The interview is usually conducted, in an office environment. A formal kind of interview restricts certain things and is more professional, and has many formalities. But that is not the case with an informal interview. Informal interviews are more casual and held outside the office premises. An informal interview helps the employer understand your skills without any formal restrictions. The presentation and preparation remain the same for an informal interview as that of the formal one. In this article, we will see What to Wear to an Informal Interview and all other detail about it.
What is an informal interview?
An informal interview takes place in a casual setting, which can be on lunch or coffee. Such interviews are for the employer to observe the candidate, and don’t have a structure like a formal interview. They are more relaxed. Although, the goal of such an interview remains the same. Employers opt for an informal interview to see if the candidate is fit for the company.
What to wear for an informal interview?
Dressing up also matters while going for an interview. It is difficult to decide when it’s an informal interview. You can’t dress the way you do when going for lunch. You have to maintain professionalism while choosing something causal. Here is how you can decide:
Dress like the company
Before going for the interview, research the company. If they have any dress code, then follow that. It will give an impression of your research. If the company doesn’t have any dress code, then you can go for
Men- Causal suits, avoid printed or stripe. Go for slip-on shoes. Don’t go for lace-ups.
Women- Causal suits and sweater sets can give you a business look. Also, skirts are informal yet professional. For shoes, go for closed-toe or low heels. Don’t wear open-toe sandals.
Choose your top wisely
You have an informal interview at lunch. So while sitting in a restaurant, your upper half is more visible. So choose wisely.
Men: Wear a collared shirt that fits till your neck. Avoid wearing tight shirts with a tie.
Women- Go for smart tops or dresses. Avoid button shirts they can get unbuttoned. Also, don’t wear a deep neck or V-neck top. For accessories, go for a simple chain or pearl necklace.
Personal Grooming
This goes side by side with your dressing. When going for an informal interview, avoid heavy grooming. You will be sitting in the proximity of the employer. Here is what you should do:
Men- Don’t wear heavy perfume or cologne. Keep the grooming level to a medium to low.
Women- Don’t wear heavy makeup that may hide your real personality. Go for basics.
Avoid Jeans: Jeans are life saviors. But they may be killers for interviews. They may have a place for a work environment but not for an interview. Avoid jeans and go for khaki. Women can wear skirts. You need to hold off your jeans till the offer letter gets in your hand
Role of dressing in an interview
During an interview, your skills as an important part to play. So is the first impression that captures the employer and carries your judgment. The dressing has a role to play. The way you present takes you one step ahead in the selection process. Here are some reasons why dressing correctly is essential:
- Present yourself in professional light: A perfect outfit will show the employer how professional, and serious you are about being part of the company. Be it a business suit or casual a well-presented outfit will increase your chances. The effort you put into the attire will reflect your way of work.
- Show your industrial understanding: A carefully chosen outfit for your interview will show the employer your industrial knowledge. Dressing up according to the job will make you stand out in the employer’s eye.
- Demonstrate your research skills: When you put out a thoughtful outfit for your interview it demonstrates not only your industrial understanding but also your research skills. You have looked into the organization and gone through its culture. Your outfit could lead you to the door of the company. But if you dress differently from your employer, it can lead to misjudgment.
- Boots your self-confidence: An outfit that makes you comfortable and consistent will boost your confidence. When you have a high amount of self-confidence, it will have a strong impression on the employer. Also, your outfit would be comfy and professional.
What to wear during different scenarios?
Every company expects a different outfit for an interview. So knowing the profession and dressing accordingly may increase your chances. Below are some tips that may help:
Business Formal
Companies like Finance, Banking, Sales, and HR come under this category. In business formal, you will need to have a polished outfit that is professional and presentable. Here is what you should wear
Men: Wear a tailored suit with a plain shirt and a simple tie. Wear leather shoes with minimum jewelry. Avoid black color and grey or dark blues.
Women- Go for skirts or trousers in dark color. For the top, light color buttoned shirt or blouse. The skirt should be below the knee. A jacket is not necessary. Opt for smart flats.
Business Causals
Industries like education, technology, hospitality, and marketing fall under business causals attire. Planning this outfit is difficult. Since you have to balance both casual and formal in a single attire. Here is what you can try:
Men- Try chinos or trousers. For the top part, try a button-down shirt with a blazer. You can also go for a V-neck sweater with a collared shirt and a tie. Wear leather shoes.
Women- Trousers, chinos, khakis are some of the choices for women. You can also wear a knee-length skirt. For the top, blouses, smart tops, and shirts are some choices. You can put a blazer upon that. A two-piece dress gives a professional look. Stick to low sleeves, for shoes, go for flats.
Smart Casuals
This type of attire is suitable for companies like creative and start-ups. This kind of outfit reflects your personality. Here your style matters. But remember you are still attending an interview. It is what you can try:
Men- T-shirt with a blazer would make a great combination. Button-down shirts, V-neck sweaters with chinos can be a choice. Opt for full sleeves. For bottoms, you can also wear khaki pants and washed dark jeans that fit well. Wear loafers as your shoe option.
Women- You can go for dark skinny jeans and a plain top. You can also try tailored jeans with a simple pattern on the top. For shoes, you can go for flats or boots.
How to decide your outfit?
Some companies have some guidelines about what to wear for any kind of interview. But when you didn’t receive any information, you decide to plan the outfit. For your attire, to stand out, you can follow the below steps:
- Check the company’s website: When you are unsure about the outfit, check the company’s website. You can also check their social media handles to get some idea about the dress code.
- Read the correspondence: You will receive an invitation to the interview. It will also state the time and place. So you can plan your outfit according to the weather and the location.
- Contact the HR department: If you know anyone from the inner circle of the company, this is the time to ask for their help. You can also contact the HR department for the guidelines.
Conclusion
Choosing your outfit for the interview plays a part in the presentation. So planning it beforehand is necessary. It will also spare you the last-minute changes and emergencies. An informal interview may be outside the office environment, but it is still an interview. Mixing casual with formal is a clever move. Be sure that your outfit is classy and comfortable. Just like interview question practice, you can have your outfit practice. If you are confused, take opinions from people. You can also ask the HR department for guidance regarding what to wear for the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which colors outfit you should avoid wearing for an interview?
Answer: There are few colors that a person must avoid while going for an interview. That includes yellow, green, orange, and purple. Especially orange, which is considered the most unprofessional and inappropriate color for an interview. Always choose neutral colors like grey and white.
- How long does an informal interview last?
Answer: The duration of the interview depends on the parties involved. If they have good jabber, then the interview may take longer. Usually, an interview over coffee may last for half to one hour. An Interview over lunch may take some extra time.
- Is wearing jeans appropriate for an informal interview?
Answer: It is better to avoid wearing jeans for any kind of interview. Ripped jeans are refrain by the companies. You can wear dark fitted jeans and style them with a shirt and jacket. But this attire may be accepted by few employers. So it’s better to avoid jeans and stick to khaki pants and skirts.
