What to wear to a job interview? Tshirt vs Shirt

It may seem like a trivial question, but when the moment arrives, and you get invited to a job interview, what clothes should you choose to wear?

In some companies, where employees generally wear casual attire, there’s the risk that you will be perceived as a pompous snob if you overdress. On the other hand, if you dress too casually when employers expect formal attire, you may be perceived as a slacker. It becomes even more complicated if you find yourself in a different cultural environment than the one that you are used to.

Why does it have to be so complicated?

In a perfect world, people would not be judged by their appearance, but by their inner qualities! Sadly, this world has not yet materialized and so you wake up in the morning of an interview and sift through your wardrobe, hoping that what you choose will leave a good impression. How do you minimize the chance of being perceived as socially inept by dressing in the wrong attire?

Use technology! With the help of modern technology, you can put the odds on your side. Today, there’s no better tool than Linkedin to research a company’s work culture. Take advantage of this tool! Skim through the profiles of the staff members at the company where you will be interviewing. Their profile pictures can give you a solid idea of what to expect.

If your wardrobe judgment is wrong, and you feel like the elephant in the room with all eyes are on you, be honest about it. Tell the interviewer that you misjudged the situation, apologize one time, and move on by impressing them with your unique qualifications for the job. The chances are high that your unintentional slip will be pardoned and that you will land the position anyways.

There are multiple theories and strategies behind the conundrum of what one should wear to an interview. Some say that if you are unsure whether to choose t-shirt or a formal shirt you should always go with the second. The argument is that it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

However, no matter how hard you try, some people may not like the way you dress. Well, our opinion is that if these people don’t like you for something as superficial as your appearance, then it’s time to move on. It’s better to find a company where you don’t feel pressured to be someone that you are not. Don’t take it personally, and instead, try to find a company in which people will value your strengths.

If you don’t want to rely on your suit to make the best impression, make sure that you have a top-notch CV! Send us your CV now for a free, confidential review: