Interviewing with a criminal record is frustrating for many reasons. At Honest Jobs, we are here to help you connect with second-chance employers who are willing to hire ex-felons with the aim to reduce the uncertainty and stress throughout the hiring process. However, being prepared for an interview is one of the most important parts of proving that you are truly interested in working for the company and you are the right fit for the job. As part of a series of blog posts, first, we would like to share some tips on how to dress for an interview to make a good first impression on your interviewees.
While there are no absolute rules, you should always dress for the position you want, not the position you are currently in. Since interviews are formal situations, a clean and neat professional appearance is an important step in making a good first impression. It does not matter what role you are applying for, you should always make sure that your clothes are clean, fit well, and are not wrinkled or stained.
What to wear?
The best outfit will depend on the type of job and the company you are interviewing with. Before your interview, you can visit the company to see how people dress on an everyday basis. That way, you can show up to the interview conveying that you understand the type of role and the environment. For example, interviewing for a corporate job will most likely require you to show up in formal business wear. However, there are plenty of jobs, such as working in a fast-food restaurant or a factory, where business casual style is completely acceptable for the interview.
Don't wear these items to your interview!
Regardless of the formality of the workplace, there are items that you should never wear to an interview, even if you think they would be acceptable to wear on the job, because they could significantly lower your possibility to make a good first impression. You want the hiring managers to focus on what you say, not on what you wear.
Items to avoid:
Denim/Jeans
Shorts
Leggings, sweatpants, or yoga pants
T-Shirts
Tank tops
Crop tops
Flip flops, sandals, tennis/running shoes
Very short, tight, or low-cut clothing
Too much perfume or cologne
Too many jewelry items
Sunglasses
Hats or headwear (except for religious or cultural purposes)
Ripped or wrinkled items
Some must-have items
Having at least one business-appropriate outfit that fits you perfectly will save you a lot of time and stress before your interview. As long as your clothes are clean and fit well, there is no need to spend a lot of money on them. Your wardrobe should include the following items:
For Men:
Formal (Corporate, Banking, Office)
Gray, black, or navy suit
A long-sleeved, white, collared shirt
Clean, polished, dark-colored conservative dress shoes
Conservative tie that matches your suit
Socks matching your suit and shoes
Plain belt matching your suit
Casual (Manufacturing, Logistics, Food Service, etc.)
Short or long-sleeved button-down or polo shirt
Khakis or trousers
Clean shoes or boots
For Women:
Formal (Corporate, Banking, Office)
Gray, black, or navy pantsuits or skirt suits (skirts should at least reach the top of your knee)
A long-sleeved, white, collared shirt
Neutral-toned or sheer black hosiery
Closed-toe shoes that are no higher than 1 1/2 inches
Casual (Manufacturing, Logistics, Food Service, etc.)
Short or long-sleeved collared shirt
Trousers or a skirt that goes to at least the knee
Closed-toe flats
Many organizations collect clothing donations for working adults. If you need help getting work clothes, check out resources like Goodwill and Salvation Army in your area.