What to Wear to a Job Interview (+ Secret Rules!)

[@AdviceWithErin]

hi, friends! 🫶🏼 come hang with me on Instagram for daily career + life advice: bit.ly/40hgztK & check out my brand new show/podcast, No One Knows What They're Doing APPLE: apple.co/3SNBpPu SPOTIFY: spoti.fi/3I6j6Qz

[@cfisher2447]

How much is your only fans

[@ThesaurusToblerone]

I found out that part of why I was hired was that I was wearing a grey knitted sweater at my interview. My two now colleagues both happened to wear grey sweaters to my interview and were saying before they met me "wouldnt it be funny if the person we hired was also wearing a grey sweater?" So when I was wearing one, they saw it as a sign. Halo effect maybe?

[@mimig7251]

Thank you for noting that thrift stores are a good choice to buy professional clothing. I bought my only suit from a vintage store for about $60 and it fit almost perfectly which, as a short person, is next to impossible at regular stores.

[@richb1576]

Went for a job interview for custodian at a state college. Now Some might think oh they will hire anybody. No. Thats far from the truth. I went for a city custodial job and there was over 100 other applicants. They took us in bunches of 50 and we had to take a test. Kinda like the post office gives. So I get an interview for a state college. I looked up the colors of this college and wore clothes in those colors. I walked into the interview wearing a blue polo and all 4 of the interviewers were wearing blue. I have not done anything yet and I already look like I belong.

[@gummy5862]

The world has lost hope when a custodial position becomes competitive. I respect the work you do and the amount of unsung labor it takes, but the state of this country is so crazy.

[@susanlewis1875]

On thrift and consignment shops: I live in a blue-collar town. The dressier women's clothes are way out of date and I'm willing to bet there's not a suit in any of them. Forty miles south, however, there's a much larger city with far more professional businesses. The clothes there are much more high-end and current. It's worth the drive. Thanks for what you do, Erin!

[@neverhaddachance]

I second this! My favourite thrift shops are in very rich parts of town - going today to look for more clothes for a new job! 🎉

[@susanlewis1875]

@@neverhaddachance Good luck on the new job!

[@HillbillyYEEHAA]

Much better to buy a cheaper suit that will fit over shift. Simply because finding thrift items in your size is luck

[@molliebeth1109]

This is coming in clutch! I have an interview tomorrow and I’ve been freaking out!

[@monicacollins8289]

I hope your interview went well.

[@katrinasweet5973]

Hi Erin! Great video ❤ I had a job interview last week, and I used your videos to help me prepare. Especially the "tell me about yourself" question. I felt really confident, and I got the job! Thank you ❤

[@jessicamayer181]

Idk if you’ll see this. What video does she talk about the “tell me about yourself” question?

[@thebookwasbetter3650]

I felt sincerely silly sitting in my dining room in a suit for a zoom interview. It worked though. I got a job offer from all three of the companies I interviewed for. Weirdest thing was my socks. I wore my everyday gray crew socks instead of my dress socks. And no shoes. That felt weird.

[@melanieneill3398]

Great advice Erin! I also would include that nails and hair should look neat and clean. So, avoid fake flashy nails and if your hair looks messy or the cut is old fashion, get a haircut. The whole look, from hair to outfit should look current. Styles do change and with ageism being real, it is best to look as fresh and updated as possible!

[@ChristinaFromYoutube]

What do you think of a 39 year old woman wearing a barrett (I might have spelledthat wrong) but like the hair clips? I keep waffling on if its "too young" It is gold with a pale pink stone asymmetrical heart about the size of a quarter.

[@MiljaHahto]

A few things that cost mostly just time and effort: Clean your shoes, and if they are genuine leather, make sure they are polished. The same with your bag. And even if you're going for smart casual and wearing a t-shirt, it might be worth ironing that t-shirt - it looks neater that way. I don't normally use hairspray, but for an interview I might to keep stray hair in check. And a simple hairdo can save women from getting a fresh haircut to look neat! (Also saves the hairday in a bad weather.)

[@Amy-nb2sx]

Thank you so much, Erin! I love your videos. I have a call interview tomorrow; watching all your interview videos to get my reminders and prep for it.

