There is no second chance for a first impression. This also applies to the job interview – and there especially for the dress code. Clothes don’t just make people, they are pure communication. Blotchy shirts, uncleaned shoes, skirts that are too short, motif ties – all of these shapes the impression a recruiter has of an applicant in the first few seconds. Positive as well as negative. So what should you wear for interview to make the perfect impression? Good question. Because that depends on a little …

Is there a dress code for the interview

In fact, there is no uniform dress code for the job interview. The choice of clothes is always a little dependent on the industry and the position for which you are applying:

• The cashier for a discounter chain hardly has to squeeze into a costume. She doesn’t wear that there either.
• On the other hand, the prospective banker is expected to wear a business outfit, for example a suit (women: trouser suit or suit).
• The advertising clerk to be may dress casually. Likewise the employee in a startup.
• The soon-to-be saleswoman in retail, on the other hand, has to dress stylishly and seriously. After all, their style also reflects the brand.

And so on. The examples for this can be continued indefinitely. The clothing standards are simply too different from industry to industry.

However, there are two basic rules for the dress code in the interview. Although they are not very specific, they practically always apply:

• Dress for the position you want – not the job you already have. You could also say: As a rule, dress one step better than you would later on in your daily work.
• And: Always stay authentic. Means: don’t dress up. The clothes have to suit you. And you have to feel comfortable in it.

Both rules also mean a certain adjustment. So it’s not just about personal style. It is reserved for leisure. After all, a job interview is not a garden party. In the job you will (have to) always adapt to the respective customs. Especially when you have customer contact.

A neat and well-groomed appearance is always appropriate and desirable.

Can you dress the wrong dress for the interview?

Just as you can dress stylishly and professionally, you can of course also dress incorrectly for the interview.

The classic dress code includes:

For men:

• White or mismatched socks with the rest of the clothes.
• Unkempt shoes or sneakers.
• T-shirt under the jacket.
• Inappropriate and unfashionable ties (worse: those made of polyester).
• Wrong tie length (always ends just above the belt)

For women:

• Too much jewelry and accessories.
• A skirt that is too short (never ends before a hand’s breadth above the knee).
• Runs in stockings or tights.
• Transparent blouses or sheer underwear.
• A cloud of perfume that clouds the senses.

Otherwise you should choose muted colors. So dark blue, gray, anthracite, brown. Pastel shades are also possible in summer. Bright colors and signal colors such as red, on the other hand, are taboo. But even black can quickly become a tragedy.