Interviews are a huge deal—especially if you’ve just graduated from college and you’re looking for your first real job. That’s when the stakes are raised. Bosses don’t just look at your resume. They watch how you carry yourself, how you speak, and how you dress as well. All it takes is one issue and they might go with another candidate.
So, whether you’re dressing like you just came out of your mom’s basement or a frat house, there’s a good chance it will hurt your job search. College is over, people. It’s time to start looking presentable.
Leave these 5 “fashion” slip-ups at the office door.
Don’t wear brands geared towards teenagers.
We’re talking Hollister, Abercrombie, American Eagle, and so on. The moment the hiring manager sees you rocking a turquoise collared shirt with a giant bird on it, two things happen. One, they have a horrible flashback of trying to shop at Abercrombie, where the lights were dim, the music was about five notches too loud, and the smell of cheap cologne lingered in the air. Also, they immediately realize you’re lacking in the maturity department. We recommend that you look elsewhere for nice clothes.
Don’t wear flip flops.
Look, we get it. There are some jobs out there that are very casual and loosey-goosey. They tell you that the interview will be pretty informal. Still, that doesn’t mean, “Hey, wear flip flops so we can get a nice look at your feet.” This isn’t the beach. Put on some nice shoes and dress nicely, while still trying to match their casual vibe.
Don’t wear cargo shorts.
Again, this riffs along the same idea as flip flops. I personally believe that you should never wear cargo shorts PERIOD. Seriously, what do you do with those extra pockets? But you should especially avoid wearing them during a potentially life-changing moment like an interview, no matter how informal they tell you it is.
Don’t wear a baggy suit.
Back in the day, baggy suits were in style. But the days of loose-fit are so far behind us that they’re not even in the rearview mirror anymore. Make sure you tailor your suit to be comfortable and snugly fit. It’ll show your potential employer that you’re updated on the latest fashion trends and that you truly care how you look.
Don’t wear colorful dress socks.
If you have on striped or strange-colored socks, you’re going to look like a straight-up goofball. That’s going to tell your potential employer that you’re not taking this seriously. Stay professional. It’ll go a long way.