[@stargirl33343]

The best budget women's work pants are the pixie cut pants from old navy. My whole lab wears them to confrences! Also, seconding H&M. I am 5'3 and my suit from 2016 still looks great and fit right off tbe rack.

[@ariana6139]

Wide leg or skinny?

[@karlamcdermott1630]

Super helpful explaining the attires, I was looking at your other videos and in one of your thumbnails DAMN you rock a black suit! You should’ve worn it in this video

[@marissarae]

I say this lovingly: the store recommendations are a nonstarter for plus-sized women. It might be worth partnering with a plus-sized vlogger and letting her take the lead on recommending stores for women of size.

[@AdviceWithErin]

Noted, feel free to drop some recs here too!

[@BarefootFarm]

As a plus size woman that has worked in a corporate setting for many years, these are my go to places to shop… Lane Bryant typically offers suits, however, they will most likely not be in store, but online only. Macy’s and Dillard’s also offer plus size suit options as well. I’m sure if you Google it will give many more online options

[@lexiwitdagoodhair]

I get my staples at torrid usually on clearance. I have a pair of black slacks and a khaki pair. I feel like most of torrid is geared towards business casual

[@genewarren5856]

Nice observation

[@ivoryhenson1285]

​@@lexiwitdagoodhairit depends on the season with torrid, they go through phases of having lots of buisness casual things then they go through phases of nothing but oversized graphic tees

[@dammar117]

My challenge as a public transit user is to wear appropriate attire during the summer and winter months. Sweating in a suit or bundling up with snow boots are not helpful.

[@VideoGameRoom32]

Great video. I think it depends on the job itself. If a man should wore a tie, like if he's going to work in warehouse, a car mechanic, or IT. I wore a ties to interviews or add a blazer and the hiring manager told me I was over dressed. I went to interviews with a nice dress shirt and slacks and I still got the job not wearing a tie. I think it's the manager's perspective is how you should dress.

[@lynnelhampton-bott6917]

What do I wear in a hot summer? I'm not wearing a suit. Do you have any suggestions for a nice dress with sleeves for a plus size?

[@HelenParr-q4y]

I stumbled upon this "fashion"-able interview video and decided to let it play through. I must say, you are likeable, stylish and forward. I am pleasantly surprised, it is good info. So much so, that I wish I could grab you to dash off to find interview clothes with. Alas, I cannot. Back out on the career hunt and I am as left-footed as an elephant in tap shoes. I have donned a uniform for my entire history and am the epitome of "what do I wear ?" . Staring blankly into my 33 item closet...da dummm... yes i wear t shirts and jeans out of uniform, but shrivel at the thought of mirrors and dressing rooms and also finding a pal to ask the daunting question; "How does this look?"...fearing no, dreading the impending answer. or then, there's just put on what I pick, which, may really only look good on the hanger, or the circular file. I can't even get my hair do out of the military days. Yes, in short, I'm a rolling tragedy...H-E-L-P!!! frazzled health-care worker with no style (no time) bahaha...

[@TeperzRae]

Hey Erin!! Just wanna say i LOVE your videos 🤗 I've been a SAHW for years now, i graduated with my bachelor's of arts back in 2020, but decided to focus on my family before jumping into putting my degree to use. I found a customer service representative remote job for a dispatch company. I have an interview tomorrow (yay!), because of my finances i don't have the money to get new clothes, & i sadly don't own anything even close to fancy, ath-leisure is the closest I've got but the company's general attire for in office is business casual, yet I'll be working from home entirely if i get the job. How do i approach this? Thank you for all your videos!! Much love from the West Coast 🇺🇲 🙌🏼

[@mountainaccident2001]

Goodwill and other thrift stores have surprisingly good business casual options. I think goodwill even has a specific section of the store for it. Good luck with your interview!

[@TeperzRae]

@@mountainaccident2001 thank you!! I'll definitely do something browsing at thrift stores for sure 😁

[@noitaneiti_]

I think that you can overdress for an interview. If you are going to a car mechanic interview wearing business casual, they will definitely look at you weird and think that you don’t suit the role. If you wear working clothes and your hands are permanently stained from oil, you might be more likely to get the job.

