dress code for phd interview

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What do I wear for a PhD interview

By LongGraduatedStudent January 27, 2011 in Interviews and Visits

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LongGraduatedStudent

I have three interviews on the next two Fridays in two freezing parts of the country (New York (NYU and CUNY) and then Urbana (UIUC)).

What types of clothing would I be expected to wear.

I am emailing the graduate secretaries about this, but I thought I should get some input.

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shirt, tie, slacks, weatherproof but dressy shoes in addition to your overcoat, scarf, gloves and a hat for the cold weather. Always dress up for an interview.

I got an email back from one of the graduate secretaries, they said

"Casual attire is requested."

I got an email back from one of the graduate secretaries, they said "Casual attire is requested."

Also, if you're coming any time soon, be forewarned that we have a LOT OF SNOW right now (/facepalm), so you may want to go with darker pants.

congrats with the interviews! I will also be interviewing at UIUC (neuroscience) in ~2 weeks and they told me to dress casually and comfortably, and to expect a lot of walking. they even went into specifics that "jeans are ok, but jeans with holes are not. please, no suits". i'm thinking khakis will work well, or black denim. as for tops, you can never go wrong with a button up. i was under the impression that UIUC is probably one of the more casual schools. are you going to be staying with current grad students in the department? if so, i recommend you bring both types of attire (dress up and casual) and ask them what interviewees tend to wear.

I'd still consider business casual. No tie, button shirt, khakis/slacks. In NYC "casual" does not mean the same as some other places. My husband, for example, had to head out to Indiana for a business-casual event, and some people were in jeans and polo shirts. Also, if you're coming any time soon, be forewarned that we have a LOT OF SNOW right now (/facepalm), so you may want to go with darker pants.

I found out for NY they want business casual. It has been determined, I will be wearing dark pants, boots, a thermal undershirt, a buttoned up shirt, and then a business-y sweater over the shirt. I spent most of Saturday with my oldest sister, who used to live in DC, buying warm clothes so I do not freeze. Still debating on whether to wear a tie

congrats with the interviews! I will also be interviewing at UIUC (neuroscience) in ~2 weeks and they told me to dress casually and comfortably, and to expect a lot of walking. they even went into specifics that "jeans are ok, but jeans with holes are not. please, no suits". i'm thinking khakis will work well, or black denim. as for tops, you can never go wrong with a button up. i was under the impression that UIUC is probably one of the more casual schools. are you going to be staying with current grad students in the department? if so, i recommend you bring both types of attire (dress up and casual) and ask them what interviewees tend to wear. good luck!

They told me to dress casually and warmly and to expect to have to walk. I will be likely staying with a current student. It is a recruiting weekend. I probably will wear much more casual pants. I am wearing dressy pants for NY, but I prob won't for UIUC. The Friday is a string of interviews (at least 4) with profs in multiple depts (=multiple buildings to walk to), so that day I will wear clothes similar to NY (but no dressy pants). The Saturday is a research symposium, so I figure I ought to wear as comfortable clothes as possible.

I found out for NY they want business casual. It has been determined, I will be wearing dark pants, boots, a thermal undershirt, a buttoned up shirt, and then a business-y sweater over the shirt. I spent most of Saturday with my oldest sister, who used to live in DC, buying warm clothes so I do not freeze They told me to dress casually and warmly and to expect to have to walk. I will be likely staying with a current student. It is a recruiting weekend. I probably will wear much more casual pants. I am wearing dressy pants for NY, but I prob won't for UIUC. The Friday is a string of interviews (at least 4) with profs in multiple depts (=multiple buildings to walk to), so that day I will wear clothes similar to NY (but no dressy pants). The Saturday is a research symposium, so I figure I ought to wear as comfortable clothes as possible.

sounds good. appears that our recruitment weekends have very similar schedules (just different weekends). are they hosting yours at the beckman institute? let me know how it goes and how the weather is in illinois!

• 2 months later...

I have an interview for a Masters program and I was intending to go somewhere between "business casual" and "borderline formal." Luckily, I emailed the contact person and asked about dress code- she strongly suggested a suit, and at a minimum, pants and blazer. And comfortable shoes.

So I'd go ahead and email- better to send one email than to be embarrassed either way (too dressy or not dressy enough).

• 5 months later...

I interviewed with a professor and just wore jeans and a polo shirt. I dont think they really care.

• spunkrag and noodles.galaznik

• 3 months later...

I have a follow-up question that may be kind of silly. I have a Bio PhD interview at Big Name East Coast U in a few weeks. I have my wardrobe together (yay!) except for one item (well, two, but I'll be able to find a nice Social Gathering Shirt somewhere).

They got me a beautiful bag - but it's *very obviously* a Designer Name Bag. Like, lots-of-logo Designer Name. I love it, but I'm worried that this might send the wrong message at an interview - I don't know exactly *what* kind of message it would send, but I'm still paranoid it would be negative.

Does anyone have an opinion/any warning stories? I don't think I can muster up the $$ to get a new professional-looking bag (something leather or leather-like that doesn't look cheap), so I think it's either this one or my old raggedy tote. Which is the lesser of two evils?

Thanks guys!

Also, maybe we could put together a sticky of Suggested Interview Garb for this forum at some point, including accessories for men and women?

fuzzylogician

Choose whichever one makes you feel more comfortable, just to have one less thing to worry about. I don't think there will be anything wrong with the old bag -- graduate students are poor and often use the same equipment for a long time. I also don't think there's anything wrong with a designer bag, except how it makes you feel. Honestly, if you are going to be judged at a certain place for how you're dressed, would you really want to go there? You're going to be using this bag for a long time if you attend this school, so if it's going to be a problem I would think it'd be good to find out early. Really, though, I think both options are fine.

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Grad school dress code – outfit ideas for orientation and more

Knowing exactly what to wear during your grad school interview, Masters, PhD, or professional masters courses can cause some people anxiety. You don’t want to wear something that is inappropriate for your level of education. After all, in undergraduate you can wear whatever you want – and most people do.

The grad school dress code depends on the type of course you are doing. For many masters and PhD’s there is generally no dress code other than something sensible for your research (enclosed shoes etc). A professional masters will require you to dress in business or casual business attire.

Throughout my Masters and PhD in chemistry I only ever wore clothes that were sensible for the research that I was doing. This included enclosed footwear, long pants, and a lab coat. There was no requirement for me to dress up in casual business attire unless I was attending a conference or symposium.

As soon as I graduated from my PhD I started to wear business casual attire so that I was able to professionally represent my position as a research associate, and postdoctoral fellow.

On the other hand, if you are doing a professional masters related to a business profession it is often expected that you will wear attire that is appropriate for the professional environment. This could mean a full suit and collared shirts or blouses. Otherwise, some professional masters only require business casual attire.

The best thing to do is to enquire with the graduate office as to the appropriate attire to wear for your course, alternatively, you can ask someone who is currently in the course for their advice.

What is the dress code for graduate school?

The dress code for graduate school can vary from institution to institution.

Generally speaking, most universities expect their graduate students to adhere to a professional and sensible dress code.

Neatness and respect should be kept in mind when selecting clothing for school activities. No offensive slogans or T-shirts should be worn and all of your clothes should be clean and neat.

