Edison, Burroughs, & Ford were snappy dressers

We all know that first impressions are key in life. Whether it be a chance encounter, a first date, or a job interview, it’s important to always look your best. We’ve already covered dressing for a date, so here are some things to consider when applying for that dream job:

Know the dress code for the company and the industry you hope to work in. If you’re not familiar with the dress code, or you’re unsure about it, ask someone you know that already works in the field. This will be beneficial for two reasons: you’ll have a better grasp of what to wear to the interview, and you’ll know in advance the daily dress requirements of the job you hope to attain. If you discover that the career path you’ve chosen requires that you wear suits everyday, you should probably start buying them now. Nothing could be worse than getting your dream job and being asked to start immediately if  you have nothing to wear on your first day of work. Here are some tips for two types of jobs:

For Creative Jobs

You definitely have more leeway in your attire at a creative firm, since the usual outfit worn by employees can vary widely. Some will wear blazers and dress shirts, and some will wear t-shirts and jeans. Even if you’re familiar with the culture of the specific company you’re interviewing for, you should always be overdressed for the interview. This shows respect to the company and to the interviewer. It’s much better to be told you’re overdressed and that it’s a casual work environment than to be looked upon as unprofessional. I recommend always wearing a suit, but since the job might more casual in nature, it (could) be acceptable to wear slacks, a blazer, and a dress shirt – as long as everything is tailored and modern. Don’t wear khakis. Accessorize with pops of color, texture, or patterns to highlight your creative nature.

For Professional / Conservative Jobs

For jobs that fit this category, a two piece suit isn’t optional – it’s required for the interview. If you don’t yet have a professionally tailored suit to wear to the interview, we recommend checking out a Chubstr favorite: Indochino. Choose a dark suit with a light (preferable white) shirt. Keep your tie and your accessories muted and carefully thought out. Wear a nice dress watch. If you don’t have one, consider buying one. We previously profiled a Gucci watch that would make a great impression. Make sure your hair is properly groomed, and that your haircut is recent. It definitely doesn’t hurt to carry your resume in a nice briefcase, which we covered in this article.

If you’re currently interviewing for jobs, Chubstr would love to see the outfits you choose to wear to your interviews. Submit your photos here and include a brief description of the type of job you interviewed for.