[@nobodyknows6487]

I agree with the first part. You can defenitely overdress for an interview. In my opinion what she said about dressing one step above what people normally wear on the job still fits in your example though. I have multiple friends who work as mechanics and they wouldn't wear working clothes to an interview, they would probably wear a casual outfit like jeans and a tshirt or polo. That might just be what people do in my area...maybe it is different where you live.

[@eviewight5703]

I had a friend who wore a full suit to an interview at TJ Max lol. I laughed at him bit he did get the job

[@strwbryblondi07]

We had someone apply to work at our company (advertising-adjacent) show up in a tux. Maybe overcompensating since his background was as a server in a restaurant? Def overdressed but got the internship

[@mariawardell7844]

Hi Erin, I would love to hear what options you have for plus sized women. Due to my size, I am unable to shop at several stores because they do not stock my size, including H&M and Express.

[@AdviceWithErin]

I’m not sure what your size is, but I see H&M has a section on their website for plus sized. Nordstrom Rack, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii and LOFT Plus are good options too.

[@abkeener81]

Hi, Erin! I subscribe to Brock's channel too. He's got some good stuff. Though I'm 5'8 without my chelsea boots. I personally haven't had the best experience at Indochino. I told them exactly what type of break I wanted. They did not listen. Just my experience though. I personally purchase my suits from Charles Tyrwhitt. And have learned to take them to my tailor for adjustment. It does cost more. But it's totally worth it. I buy my dress shirts their too. I'm Andrew. I've noticed that the x stitching is even on overcoats. And I admittedly have sometimes forgotten to clip it. Sometimes I'll catch it. And sometimes my Dad will. By the way ... I really like your content. I appreciate how you take most things career related and make them as easy as possible to understand. I feel like I owe you a hug. I don't live too far from you. I live in Reston, Virginia. That's in the Washington, DC metro area.

[@hellothisisroberta]

Hi, Erin. Remember the trend of nylons that stay up on their own? A young woman came to interview with my boss and hers didn't! They fell down pretty much as she walked in his office door. He had to leave his office to allow her to take them off. She was mortified. They did the interview. She didn't get the job. My boss was a neat guy, so he didn't hold it against her. I think she was just not a good fit for the position. I would like to add that you should try to be comfortable in your clothes. If you're not used to dressing professionally you may not know what to do with your hands or whatever. Try to appear at ease with yourself. And have a different shirt/blouse to switch out for the callback, if possible.

[@darkanimal2453]

the first rule about dressing,and when they tell you how to dress should i still ask what to wear for an interview saking about the job,some plaaces they say casual wear or wear comfortable clothing in job because it is a physical job.-so should i wear casual or should i ask

[@chandrahernandez5201]

Any clothing store suggestions for either tall or long torso people?

[@ryanparkhurst5718]

@AdviceWithErin

[@kellymca4]

idk why i know this considering im 6 ft tall and have never needed to hem something in my life, but: iron-on hemming tape is a very easy, cheap, and accessible way of hemming something if your sewing skills aren’t great!

[@estar37_liveinspired]

New to your channel, love your content! Super helpful. ❤

[@camilledaeffler816]

I like second hand shop too they always have an area with business casual andchic and classy things

[@ryanparkhurst5718]

@AdviceWithErin, when would it be appropriate to wear Zebra Stripes or Hot Pink for a job interview?

[@DJ7223]

holy crap you're Brock's sister? I've been following him off and on for years. Like, crap that's awesome.

[@ryanparkhurst5718]

Who is Brock

[@carolinagomezr.4637]

thank you so much😊

[@andrewbrenneman9592]

What if the interview is NOT for an office job? Plus I don't have business casual clothes nor would I buy clothes I would wear once or twice. I have a background on heavy equipment. And I would not want to wear a suit (that is not my dress style) and be asked to operate a piece of heavy equipment.

[@choddle8427]

If you’re going to be operating heavy machinery or similar the “step up” is probably smart casual, meaning a plain T-shirt and a pair of jeans without rips or holes. No need to purchase a suit or anything.

[@jessiesscienceonline29]

Maybe a polo shirt in a solid color? I've been told the ones from Uniqlo are good.

[@t.thompson8985]

Nice jeans, dark in color. Button down shirt or polo, nice shoes or boots. No sneakers.