Shoes should always be appropriate and comfortable; open-toed shoes may not be allowed in some cases.

Depending on the university’s policies, hats may not be allowed in class or at certain events.

Graduates should also take into account the weather conditions when planning their outfits – it wouldn’t do to wear sandals or shorts if it’s snowing outside!

Overall, the dress code for graduate school is designed to ensure that all students present themselves in a professional manner that reflects positively on the university. We need to step away a little bit from the undergraduate student look.

Here are the typical dress codes I have seen for various degrees.

Masters vs PhD vs Professional Masters – grad school dress code

The grad school dress code heavily depends on the sort of course that you are doing. Some universities set a culture of dressing in more professional and formal attire than others.

Masters students

Master’s students at a university should dress professionally and modestly for all activities associated with the university. For classroom, cafeteria, student centre, and university office activities, neat and modest casual attire is expected at a minimum.

Make sure that you are clean and well-presented no matter what you decide to wear. I got away with jeans and a T-shirt for my master’s because that was the culture of the university.

PhD students

PhD students can wear whatever they want as long as it is respectful to the others in the department. A typical outfit for PhD students during my time in academia was:

• jeans or chinos
• shirt or T-shirt
• clean shoes or trainers

I only ever knew one person who wore a full suit during their PhD. Apparently they had been doing it throughout their undergraduate as well.

For STEM programs, jeans and t-shirts may be permissible depending on the Occupational Health & Safety guidelines.

Graduates may want to dress up slightly more during the first week to see what other people are wearing and gauge whether they are wearing the appropriate thing.

Professional master’s degrees

Lastly, if you’re doing a professional graduate program you may be expected to wear the same attire as the profession in which you are training.

This could be a full suit with tie or less formal business casual attire.

Typically, a professional masters degree will let you know in the prospectus as to what you need to wear. Looking at the photos of students on the university’s website for your course will also tell you the level of formality your dress code should follow.

Let’s take a look at the different stages of grad school and what would be appropriate for each.

What to wear to a grad school interview?

If you have to attend an interview for grad school it is important to dress more formally than if you were going to attend classes or other university activities. Remember that first impressions count so make sure your clothes reflect the seriousness of the situation.

When I was interviewed for my masters position, I wore a very neat outfit consisting of formal pants and a collared shirt with nice shoes. I ensure that everything I wore was neat and professional giving me the best opportunity for decent first impressions.

You want to present yourself in the best possible light and it is important to dress professionally.

For women, A shirt or blouse with a collar and a skirt that falls just above the knee are good choices.

Dress codes may vary depending on the school, but wearing a suit or at least a blazer and trousers is recommended.

If you want to opt for something more casual, choose neutral colors such as dark blue or grey for your attire. You can also replace the blazer with a sweater if it’s cold outside.

Choose shorts that are not too short and flat shoes such as a pair of sandals or loafers.

Jeans are generally not appropriate for a graduate school interview, but if you think they fit the dress code of your grad school then go ahead and wear them.

Make sure that you dress appropriately for walking around the school or college as well. Some interviews also include an orientation for prospective students.

What to wear to graduate school classes?

In your graduate school classes comfort is key. You’ll be set down for many hours and plants that are too tight and uncomfortable will make it much more of a challenge.

When it comes to deciding what to wear to graduate school classes, grad students should strive for a neat yet comfortable look.

A skirt or other tailored bottoms paired with a collared top are great options that look polished and presentable while still being comfy enough for long days of studying.

If the weather permits, go for a dress that is appropriate for the classroom setting.

Make sure whatever you decide on is clean and well-fitted.

For men, slacks or khakis with a collared shirt are ideal attire for graduate school classes.

Comfort and professionalism should be the focus when dressing for class as a grad student; avoid clothing that is too tight in order to maintain an appropriate look and comfort throughout your studies.

What Exactly Is Business Casual for graduate school?

Business Casual is a dress code that falls between casual and formal wear.

It is the type of attire you would wear in the workplace, but it is more relaxed than wearing a suit.

It includes items such as slacks, khakis, blouses, skirts, blazers and even denim.

Business Casual also allows for more relaxed accessories to complete your outfit.

The dress code encourages employees to look professional while still feeling comfortable at work.

Business Casual is not as strict as other dress codes, which means you can get creative with your outfits and express yourself through clothing without going too far outside the boundaries of what’s acceptable in the office.

You don’t have to worry about wearing a suit every day or being too dressed up for grad school when you stick to this dress code; instead you can find an outfit that fits your style and is still within the guidelines of Business Casual.

What NOT wear to grad school?

Clothes are an important part of presenting yourself in a professional and polished manner when attending grad school.

While there is commonly no strict dress code for grad school, it is important to dress smart casual and avoid overly casual attire.

This means avoiding clothes like:

• sweatpants,
• faded t-shirts,
• distressed jeans,
• worn out sneakers,
• athletic clothing and
• flip-flop sandals.

Instead, opt for slacks, at least non-faded jeans with a collared shirt or blouse, and comfortable shoes that look professional.

Ties are not necessary but can be worn if appropriate for the occasion such as formal academic events and conferences.

It’s best to wear something more formal such as dress pants or a skirt with a nice blouse or top. Make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing so that you can make a positive first impression on your new classmates and professors.

Wrapping up

This article has covered everything you need to know about what to wear as a grad student. You may have to update your wardrobe a little bit so that you can attend your first day of grad school with confidence.

If in doubt remember to dress more professionally than you would in undergrad and stay away from any worn or distressed-looking clothes.

The exact thing that you will wear on a daily basis will often depend on your discipline and looking at the prospectus and photos of the current students will help guide your decision.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Graduate School Interview Questions: How to Prepare for This Important Step in the Acceptance Process

When applying to graduate school, prospective students are tasked with putting together a portfolio complete with a shining application, a thoughtful essay or personal statement , and glowing references and letters of recommendation . In many cases, applicants will also need to nail an interview to gain admission to their dream program.

For most people, the graduate school interview is a particular source of stress. After all, speaking about yourself is not always comfortable, and the pressure to dazzle the admissions team can feel overwhelming.

While not all graduate school programs require an interview, it’s becoming increasingly common, so it’s best to prepare for this possibility during the application process . Plus, an interview often gives you a competitive edge: It allows the school to see just how committed and qualified you are for the program.

In order to get a better sense of what prospective students should expect from a graduate school interview, we spoke with two graduate/international credentials analysts for the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC : Moises Cortes and Astghik Tsatryan.

How to Prepare for a Grad School Interview

To begin your interview preparation, brainstorm questions you’re likely to be asked and outline your answers for them. Do some mock interviews before the big day, too. Try practicing with a friend or colleague to be sure the answers land — and so you won’t feel as nervous recounting them in front of your interviewer.

Of course, a vital part of prepping for those questions is doing thorough research. Look into both the school and the program you’re applying to so you can easily demonstrate your interest in each and every aspect of the curriculum and its mission.

“I recommend carefully reading the department’s website and look for its ‘About Us’ section. This will let you tailor your overall interview questions and commentary to their liking,” said Cortes, a current student in the Master of Library and Information Science program at San Jose State University.

