brand-new outfit or shoes for the first time on the day.
Above all, wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. You’ll answer questions better when you’re not thinking about your clothes.
Key takeaways
- Dress one step smarter than the everyday dress code of the job.
- Clean, ironed clothes that fit matter more than expensive ones.
- If you are unsure, it is fine to ask the recruiter about the dress code.
- For video interviews, dress as you would in person and choose solid colours.
- Wear something comfortable that you have worn before.
Confirm your interview
Write a quick, professional reply to confirm your interview time. Free, no sign-up.
Confirm your interview