[@BelkisQuirogaE]

Thanks for your video Erin! I have a doubt though, shouldn't one pick the slacks over the jeans if the rule is you can't go underdressed but you can overdress?

[@BelkisQuirogaE]

but according to the rule you said I thought you would have said the jeans because the is a bit below the slacks in formality

[@axog9776]

Thank you for this guide also you are absolutely beautiful

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

White text on a white background is very difficult to read. Please look at fonts with a shadow, or choose a contrasting color.

[@douglastrapasso3441]

Hi Erin! New viewer here; hope my thumbnail photo is a good interview look!

[@marilyngardner4269]

I would strongly suggest NO perfume or cologne, not even a little. It's risky, and your interviewera may be sensitive to scents.

[@RachelMullerCreations]

what mic are you using?? I need to get one soon.

[@AdviceWithErin]

it's a rode! super nice mics!

[@midlife_momentum]

would you wear that low-cut shirt?

[@moniquefrancescadc6984]

Good and clear advice, but one thing missing is that, at least in my case, most of my first interviews are online. It would be good to address those because it's slightly different in the sense that there's only one view of you, and as a film maker, perhaps you can share what looks good for the camera, or what lighting to use, if we should wear a little more make up or less, and things like that. 😉

[@MeryOnTheRun]

Light up shadow areas ( in male up as in the room). Do not sit in front of a window but to its side. Light up thé other, 'shadowy side' with some form of table lamp. Ensure a clear background with no information except perhaps a plant. No distractions or unconscious bias for them. Put the camera far enough so that your upper body is visible even your hands, and not only your face . Smile.

[@MeryOnTheRun]

Advice coming from photographer😊

[@Sephushx]

any tips for girls below 100 lbs and 5 ft tall? I can never find interview attire for my size. it just ends up looking comical.

[@jilliansherrard2152]

Women….stud earrings….hair pulled back….professional make up meaning nothing over the top and should look natural….a black suit, navy, plum….shorter length neat nails….old rule was French or pale colors…now a darker color of wine or deep red is ok…nothing blue, green or purple….ladies…do not do Daisy Duck eyelashes….

[@Michy1998]

can u just post links for the clothes

[@uhhidklouis]

what about video interviews do you wear the same?

[@berneserainbow1407]

Yes, all of it, so not just the visible part. You want to look, but especially feel, great for video interviews, too. I think she said so in the video. Good luck!

[@MiljaHahto]

I'd even wear pretty much the same even for a phone call interview without a video - because clothing affects how we feel, and that is translated ot how we behave and sound.

[@chowmonkey2002]

What if you are an 58 old IT manager wearing jeans his whole life focusing on nice shirts and shoes. Hating every other sorts of pants for the last 30 years. Chino’s?

[@arayategan9218]

Huh. Now I know how to describe my own style. Smart casual goth

[@jemandjemand2362]

you can buy from H&M, becauzse COS is a brand of H&M, they have the same fashion but H&M is cheaper

[@CanadianChick811]

Would appreciate this video again for those not on the gender binary. Is it OK to dress a certain way if that's how you identify?

[@mimiBreal]

I think a pant suit with a turtle neck/ shirt is usually a safe bet !

[@MartinDeHill]

I don't think the answers for non-binary people _exist_ yet.

[@AdviceWithErin]

suits, trousers, button-downs are all gender-neutral!

[@stoneyblue603]

Well, one thing I noticed is, have a thought at your bag you're wearing. I mean You're polished and look stunning and then you wear your sack that's 5 years old and smells and looks 🤨 ... I think you know what I mean 😊

[@judymoore5009]

When she says look really hot, I hope everyone does not read that as look very sexy. Remember, she also used the word modest. That means don’t show a lot of skin, cleavage, or thighs and don’t wear clothes that are too tight. Those make you look cheap and tasteless and do not inspire respect. For women, don’t overdo the makeup and wear smooth, neat hairstyles. You want them to remember You, not your bright red lipstick or your extreme hairstyle. Keep accessories to a minimum and keep them understated. I disagree with Erin on tattoos and piercings. Better to cover these up as best you can because you never know what the attitude towards these may be in any certain environment. Better safe than sorry.