He also advised looking into the faculty and even reading some of their research to get an idea of whom you may be learning from — and why that’s an exciting prospect for you.

But don’t just limit yourself to reading up on the professors, Tsatryan noted: “Talk to alumni of the program. I used to look through LinkedIn and contact previous students of the program and get their insights.”

That way, you can develop a sense of what the graduate school committee is looking for, and you can be confident that the program is the right fit for you. After all, being sure of your higher education pursuit is maybe the most crucial step in the preparation process.

“You should never just go for a degree for the sake of having a degree — go for it knowing that there is a deeper purpose for it,” said Tsatryan, a graduate of the Master of Science (MSc) in Global Governance and Diplomacy program at University of Oxford.

What Are the Top Questions Applicants Should Prep For?

What specific questions should you absolutely expect to answer, no matter which program or school you’re applying to? Cortes noted there are two crucial queries you should be ready to address: Why us, and what do you want to study?

“‘Why us?’ … seems like a very easy question, but it’s actually very hard to give a convincing answer. Applicants should be aware of the faculty and their work, and an applicant’s interest will need to line up with what the department can offer … Know what the university has to offer,” he said. “[Then] what do you want to study? Your interest will change as you spend more time in the program. I recommend a few sentences (three to five) on what you want to study. Not too broad, but nothing too specific.”

Other common questions you’ll encounter include:

• What should we know about you?
• What can you contribute to the program?
• What have been your greatest successes?
• Conversely, what have been your greatest failures?
• What’s a time when you made a mistake, and how did you fix it?
• What makes you unique?
• What are your interests outside of school and work?
• What would be the most difficult part of this program, and how do you intend to prepare for that?
• What are your ultimate career goals?

What Questions Should You Ask During a Grad School Interview?

The interview process is also a time for you to obtain more information about the degree, as well as demonstrate your curiosity and passion about the program.

Consider asking questions about the school culture, program structure, notable alumni accomplishments and the available financial aid/scholarship opportunities. Additionally, ask what their ideal candidate looks like: That way, you can show how you fit the mold.

Taking the time to learn more about your desired program will also help determine if it’s best suited for your prior experience and future career goals. Their answers may even be the deciding factor between programs if you receive multiple acceptances.

What Should You Wear for an Interview?

Once you’ve completed your prep and feel ready for anything the interviewers may throw at you, it’s time for another hurdle: What should you wear?

“Go formal — perhaps not a suit and jacket, but nice dress pants and a nice long-sleeved, collared, button-up shirt,” Cortes advised.

For women, a business casual dress, pantsuit, or skirt and blouse combo will do. Keep to simple accessories as well. Above all, you want to look professional and business-ready.

Of course, in today’s environment, more interviews are taking place over Zoom or in other virtual meeting platforms. That means a little less pressure about what to wear — after all, you’re just focusing on the waist-up.

But there is one thing to avoid: “[You want] a virtual background that does not take the attention away from you,” Cortes said. That goes for real-life backgrounds, too. Make sure you’re in a quiet environment that’s conducive to an interview.

What Materials Should You Bring to an Interview?

When you’re all dressed and ready to head in, don’t forget to bring along a folder with some supplemental materials.

“[Bring a] copy of your CV in case they don’t have it. If they do, it’ll still make you look prepared,” Cortes said.

Other possible items to bring include your employment resume, your school transcripts and some writing samples. While the committee should have electronic versions of all these items, it doesn’t hurt to have a copy easily accessible for you both to refer to.

What Is Thank-You Note Etiquette for a Grad School Interview?

Writing a thank-you note after your interview is both a way to show your appreciation for someone’s time and demonstrate your passion for the school. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours to the people who interviewed you that hits on these key points:

• Remind them of your interest in the program.
• Hit back on a unique topic that you discussed to show you valued the conversation — and to stand out.
• Make it a point that you know they took important time out of the day to speak to you.
• Briefly state again why you’d be an excellent choice for the program.

A simple, clear, personalized note will suffice, and ideally, it will reiterate why you should be considered a top contender by the admissions team.

Graduate school interviews can be a stress-inducing experience, so in the end, remember to celebrate this final step in the application process.

For more information, visit the  Office of Graduate Admission at USC  and explore  USC Online ’s master’s degrees, doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

At home, abroad, working, interning?  Wherever you are this summer, contact OCS or make an appointment for a virtual advising session. We are available all summer! 

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You get one chance to make a first impression and how you dress sets the initial tone. Below are some tips for your interview attire.

• Do your research on the culture of the organization and the dress code. For an interview, dress one step up from the dress code.
• Even if the workplace is casual, you are expected to dress up for the interview.
• Choose clothes that fit properly, are comfortable and durable. Always make sure your outfit is clean and ironed.
• Most students choose to wear a suit for an interview. Choose conservative colors, such as dark grey or navy. Wool blends last longer and wrinkle less.
• Skirt and pant suits are both appropriate. If you choose a skirt, make sure the skirt is long enough to cover your thighs when seated. Avoid high slits.
• Button dress shirts and ties or blouses should be worn with your suit. Choose neutral colors. Avoid shirts that are too form-fitting or sheer.
• Dress shoes and socks should be worn with a suit. Shoes should be clean and shined. If you wear heels, select a pair that you can easily walk in.
• Keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. Perfumes or cologne should be avoided all together, as many people are sensitive to scents.

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What I would wear on the academic job market now

Hi friends! Every once in a while I get the “what should I wear to an academic interview campus visit” question. I thought we could use a 2022 update, especially as more visits are virtual and more of us are dressing casually. So here are a few items I would suggest and where I would shop for them if you are going on a professor job interview!

The zoom interview

Zoom interviews have, I’m sure, gone from a round 1 hurdle to possibly the only way you’ll interview in 2022. I think the same advice applies whether you’re doing a 30-minute preliminary interview or doing your campus visit virtually: dress head-to-toe like you’re interviewing. Why? Because the doorbell might ring. Your dog might decide it’s a good time to freak out. Someone might decide to take a leaf blower to your front yard. In short, you may have to stand up on camera, so make sure you’re ready!

I would recommend a high neck top to add some color–I love a good mockneck lately. Mine is old but here are a few saturated options: ruffled , green , and budget pick .

On bottom, I pick ponte pants because sitting should be comfy! These are still my favorites, worn once a week. Here’s an on sale option !

Should you wear shoes? I once talked to a public speaking coach who said he always stands up when leaving voicemails because you can hear the increased energy in your voice. I think the same rule applies to interviews–if I’m in slippers, I’m not quite as “on” as if I’m wearing these smart flats .

I don’t think you need a blazer for round one but it could be a nice touch for the virtual campus visit. But things aren’t as formal as they used to be so I wouldn’t worry about putting a sweater or high neck shell under the blazer, versus a traditional button down.

Finally, as always, it’s good to consider lighting and background choices. A blank wall is fine, a nice bookshelf, or a wall with just a couple frames on it are all good. Be aware of camera angles too, and if you’re on a laptop I suggest elevating it to face height with a stack of books!

