How to Dress for a Job Interview When It Is Casual Day
There are many variations of business dress, including formal, business casual and casual. Fridays are often the days reserved for business casual or casual dress, but you should always check with the company where you will be interviewing for its specific policy. Some businesses have casual dress codes every day, while others never do.
Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Comfortable clothing appropriate to the company's guidelines
Instructions
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Find Out What Casual Really Means
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Take 15 minutes to review company rules on casual dress. There may be certain days of the week or one day a month during which casual attire is appropriate.
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Realize that "casual" does not mean sloppy. Your clothes should still be neatly pressed and clean at all times. This is, after all, a job interview.
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Avoid fashion trends that may be susceptible to review by your future boss. Miniskirts, tight-fitting tops, low-cut tops and shorts are more than likely never appropriate.
Dress Casually but Appropriately for Your Job Interview
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Choose slacks and a polo shirt on casual Friday at a typically business-formal company, if you are a man. Loafers or dress leather shoes with soft plastic soles are acceptable, but sneakers are still usually out of the question.
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Dress similarly if you are a woman. Women can normally wear dress slacks and an appropriate blouse with more casual shoes. Casual skirts and knit tops are also usually acceptable.
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Avoid wearing jeans except when clearly stated as acceptable (or preferred) attire. It is a smart idea to be on the more formal end of the spectrum when interviewing for a job.
Follow Up After Your Interview
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Finish your interview with a firm handshake. Be prepared to give or take a business card when the interview ends.
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Send a thank-you note within one to three days of the job interview. The company where you interviewed may be casual about dress, but your interviewer will still respond well to a formal note of appreciation.
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Tips & Warnings
Always check before wearing something casual. If you really want the job, it is typically better to overdress than to underdress in a work setting.
It is against the U.S. federal law to discriminate against employees because of their age, but there are standards that apply across the board. Some companies take elaborate measures to ensure that the 20 year olds at the company are dressed as appropriately as the 60 year olds.
