What to Wear (and Definitely Not Wear) for Job Interviews: Zoom and In-Person

Sep 19

Job interviews are stressful enough without also worrying if your outfit says “professional candidate” or “I just raided my cousin’s prom closet.” The trick is to look polished, comfortable, and like yourself, not like you are auditioning for a role in Wall Street: The Musical.

And yes, Zoom has changed the game.

Zoom Interviews: Business on Top, Safety Net on Bottom

The golden rule: wear pants. You think you will not need them, but an emergency happens you stand up, and suddenly your neon boxers are the star of the show. Do not be “Boxer brief” guy.

Zoom Outfit Rules:

Blazer and shirt combo. Women: cardigan and blouse or blazer and shell. Men: shirt and blazer, or sweater and tie. Keep it classic, not costume.
Colors. Navy, gray, and tan are safe bets. Plaid on Zoom reads like “optical illusion.” Bright green or blue? Congratulations, you have disappeared into your virtual background.
Jewelry. If it jingles, clanks, or looks like you just won “Most Spirited Camper,” it is a no. Friendship bracelets…take them off.
Glasses. If you do not usually wear them, do not debut them now. Reflections make you look like a lighthouse keeper.
Laptop angle. Raise it up with a stand or books. Nothing says “ready to lead” like a looming chin shot.
Second Zoom interview? WEAR THE EXACT SAME THING. Callbacks are not a time to reinvent your look.

In-Person Interviews: Pants. Shoes. The Works.

This is where the whole outfit counts. And yes, actual shoes. Not Crocs.

For Women:

Tailored pants, skirts, or dresses. Comfort matters because you may be walking across campus like it is a 5K, or going up and down stairs.
Closed-toe heels under 4 inches. Block heels or kitten heels are lifesavers. Professional boot is good too. Stilettos are fine only if you can walk in them without resembling a baby giraffe and you are going for some type of job in Fashion or Style.
Jewelry and makeup? Think “boardroom,” not “Vegas residency.”

For Men:

Slacks, blazer, and tie. However, depending on the role a full suit may be better, or suit with shirt and no tie, or suit with sweater and tie.
Navy or gray are best. I once wore a black suit, black tie and looked like Dracula applying for Tenure. Now if this was in a major city it would have been cool, but it wasn’t (read the room). Not my best branding moment.
Tailor your pants. Hem them properly. Bad fit kills even the fanciest suit.
Shoes: Kenneth Cole “Grande” line. They look like dress shoes but walk like sneakers. Your feet will thank you.
Bags: Sleek shoulder bag or upscale backpack. Do not bring the backpack you have had since grad school. INCASE has really nice professional backpack or laptop bags.

For Gender Nonconforming and Trans Candidates

Here is the deal. You do not have to stop being yourself to look professional. Same rules. Professional, fitted, confident. Be yourself, but make sure your outfit says “ready for this role,” not “still figuring out laundry day.”

Final Hint: Dress Like the Role

At the end of the day, you are auditioning. If you want to be seen as a leader, dress like one. If it is a creative role, show your style, but in a way that whispers confidence instead of shouting “look at my socks” (which I have done").

Your clothes should reinforce the message you are sending: I belong in this role. The goal is not to be remembered for your outfit. The goal is to be remembered for your answers. And pants. Always pants.

Chris Peak