Campus visits: The day 1 outfit

Ok, so let’s say you’re back in person for final interviews! Many academic interviews are 2 days–one day where you do almost all of the interviewing and an additional day where you are in transit, just getting dinner, etc. For our purposes, let’s say day 1 is your arrive/get dinner day. This day is more casual so I would suggest soft dress pants and a button down and sweater . Why? The key here is you don’t know what temperatures you’ll be facing so you definitely want a shirt you can wear under all your travel layers that is appropriate if you decide to de-layer at dinner.

Finally, I would wear the coziest sweater you can find, plus some flat, weather-friendly boots .

Going somewhere warmer? I would wear sneakers through the airport and change into flats right before airport pickup.

Campus visits: Job talk day

This is exactly what I wore in 2019 and it’s all still in my closet because it works when you have to wear a full suit. I highly recommend suit shopping early–it’s good to have a suit around anyway and finding one the week of an interview takes away prep time!

The main thing I recommend with suit shopping is that you find a shirt that doesn’t annoy you. This is a bodysuit and it has enough coverage up top that I don’t have to worry about anything with it on.

As most of us have relaxed our business wear a bit during the pandemic, I think you could also wear separates to an interview. But please, talk to people in your field before believing me 🙂 I think a plaid blazer and black pants (or vice versa) or a colored blazer and black pants would work just fine in most liberal arts/social science fields. But also consider location–the east coast tends to be fancier than the west coast, for example.

Secondhand suits:

I found my first interviewing suit secondhand on Poshmark by typing in “suit” and filtering by brand (J. Crew always!). I did this because I tend to know my size in J. Crew. If you don’t know your suit size and can go into a store to try things on then you can browse secondhand markets online. If that’s not an option, I recommend a soft tape measurer–take your bust measurement, hips, and inseam and don’t be afraid to ask sellers for those numbers!

Other friends suggested ThredUp for suit shopping as well!

I don’t think you need hair tips but my hair is a source of insecurity for me if it’s not controlled in some way so here are my thoughts: wear your hair in a way that makes you feel like yourself and lets you do your job. With a mask on, my hair really falls over my face, so I would wear it half up so it’s not distracting to me during a job talk. If you’re looking to up the hair styling game a tad, this website has taught me so much about products to put in my hair when curly. And if you want to use heat styling, this brush is the best christmas present I received this year. It dries hair SO FAST and leaves it really sleek.

Good luck to everyone interviewing. Here’s what I wore on the job market in 2019 and how I prepped .

This post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author.

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3 thoughts on “what i would wear on the academic job market now”.

Love this! Thank you for sharing – not a lot of 2022 updates on job market attire. Would love even more ideas if you ever felt up to it!

Eg nice shirts to go under blazers?

Sure! I’ll work on it! Thank you 🙂

Thank you so much! This is really helpful! I second the suggestion above for ideas for blouses under blazers.

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What to Wear to a College Interview: Everything You Need to Know

How you dress for college interviews, and even campus visits to prospective schools, can affect your odds of acceptance.

What to Wear to a College Interview

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Understand that your goal is to project that you’re a serious, respectful student with good judgment.

Getting accepted to college can be extremely competitive, and the impression you create by what you wear to an admissions interview or an official campus visit can set you apart – for better or worse – from other applicants. 

It’s called the rhetoric of dress – how your wardrobe choices, as well as grooming, send unspoken messages that others pick up, often at a subconscious level, and respond to. The key is to control your message. So when you’ve accepted a school’s invitation to visit the campus or hop online for an interview, there are ways to use fashion to your advantage and perhaps gain an edge over the competition. 

Understand that your goal is to project that you’re a serious, respectful student with good judgment. Here’s how to use fashion as a tool to send the right visual cues, reinforce your strengths, feel comfortable and confident, and excel in your interview . 

How to Decide What to Wear to a College Interview

Dressing is always about context. Think first about why you’re interviewing or visiting a college – it's because you want to make a favorable impression on those who hold your fate in their hands. When assembling a winning outfit, you also should consider the climate and weather where you’ll be visiting if the interview is in person. 

So that you don’t underdress or overdress, wear what you would to a job interview in an office setting. That simply means a professional look. You want to feel comfortable but you don't want to look casual, so remember that comfort is a result of correct fit and quality, season-appropriate fabrics. Worsted wool blends tend to work year round, while khaki and lighter cottons are more suited for warmer weather and heavier fabrics like corduroy are more at home in cool weather.

Remember to inspect everything you'll be wearing to ensure that it is clean, in good condition, wrinkle-free and an appropriate fit. Pieces that are soiled, wrinkled, too tight or oversized are visual distractions that may suggest poor planning or bad judgment.

Sample College Interview Outfits for Women

• Knee-length skirt, blouse or shirt, and possibly a jacket or sweater.
• Knee-length dress, with a jacket or sweater if it's sleeveless.
• Dress slacks, a blouse with sleeves, and possibly a jacket or sweater.
• A pantsuit or skirt suit, plus a blouse.

Sample College Interview Outfits for Men

• Dress pants, a button-up shirt and perhaps a sweater or jacket.
• A suit and a button-up shirt.
• A dress shirt, dress pants and sport coat or blazer.
• Khaki or chino trousers, a polo shirt and a sport coat or blazer.

What Not to Wear to a College Interview

You want your look to be tasteful and not distract from where the focus should be – on your smiling face and your insightful comments and questions. That means there are some items you need to avoid.

Here are 13 unlucky looks to leave at home because they're too casual, revealing or otherwise distracting:

• Jeans and any other denim.
• Skirts and dresses with a hem above the knees.
• Track suits, sweats or athleisure that looks like yoga wear.
• Garments with profane, political or provocative words or images.
• Sneakers or flip-flops.
• Zany socks or hosiery.
• Hats and caps.
• Sunglasses or overly ornate eyeglasses.
• Too many accessories.
• Visible high-end designer labels and logos, even if you won’t be applying for financial aid.
• Backpacks, briefcases, giant purses or wristlets.

Where to Get College Interview Clothes Cheap  

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on quality clothing that’s interview-appropriate. Shop your closet first. You likely already have some pieces that will work, which can save you money even if they need minor alterations or repairs. 

There’s nothing wrong with borrowing clothes, whether it’s a buddy’s jacket or a friend’s skirt. Just make sure the fit is right and they complement the other components in your ensemble. Sometimes you can score wardrobe wins by getting together with a group of friends and having a clothing swap.

If you need to buy something, here are some places where you can score great deals on new or barely used clothes at a fraction of normal retail cost:

• Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army.
• Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less and Burlington.
• Off-price stores like Nordstrom Rack and Saks OFF 5th.
• Various brand outlet stores.
• Online sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Amazon and eBay.
• End-of-season, liquidation and close-out department store sales.
• Yard, garage and estate sales.
• Flea markets and swap meets.

What colors should I wear to a college interview?

You’re safest anchoring your look with neutrals such as gray, brown, blue and white. These work well with each other and with other colors. If you want to add a "fashion color," you’re probably safest going with just one so that the interviewer notices that you’re appropriately attired and not wearing colors, prints and patterns that fight each other for attention. It's best to avoid overly bright shades of any color. 

Is it OK to wear the school’s colors to a college interview?