[@TragicHeroine-kd6uy]

Unfortunately, I agree with your last point. Depends on the company but I tend to cover my many ear piercings with hair and I don’t have any visible tattoos on my arms/neck/calfs. Especially if you’re aiming for highly professional or corporate job

[@jemandjemand2362]

i start always over smart casual. smart casual is messy. more for date night. job interview is always buisness casual and above

[@bagcholong]

I got baited with “few years into your career and you wanna learn” 😢

[@MiljaHahto]

I only wish tayloring was always so simple. I need modifications that cannot feasibly be done on jackets/shirts or trousers after the fabric has been cut. Making professional business attire difficult to achieve - it needs tayloring from the start. Business casual is doable, though. Thank goodness in the jobs I apply for business casual is fine! (I've had the interviewer wear a fleece hoodie for an expert role.)

[@ChristinaFromYoutube]

Are you taking the clothing in? Stitch guns are amazing and the stitches can be cut out without destroying the fabric

[@MiljaHahto]

@ChristinaFromKZbin They do no solve the issue of things like armholes being placed wrong. No just needing less fabric somewhere, but needing more somewhere else. And I really don't believe sittichguns can do anything else wither that you cannot do with ordinary thread.

[@MiljaHahto]

@ChristinaFromKZbin as you can see, I was indeed talking about everything a lot more complicated than simply taking in (which I happily do sewing it). Like having the shoulder area completely wrong. Or having too long upper back - which you can't change without messing with the armholes, and you can't do that after the final pieces are cut.

[@ChristinaFromYoutube]

@@MiljaHahto i just wasn't sure what you meant. You seem to know about sewing and tailoring. I just know some amateur tricks for letting certain fabrics out or having it appear that way. And vice versa. I was just seeing if it was anything I've attempted, not saying you were incorrect. And I don't know anything advanced.

[@MiljaHahto]

@@ChristinaFromKZbin I know enough about fitting to know limitations. Not necessarily enough to do what's possible. For me simple stuff is seldom enough, as for example my bust is higher than expected, and it affects even the sleeves. And it's usually baggy between my shoulder blades as my posture is even too straight.

[@takemetothelakes788]

maybe I'm old school but I wouldn't wear earrings or shoes like that to an office interview...

[@yarikpanteleev]

Love your videos, but this one is too white. Your skin/hair/background is all white - hard to focus

[@yarikpanteleev]

Clothing is not white but also bright

[@AdviceWithErin]

i am an angel, hard to not glow

[@AdviceWithErin]

@@yarikpanteleev (but thanks for the feedback lol not much i can do about my skin color but summer is coming soon!)

[@cmritchie04]

Let me share a secret....when you DEFAULT on your dry cleaning item(s) they will end up at the thrift stores

[@toni2309]

What to wear to a job interview is a really difficult topic for me, but unfortunately, the tips given are usually not very helpful to address my needs as a neurodivergent person because I have huge sensory issues surrounding clothing and am non-binary/trans so my body shape can be a bit hard to accomodate for. I just... ironing is a big issue for me sensory wise, I tend to struggle with synthetic fibers, I easily feel restricted, I live in exercise clothes, so wearing even usual clothes is a huge change for me, I hate a lot of pants. And then, wearing those things I end up super uncomfortable, and then I end up having the issue that I'm not seeing the overlap in what I am comfortable in and what I am supposed to wear.

[@leslieyancey5084]

IKR, these videos basically scream “just be neurotypical!!” And who’s got the money to get clothes tailored when they’re looking for a job? The whole process is discriminatory and infuriating!!

[@stephengeorge3507]

She don't sound like new york !

[@bluenomadbruh]

this one is Kind of funny because I would have assumed it is obvious but after seeing The Hills im like yeah... can't believe people need this kid of reality checks...but they do. smh.

[@marilyngardner4269]

While I appreciate your content, you would do so much more to model good behavior if you didn't say "like" 100 times. I have seen people not get hired due simply to that -- it's annoying and some professionals don't want to be around it. In fact, we should all work on minimizing our use of filler words, whatever they may be. "Literally" is another word to avoid. Have you done a video on speech patterns and ways to improve?

[@deel657]

Great info, Thankyou! Maybe speak a bit slower 🥹