What to Wear to a IT Job Interview

Follow these expert tips to look polished and professional.

Congratulations on being selected for an interview at the company of your dreams. Your skills and experience are what got you to this point, and how you present yourself does matter.

"It is important for candidates to be their authentic selves during the interview process and at work," said Ani K, vice president of people operations at Thrive Market. All candidates, including marketing professionals, HR execs, and software developers, she said.

According to Ani, the best way to dress for a job interview is to wear dark pants that fit well, along with a pressed and ironed collared shirt or blouse.

Here is some more interview outfit advice from professionals in the tech industry and wardrobe experts.

6 TOP TIPS FOR AN INTERVIEW OUTFIT

Look up the company's dress code beforehand
Decide what to wear in advance
If possible, show your style
Try and be as comfortable as possible
Grooming is just as important as clothes

Do Your Research

Different companies have different styles of dressing - be sure to look at team photos on the company website to get an idea of what to expect. If you do not know the company's dress code, ask someone who does.

Additionally, take into account the role at the company. The appropriate interview outfit for a manager-level job in IT at a consulting firm will probably be different from the outfit required for a marketing job at a startup - the former being more conservative, and the latter perhaps more creative.

Interview Outfits for Women

A jacket or cardigan can help to complete a look for anyone, said Annie Annie B., a Chicago-based wardrobe consultant. As Annie B. stated, appearing polished and put-together, without being excessively formal, indicates that you have taken the time to present yourself well.

Zuajeiliy R., style director at online styling service Wishi, provided some specific combinations. See her ideas below, as well as this inspiration board for visual cues.

For a polished look, pair a tailored white blouse with black or navy pants. Depending on the pant color, you can match your shoes to the pant or keep it minimal with a nude sandal or shoe.

A fitted crew-neck sweater can be worn with a pencil skirt for a more polished look. This outfit can be given a chic finish with the addition of some simple accessories, like a dainty necklace or watch.

If you want to be more conservative for your company, wear a crew-neck bodysuit under a matching skirt or pantsuit. For shoes, “I love a suit with a pair of sneakers,” Zuajeiliy R. said. However, make sure the suit isn’t too fitted or too baggy.

If you prefer to wear a pump, keep it mid-heeled and carry a structured tote. A more casual look can be achieved with minimal white sneakers and a leather backpack. For something dressier, try flats with a chain-strap bag. Or, if you're wearing boots, pair them with an oversized soft pouch bag.

Interview Outfits for Men

For this event, it would be appropriate to wear a black, gray, or navy suit with shoes matched to your belt or the base color of the suit (if it is a plaid or stripe). A suit and tie are appropriate for a formal atmosphere.

If you're not big on suits, try teaming tailored trousers with a fitted crew neck or v-neck sweater. A navy blazer with dark denim trousers and a white shirt is perfect for a casual and professional work look.

Pair your leather loafers with a matching leather ledger for a shoes and bag combo that screams sophistication.

Interview Outfits for Gender-Nonconforming Candidates

"It is best to stick to one color, and make sure everything is well-fitted and tailored," said Zuajeiliy R. of Wishi. "It is my belief that an outfit of navy or all-black coloration gives off an air of elegance, and the idea is to let the individual's personality shine through rather than the clothes they are wearing. You want to be able to focus on your positive attributes during an interview, so it is not advisable to fidget with your clothing."

For a more sophisticated look, try dark denim with a white button-up shirt and a blazer. If you're not a fan of monochrome tones, you can always go for a more colorful bottom and keep the top simple and tailored, as she said. Check out this style board for more outfit ideas.

TIPS FOR VIDEO INTERVIEWS

It is advised that you wear pants during the interview, even if the interviewer will not be able to see them. You will feel more polished, as stated by Karen T., a Seattle-based image consultant. Plus, if for some reason you have to stand up from your chair during the interview, it is better to be wearing clothing that is appropriate rather than having the interviewer see your PJs or something worse.
For an ideal background, choose something neutral like a wall with artwork or photos. Make sure the camera is level with your eyes so we can see your whole face, and position yourself in front of a light source for the best lighting.
"Wearing eyeglasses during video interviews can reflect light and prevent interviewers from making eye contact, so they should only be worn if you can't function without them," Tsuo said.
Keep in mind the level of background noise. If your everyday work place is full of noise, go to a family member's house or to the library for a calmer atmosphere (it's best to avoid coffee shops; they are usually quite loud). Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is strong before an important meeting or interview.

Choose Color Wisely

When choosing colors for an interview, it is best to go with neutrals, but this also depends on your style and the company’s dress code. "Red is a color that exudes power," said Rob Smith, founder and CEO of The Phluid Project, a gender-free clothing line. According to Smith, choosing to wear a brightly colored article of clothing during an interview can help you appear professional and unique. He also said it's a good idea to have go-to clothes for interviews — clothes that make you feel comfortable or that you always feel great in.

According to Karen T., CEO of Seattle-based Karen T. International Image Institute which works with tech clients, high-contrast colors such as black and white or navy and white project authority, charisma and professionalism, while lower-contrast combinations like heather gray and light blue convey calm and balance. Wearing a bright color to your panel interviews will help you stand out.

Be Comfortable

Clothing should be comfortable and not bind, pull, or rise too high when sitting. In addition, it is important to choose fabrics that will not show perspiration. "Avoiding as much anxiety as possible is ideal," Smith said.

He said to stress-test the outfit before the interview. Move around, walk, stand and sit in it to make sure that you can do all of the above comfortably and nothing gaps or shows or pulls. According to Smith, it is crucial to strategize the mechanics of the interview ahead of time as well. This includes arriving at the video meeting early or driving/taking the train to the interview site ahead of time. He said, “You don’t want to walk in late, sweaty or flustered.”

Job interviews are not modeling auditions, so it is more important to focus on your resume rather than your outfit. Although it may not be the most important thing, carefully considering and choosing your clothes for a job interview will help you feel more comfortable and confident. This experience, combined with your excellent qualifications, will help you secure your dream job