Many people discourage this, suggesting that you may look like an overeager panderer. But if you’ve indicated that you’re super excited about a school – excited enough to accept an interview invitation or visit the campus – there's nothing wrong with showing your enthusiasm by paying homage to the school colors. The key is restraint. For example, if a school’s colors are red and white, try a white shirt with a red stripe or check under a blue jacket or sweater, or a gray skirt suit with a white blouse and a red bracelet. Wearing something school-branded, on the other hand, may be a stretch. 

What should I wear for a virtual college interview?

The same thing you would wear to an in-person interview. Admissions officers want to see that your level of respect for them and the process is the same in an online meeting as it would be in person. Being remote isn’t a valid reason to be casual or inappropriate in some other way. Even if your interviewer shows up on the screen dressed down, your task is still to project a serious, professional image. Keep in mind that fine prints and patterns can appear blurry or pixilated on screen, so stay away from those. And make sure the lighting around you is good, especially on your face.

Should I dress differently for an elite or highly selective college interview?

Not necessarily. Dressing appropriately professional will work for any college. If you have doubts or uncertainties, contact the school's admissions office and ask how they expect prospective students to dress for an interview. For Ivy League and other elite, highly competitive schools, it may not hurt for guys to add an understated necktie to your ensemble. That can help distinguish you from other interviewees and make you more memorable. So, too, can a simple white pearl necklace for girls. These accessories are timeless and classic and never work against you.

What kind of footwear is best for a college interview?

You’ll probably be doing some walking, perhaps including a campus tour, so wear shoes that are both professional and comfortable. For girls, a pump, ballet flat or tasteful strappy heel – no stilettos – are good options. Guys can wear a leather lace-up shoe or polished loafer. Depending on the weather, a leather boot may work. Think ankle boots rather than thigh-highs or galoshes, or a Chelsea, wingtip or other dress boot in lieu of Timberlands, hiking boots or cowboy boots.

What if the college interview is part of a weekend or multiple events?

Find out what and where each event is and pack accordingly. While some activities are likely to be more casual, still play it safe. For example, a cookout means you can probably get away with jeans, but it would be unwise to pack a pair that’s distressed, tight or oversized. And don't forget to take along your carefully curated, deal-clinching interview outfit. 

What are some grooming tips for college interviews?

Intense aromas can be distracting and some people have allergies, so skip the perfume, cologne and strongly fragranced body washes and lotions. Makeup should be kept to a minimum and as natural as possible. A college interview is not the place for glittery eyelids or high-shine lip gloss. In terms of hair, it’s best to wear a style that keeps strands and tresses away from your face as much as possible. The interviewer wants to see you, and hair that obscures can be distracting and even interpreted as a lack of confidence. Ponytails and buns can keep longer hair in check. Guys should ensure their hair is freshly trimmed, especially at the back of the neck. Facial hair such as a mustache is OK, just make sure it’s neatly trimmed and the parts of your face that you normally shave are clean-shaven.

College admissions officers don’t expect perfection. But they expect and appreciate an effort at a tasteful and appropriate self-introduction, which includes how you choose to dress and groom. The way you present yourself to them should communicate good judgment and maturity, putting the focus where it belongs – on the qualities and credentials that make you a pleasure to meet, an asset to the school and possibly someone who just gained the winning edge for a highly competitive scholarship.

14 Tips for an Effective College Visit

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How to Dress for an Interview

Appearance is an important aspect of how you present yourself during an interview. The goal is to express your personal style in a professional way and feel confident in what you are wearing.

Interview attire can vary depending on the company or organization, but in general, business professional attire is the best choice. If you have any doubt, ask the person who scheduled the interview how you should dress for it.

Read the guidelines below and search for “business professional attire” or “business casual attire” on Google or Pinterest to see examples of each.

Business Professional Attire

• Suit, solid-color dress shirt, and tie
• Skirt suit, pantsuit or dress with jacket/blazer
• Neutral colors
• Conservative footwear
• High-fitting dark socks
• Clean grooming, ironed clothes and attention paid to details

Business Casual Attire

• Solid-color collared shirt, polo shirt (tucked in), blouse or sweater
• Dress pants, skirt, or dress
• Avoid jeans until you are certain they are acceptable, which could be every day, Fridays only, or never, depending on company culture.
• Leather shoes or business-appropriate shoes. No sandals, athletic shoes or hiking boots.
• Belt, if needed, that coordinates with outfit or shoe color
• Consider limiting bold/bright patterns and jewelry. They may be distracting to the interviewer when the attention should be on your conversation.
• Consider dressing “one step above” your interviewers, if possible. For instance, if the company dress is business casual, it may be wise to dress in business professional for your interview.

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The ultimate guide to dressing for a graduate job interview

Jaymes carr.

The prospect of an interview could have you feeling a little nervous. First impressions really are lasting and, as a result, your interview performance will likely have a significant bearing on the fate of your application. In other articles, we’ve sought to help you prepare by covering topics such as common interview questions, techniques for responding to brain-teasers, and tips on making it through a group interview. Here, we’ll focus on something more fundamental but just as important: your presentation during the interview. After all, you know that you should ‘dress for success’ or ‘for the job you want’: but what does that mean? Read on to find out.

First principles

Unless you’re specifically told otherwise (or know that an office is ‘smart-casual’), you should assume that your interview will require you to wear smart-business attire. This rule can be disregarded only if you’re a candidate for employment at a hipster-led startup, a creative agency, or a themed restaurant. Otherwise, you should dress for your interview as if you’re about to appear on the cover of Forbes magazine: modern, professional, and ready to blend in at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Important tip: Many organisations, especially government entities, have a public code of conduct that includes an employee dress code. For example, employees at Accenture are ‘required to wear business-casual attire Monday to Thursday” with “smart-casual attire worn on Fridays.’ So, look up the company that’s interviewing you to see if you can find any must-know rules. Alternatively, don’t hesitate to ask your contact at the company about expected dress codes. It’s a ready-made question that helps you look engaged and considerate.

Business professional

Men should dress for their interview like a cast member from Suits (i.e. in a suit). The suit jacket may be swapped for an appropriate blazer but a button-down shirt, suit pants, a tie, a belt, and dress shoes are essential. Avoid bright colours: the corporate palette is chiefly black, white, blue, navy, and grey. For example, Blake, a graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills, wears business professional attire: a pressed shirt, a clean navy blue suit, and a matching tie.

Business casual  

Ditch the suit jacket and feel free to switch the suit pants for chinos or dress slacks. You should still wear a button-down shirt or a polo shirt, but make sure to tuck it in and wear a belt. Stick with dress shoes. You should still look presentable enough to attend meetings in a professional setting. For example, Steven, an analyst at Pitcher Partners, wears business casual attire.

You obviously have a lot more leeway if (and only if) casual attire is called for. However, you should avoid sandals, shorts, a slogan tee-shirts, and anything listed below (see ‘What not to wear’). For example, Nirvan Gelda, a graduate software engineer at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, is wearing casual clothing: a muted t-shirt with clean jeans and sneakers. As with the other dress codes, avoid clothes that are stained, dishevelled, or loud. Leave your bawdy high-school jersey in your wardrobe until you get the job. Alternatively, consider leaving it there forever.

