First Impressions Matter: How to Dress for an Interview

From banks to startups – we advise on how to dress appropriately and feel confident in any environment.

Did you know that people form a first impression within just 7 seconds? Changing it later takes much longer. That is why your choice of clothing for an interview works for you, not against you. After 15 years in recruitment, we know that the right outfit can add self-confidence and help you feel like the right candidate for the position.

The Basic Rule: Company Culture Defines the Dress Code

The most important advice is: dress one level more formally than the company standard. How do you find out what that is?

  • Browse the company website and social networks (photos of employees)

  • Ask the recruiter or HR

  • Walk past the company on a workday

  • Use LinkedIn – how do employees present themselves?

Dress Code by Company Type

Corporations, Banks, Insurance Companies For Men:

  • Suit in a conservative color (dark blue, gray, charcoal)

  • White or light blue shirt

  • Tie in a subtle pattern

  • Leather shoes (black or brown depending on the suit)

  • Watch – ideally classic, not sports style

For Women:

  • Suit or dress with a blazer

  • Pantsuit or skirt suit (skirt knee-length)

  • Blouse or elegant top

  • Closed shoes with a reasonable heel

  • Subtle jewelry and makeup

Mid-sized Firms, Manufacturing Companies For Men:

  • Business casual – trousers + shirt

  • Jacket isn't necessary, but adds professionalism

  • Shirt can be in a soft pattern

  • Leather or quality textile shoes

  • In summer, a polo shirt is possible (quality matters)

For Women:

  • Trousers or skirt + blouse/elegant top

  • Cardigan or light jacket

  • Midi dress with sleeves

  • Ballerinas or low heels

  • Natural look

Startups, IT Firms, Creative Agencies For Men:

  • Dark jeans or chinos

  • Shirt, polo, or high-quality t-shirt

  • Clean sneakers allowed (clean, not sporty)

  • Hoodie or sweater (if quality)

For Women:

  • Jeans or informal trousers

  • Interesting top or patterned blouse

  • Opportunity to express personal style

  • Comfortable shoes (including stylish sneakers)

  • Accessories that express personality

Production, Warehouses, Technical Roles For Administration:

  • Business casual (see mid-sized firms)

For Blue-collar Positions:

  • Clean, neat clothing

  • Sturdy shoes (if you will be walking through operations)

  • Avoid loose parts of clothing (safety)

  • Practicality over elegance

Universal Rules for Everyone

YES:

  • Cleanliness and neatness – ironed, stain-free

  • Comfortable clothing – in which you feel good

  • Neutral perfumes – less is more

  • Groomed nails and hair

  • Classic colors – you can add one color accent

  • Quality over quantity – one quality shirt is better than five wrinkled ones

NO:

  • Too short skirts or deep necklines

  • See-through materials

  • Sports clothing (unless going to a gym)

  • Loud patterns or inscriptions

  • Too much jewelry or piercings

  • Political or controversial messages

Special Situations

Online Interview

  • Focus on the upper half of the body

  • Watch out for patterns (they can blur on camera)

  • Check how you look under different lighting

  • Dress fully – it gives you self-confidence

Second Round Interview

  • You can choose a different outfit of similar formality

  • Show that you have more than one "interview" variation

Assessment Center

  • Comfortable but professional

  • Count on an all-day wear

  • Layered clothing (it can be cold/warm)

5 Tips You Might Not Expect

  1. Test the outfit beforehand – including sitting, walking, hand movements

  2. Have a backup plan – spare shirt in the car for accidents

  3. Invest in shoes – they are seen more than you think

  4. Watch the details – clean glasses, charged smart watch, functional zip

  5. When in doubt, ask – HR is happy to advise on the dress code

Most Common Mistakes According to Our Consultants

  • Dirty or new (untested) clothing

  • Ignoring the season – sweating in a suit in summer is useless

  • Copying someone else – be the best version of yourself

  • Forgetting accessories – belts, socks matching the outfit

Conclusion: Clothing Is Just the Beginning

Remember that self-confidence is the best outfit. If you feel good in what you are wearing, it will show. Clothing should support your professionalism, not overshadow your abilities.

Fingers crossed – no matter what you choose, mainly be yourself in the best possible version!

Do you have doubts? Send us a photo of your outfit – we will be happy to advise. If you go to an interview with one of our clients, we know exactly what fits. We know the company culture of our partners in detail.

Contact us at kandidati@no77.eu or +420 733 224 516.