Important tip: Your belt should match your shoes. It’s not something everybody notices, but those who do will defend the inviolability of the ‘all-leather together’ rule with something approaching zealotry, judging harshly its transgressors. Black shoes? Black belt. Brown shoes? Brown belt. White shoes? Take them off. No white shoes.   

Women should wear firm, professional-looking ballet flats or office heels, pencil skirts or slacks no shorter than the knee, a suit jacket, and a button-down shirt. Alternatively, a corporate dress with a jacket would also work well. Avoid bright colours: the corporate palette is chiefly black, white, blue, navy, and grey. Earth tones offer an appropriate choice for ‘accent’ pieces. If you’re unsure, buy classic items of the highest quality you can afford, and then keep them clean and well-maintained: you’ll get a lot of use out of them. For example, Cynthia Vaikunthan, a graduate in the Strategy Development division of Commbank is dressed in business professional clothing.

Business casual

Think the type of clothing that you would find at Portmans: a conservative dress, or a blouse with a matching skirt or dress pants, along with boots or dress shoes. You can also add more colour to your palette: blues, earth tones, reds, and other uniform colours are a good choice.

Use your judgement in selecting clothes that are casual but still chic and professional. For example, you could pair a collared shirt with pants and open shoes, or opt instead for an appropriate dress. Consider, for example, the outfit of Nicola O’Neill, a Management Consulting Analyst at Accenture.

Personal presentation  

Imagine that your interview will be conducted by people who have never seen conspicuous hair dye before and will struggle for years to integrate the knowledge of its existence. Do not make your job interview their traumatic flashpoint: natural colours only.

When it comes to hairstyles, you should avoid anything that would look out of place in a church choir. Keep your hair conservative and neat, and make sure that, on the day of your interview, it’s clean, dry, and well-groomed. If necessary, invest in bobby pins and elastics in neutral colours. A common interview hairstyle for women is the classic bun: if you’re unsure how to do it, YouTube will show you the way . Use hairspray to keep your hair looking neat throughout the day.

Men with facial hair should ensure that it’s trimmed and clean on the day of their interview. If you have a substantial beard, consider having it cut by a professional barber. You can also purchase specialised products, such as beard shampoo and wax, that will allow you to keep your facial hair looking neat and clean.

Be conservative in your application of makeup: match products to your skin tone, avoid false eyelashes (or clumpy mascara), be wary of bright colours (i.e. think twice about any fire-engine red lipstick), and steer clear of attention-grabbing eyeshadows.

Judiciously applied powder (or another mattifying product, such as a liquid foundation) can be helpful for women and men who worry about nervous perspiration (or want to avoid unflattering skin glare during a video interview).

Note that makeup isn’t (officially) obligatory, so, if you’re not a makeup person, focus instead on looking clean and tidy: eyebrows groomed, skin moisturised, lip balm applied. Similarly, if you feel overwhelmed by the idea of makeup, but there is an expectation that you’ll wear it, many makeup stores (e.g. Mecca Cosmetica, Sephora, and Myer) allow you to book a paid makeup trial during which you can discuss your situation (i.e. graduate preparing for interview) and budgetary constraints (i.e. graduate preparing for interview).  

Avoid strong fragrances altogether or apply only a very discreet amount of a subtle scent. Give prospective employers no reason to contemplate your potential flammability: this is remarkably unhelpful.  

Accessories

Watches should be conservative and silent: make sure no alarms go off during the interview and, if you wear a smartwatch, mute all notifications to ensure the screen doesn’t start flashing at random intervals.

Jewellery offers a classy way to express yourself, but, like the rest of your attire, it should be conservative and inconspicuous. That’s a stern, grandmotherly ‘no’ to any visible piercings that aren’t on your earlobes: anything else should be removed temporarily or, at the very least, replaced with clear studs. Disregard these rules if you’re being interviewed by Iris Apfel or Lee Lin Chin. Disregard them also if you are Iris Apfel or Lee Lin Chin. Finally, disregard them if you’re interviewing to be the creative director of a fashion magazine, in which case if you happen to have an extravagant pashmina lying around, you should strongly consider wearing it.

Where to go if you don’t have access to corporate attire

Preparing for a job interview can be very expensive: there’s a good chance that you’ll need to buy a suit, some pricey formal shirts, and a snappy pair of dress shoes. This can be particularly difficult if you’re financially independent and just graduated from university. However, it doesn’t need to hold you back.

Various highly admirable organisations have emerged that provide young people with high-quality second-hand professional attire (including shoes) for use during a job interview. In most situations, the clothing is offered to keep either for free or at a low cost. These organisations include Wear for Success (men and women), Dress for Work (men), Dress for Success (women), Fitted for Work (women (trans and cis), including non-binary and gender non-conforming people and all those who identify as women), and Suited to Success (women).

Don’t go broke

If money is tight, consider one of the organisations above or ‘shop’ in-store but buy online (some vendors sell ‘starter wardrobes’ through websites like eBay). Alternatively, you can check for affordable clothing at op shops like St Vincent de Paul, a Salvos store, or a Goodwill shop. You can always treat yourself after you’ve secured a graduate job.

Be practical

Consider the position description and whether you’d be able to do your job in the clothes you’re planning to wear to the interview. For example, a business professional outfit might not be appropriate if you’re interviewing to be a field engineer. Remember: you can always ask somebody (such as your HR contact at the hiring organisation) for advice on how to dress for the interview or check their website.

If in doubt, overdress

It’s far better to be the sharpest person in the room than the sloppiest, so err on the side of caution by dressing up instead of down.

Get comfortable

It’s important that you still feel like yourself, and not a corporate clotheshorse. Does the skirt ride up when you sit? Do your underarms get squeezed outwards in your blazer? Are your shoes too tight for you to walk in them? Conduct a dress rehearsal at home and make sure that your outfit is going to boost your confidence on the day of your interview. After all, you need to feel comfortable to do your best, so prioritise feeling comfortable.

Looking for more interview tips? Check out our advice page for more graduate interview tips.

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How to Dress for Every Type of Job Interview

Knowing how to dress for a job interview is an important part of interview preparation. The way you present yourself can subtly suggest your understanding (or lack thereof) about the company’s business purpose and culture.

Selecting an appropriate interview ensemble requires research and planning. You should dress according to the organizational dress code and the role you’re seeking.

Dress code policies are being reconsidered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in remote workers, according to a 2021 article by the Society for Human Resource Management . While companies may be becoming more lax about dress codes, it’s still best to stick to the tried-and-true guidelines for projecting a professional image.

Follow along for guidance on proper attire for your job interview.

1. There’s No One ‘Right’ Way to Dress

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach in preparing your interview outfit. What you wear to interview for one company may not be right for interviewing with another.

2. Dress for the Work Environment

If you know someone who works at the organization, reach out to them for advice about what to wear. It’s also OK to ask the person who called you for an interview about the company dress code. Even if the role to which you are applying is remote, follow the company dress code for your interview.

What if you’ve never seen the company office and you don’t know anyone that works there? Here are some guidelines to help you settle on an appropriate look.

Check Out the Company Website

A company’s website may clue you in on an organization’s dress code. Learn more about the company and search for group or individual employee photos, which you can often find in the “About Us” or “Meet Our Team” sections.

>> Read More: How to Research a Company for a Job Interview

Use what you glean in conjunction with further information you discover to get a better idea about the dress code for a job interview.

Pay attention to whether:

This could suggest that the office has a business professional dress code. Of course, there’s always the possibility that they were asked to dress up and pose as such for the website photo. Do more research to confirm you’re on the right track. Refer to the Business Professional section below in this article for more information.

This might suggest that the company has a business casual or even casual dress code. Of course, you will want to up your attire a notch for the interview. Refer to the Business Casual section below for more information.

Look at Google Maps Photos

Photos of business exteriors are usually posted on Google Maps when you pinpoint the company’s location. There may also be Interior photos that may hint about a company’s dress code.

Sleek, modern, or techy decors might suggest a Business Casual dress workplace. Traditional, upholstered furniture, heavy-looking wood desks, and plush carpets might suggest a Business Professional dress workplace. Keep researching to determine whether your hunch is correct. 

Perform an Industry Search

Search Google using terms that can lead to blogs about the proper attire for a job interview for different industries. For example, if you’re interviewing with a technology-oriented company, you might search for “technology business dress code” for advice. For a professional office environment such as a law or accounting office, you could search “professional office dress code guidelines.”

3. Dress for the Role

A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you’re applying for one position above the one in which you are interviewing. Clean, neutral slacks or pants, dress shirts, and jackets are safe and appropriate choices.

Choose Practical Fabrics

A shimmering shirt might look great for an evening out, but it can be too distracting in an interview. Wear fabrics that look and fit smoothly on you. Be sure they’re clean and pressed and not too tight or too loose. You might consider fabrics that have some stretch.

Dress for the Weather

You won’t look or be comfortable in a wool jacket on a hot day or in thin, cool fabrics on a very cold day. Wear a rain-repellent coat or tote an umbrella along if it’s expected to rain on the interview day. It can convey that you’re well prepared and adaptable, which are good traits to have for any job. 

Wear Colors That Reflect the Workplace and Role

The colors you wear for interviews can spark certain impressions. For jobs in more formal industries such as law and banking, clothes in gray, black, and blue shades are good. Those colors are good standbys for nearly any interview. Save the more colorful shades such as purple, green, and yellow for interviewing for creative roles.

>> Read More: 10 Tips for the Day of Your Job Interview

4. Know the Types of Business Styles

These office dress codes are the most common for interview attire:

• Business professional
• Business casual

Business Professional

Well-fitting suit jackets or sweaters paired with light-colored, buttoned shirts are classics for this look. Tailored slacks, pants, or skirts (not too short!) are good choices. It’s OK to add a tie or scarf, but keep the pattern and color simple. Real or imitation leather shoes in a brown or a black tone can complete this look.

Business Casual

Khakis, chinos, and more relaxed slacks, dresses, and skirts highlight this look. It’s safest to stay away from jeans for an interview. Aim to look slightly more dressed up than the average employee. A polo, blouse, or button-down shirt paired with a sports jacket or sweater is a good business casual look. Wear closed-toe shoes, and don’t wear athletic shoes/sneakers.

5. What to Wear for a Virtual Interview

Assume that the rules for online interviews are the same as those for in-person interviews. Stick to the dress code you’ve determined is appropriate for the role and workplace environment, even if the job entails working from home.

Your on-camera background is a part of the total picture the interviewer will get about you. Be sure it projects professionalism and is free of clutter, pets, people walking by, and other distractions.

Dress from Head to Toe

It should go without saying, but it’s important for you to fully dress, including wearing shoes, for an online interview. Camera mishaps have happened when job candidates dress only from the waist up. You also feel more professional during the interview, which can translate as confidence to the interviewer.

6. What Not to Wear to a Job Interview

You want the interviewer to be focused on what you’re saying, not what you’re wearing.

Don’t Wear Revealing Clothing

Keep the focus on your face by avoiding:

• Low-cut shirts or tops
• Short skirts
• Anything that shows a lot of skin

Don’t Wear Attention-Grabbing Clothing

If you have a doubt about wearing a particular item, don’t wear it. You want the interviewer to be focused on your face, confidence, and words, not your clothes.

Avoid wearing:

• Loud, distracting prints
• Messaging—anything with a printed message, including most graphics
• Brightly colored shoes
• Brightly colored jackets
• Neon colors, except as accents such as a top under a suit
• Sunglasses, unless medically necessary
• Loud, distracting jewelry

Uncomfortable Clothing

If you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it’s likely to show. You don’t want to distract the interviewer by pulling and tugging at your collar or clothes. Wear fabrics you know you’re comfortable in.

7. What to Wear for Other Types of Jobs

Here are some ideas for proper attire for some types of interviews:

Tips for Jobs With a College or University

Use the business professional clothing suggestions as a general guide for jobs at higher-level education institutions. If you’re applying for a campus groundwork help position, you might opt to follow the business casual guidelines. Remember, you can always call and ask what attire is appropriate for the job to which you are applying.

Tips for Internships

Strike a balance between general guidelines for the business professional and business casual wear. Consider the environment in which you’ll be working, too. If it’s a law office or a bank, for example, you might be wise to stick with clothes from the former.

Tips for Summer Jobs

Don’t wear casual summer clothes to interviews such as shorts, flip flops, tank tops, sandals or anything that’s revealing. Opt for clothing in the business casual category.

More Student Resources

There’s more than one way to dress for a job interview. The key is to find the combination that fits the role and working environment to be comfortable in what you wear for the interview. Refer to the Purdue Global career resources blog for more helpful information.

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Admission Interview: What to Wear? Psychology of Color

Do’s and don’ts

Applicants should aim for office-casual, ideally wearing simple clothing that is slightly formal. When it comes to male applicants, one of the most commonly asked questions regarding dress code for university interviews is whether applicants are expected to wear suits. The simple answer is no: it’s not necessary for you to wear a suit. If you don’t wear one, your chances to be accepted won’t be lowered. However, you can’t really go wrong with a suit – if you already have one, it’s a safe option. Otherwise, pick a standard trousers and jacket combo with a smart pair of shoes.

For women, there are trousers, skirts and dresses to choose from. A smart top is equally as acceptable as a shirt and you can’t go wrong with a modest dress or a skirt. Just make sure the hem falls no higher than just above the knee and that it remains a respectable length when you’re sitting down. Avoid jeans, leggings without a skirt or dress on top of them, and low-cut tops.

Another recommendation is to keep piercings and jewelry discreet as too much tinkling and twinkling could become a distraction to yourself and the interviewer. But most importantly, as long as you dress formally, wear something that will make you feel comfortable, confident and happy! Your (dis)comfort could be reflected in the interview, so make sure you feel good in your outfit.

Color psychology

Color plays an important role in how your appearance is perceived. Color evokes feelings, incites emotions and can enhance or damage one’s image. Color psychology studies the relationship between colors and human behavior. It aims to determine how color affects our daily decisions and choices, e.g. what items we buy and why we prefer certain colors over others.

Whatever color you choose to wear to your interview won’t affect your chances of being admitted, but it might be useful to consider what feelings each color traditionally associates when planning your outfit so that it fits your personality and ambition the best.

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Here is what color psychology says about the meanings of each color:

• The red color is associated with excitement, passion, danger, energy, and action.
• Orange expresses creativity, adventure, enthusiasm, success, and balance.
• The color meaning for yellow revolves around sunshine. It evokes feelings of happiness, positivity, optimism, and summer but also of deceit and warning.
• Pink’s color meaning revolves around femininity, playfulness, immaturity and unconditional love.
• Green is frequently connected to nature and money. Growth, fertility, health, and generosity are some of the positive color meanings for the color.
• Blue’s color meaning ties closely to the sea and the sky. It is associated with stability, harmony, peace, calm and trust.
• Purple is considered a royal color. the color meaning for purple is connected to power, luxury, wisdom, nobility and spirituality.
• White represents innocence, goodness, cleanliness, and humility.
• The meaning of black color symbolizes mystery, power, elegance, and sophistication.
• Grey showcases neutrality and balance. Its color meaning likely comes from being the shade between white and black.
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• Graduate Interview Dress Code
• Career Advice

With the attitude to personal appearance forever developing in the workplace, it can be confusing for graduates to understand what exactly to wear when attending interviews. From 'smart casual' to 'formal business attire' we have created a carefully researched guide to help you walk into your interview dressed with the confidence for the role.

Do Your Research

Understand the industry that you are interviewing in. Do your research the more you know about the organisation you're applying for, the more chance you will be able to give off the impression of 'how well you are suited for the position'. If you are unsure, look at the organisation's social media platform; Often, they will have photos of their employees in their day-to-day dress code. If this information is unavailable: dress professionally and formally, it is always better to be overdressed. You mean business, show it.

Confidently Comfortable

Dress in your most empowering outfit, it is important that you feel the most confidence in yourself before leaving the house. However, bear in mind that the interview process is going to be uncomfortable enough to make sure that your outfit drives your confidence, whilst giving you the comfortability to endure your interview process. Avoid brand new clothing without wearing them in, they could crease terribly or may be too tight, which may impact your confidence. Therefore you should aim to choose an outfit that has been trialled and tested.

Show Ambition

With studies suggesting that employees are 61% more productive with informal dress attire, some businesses have begun to adopt the contagious casual culture. This being said, your interview attire should aim to be one to two levels of formality higher than that of the role you are applying for. For instance when applying for a waitress role, interview in similar attire to that of a manager. As the saying goes, you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have. This mentality will show your interviewer that you have ambition and drive, therefore forcing your interviewer to take you more seriously.

Your interview should reflect upon yourself and your abilities. Aim to enhance this with the appropriate clothing and makeup. For instance, if you have applied for a make-up artist role or a web designers role then you could showcase your make up abilities or show your style through your clothing. However, if you’re applying for office-based roles then we suggest that you could aim towards conventional attire. Whichever job you're dressing for, remember that your capabilities are the aspect which your interviewer should remember you by. Ensure your outfit doesn’t outshine you, by leaving the flamboyant jewellery at home and opting to showcase your individuality through your C.V or extra-curricular activities.

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For Mormon Missionaries, Some ‘Big, Big Changes’

The church has loosened its strict rules for those evangelizing. And many members of Gen-Z are loving it.

Andres Gonzalez stands in front of a statue of Jesus Christ in Los Angeles as another missionary, Alec Crawley, films him for a video for social media. Credit... Isadora Kosofsky for The New York Times

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By Lauren Jackson

Lauren attended church in London, Los Angeles and Paris and spoke with current and former missionaries to report this story.

• May 10, 2024

Andres Gonzalez, 19, stands on the balcony of his Los Angeles apartment, his hands in his suit pockets. It is his first week as a missionary, but today, instead of approaching people on the street, he is shooting a video that he will later post to social media.

After about a dozen takes, he is successful. “Hello! If you would like to learn more about Jesus Christ,” he says to the camera in Spanish, “contact me.”

Mr. Gonzalez is the image of the modern missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has changed many of its practices — from how missionaries preach to how they dress.

The faith, long known for sending tens of thousands of neatly and formally dressed young people across the globe each year to preach door to door, is encouraging new missionaries to spread the gospel on social media and, for some, with acts of community service closer to home.

As a church leader, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, put it, missionaries should feel comfortable sharing their faith in “ normal and natural ways .”

In the last few years, the church has also changed some rules for missionaries themselves — loosening restrictions on dress codes ( women can wear pants ) and how often they can call family members back home ( once a week , not just on Christmas and Mother’s Day).

To outsiders, the adjustments may seem small. But to missionaries who adhere to strict rules while on assignment, the shifts are dramatic.

“We’ve seen a lot of big, big changes,” Jensen Diederich, 23, said. He served his mission in Peru and said it was “monumental” when the church allowed him to call home weekly, instead of just twice a year.

The church believes missionary work is essential for the world’s salvation — that people must be baptized in the faith to get to the highest level of heaven after they die. Missionary work also helps increase the church’s membership, and it deepens many young members’ faith. Many missionaries begin their assignments just after they leave home. Instead of partying on a college campus, they commit themselves to the religion and develop habits that can last a lifetime.

One of those members was Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, who was a missionary in France in the 1960s. He has said the isolation of his mission allowed him to examine his faith without distraction . When asked about the changes, he said, “For young people of my generation, I think the separation from family and friends served us well.”

But he understands times have changed. “With today’s youth in near constant contact with one another, maintaining greater connection during a mission fits their life experience,” he added.

Many young church members say the new rules have made missionary service more attractive and realistic.

Kate Kennington, a 19-year-old with a mission assignment to London, said finding people online and messaging them is a more successful way of approaching potential converts. “It’s how I would want to be contacted,” she said.

“Knocking on doors and approaching people on the street are no longer seen as useful as they once were because of shifts in American culture,” said Matthew Bowman, a professor of religion and history at Claremont Graduate University who holds the chair of Mormon studies. He is also a church member.

For decades, missionaries’ clean-cut suits were signs of prosperity, Mr. Bowman said, and an effective way of appealing to converts. But they now feel “outdated.”

Many of the changes, especially the push to evangelize on social media, were fueled by the pandemic, which shut down in-person church gatherings and forced Latter-day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses to find alternatives to door-to-door preaching.

The missionaries use their phones to film videos of themselves promoting the church or sharing messages of faith. In one video , a missionary raps about his faith. In another , two missionaries throw a football and a Frisbee through an obstacle course in a church gym — an object lesson meant to visualize how Jesus Christ can help people overcome challenges.

So far, the changes appear to be working: In the last three years, as pandemic restrictions lifted and young members responded to an appeal from the church’s top leader for them to serve, the number of full-time proselytizing missionaries has risen by around 25 percent , according to church data. At the end of last year, the church had about 72,000 full-time missionaries serving around the world.

The church has just under 17.3 million members globally but has seen growth slow. From 1988 to 1989, during a surge in growth when the church expanded into West Africa , the church grew by about 9 percent . Last year, the church grew by about 1.5 percent .

A tradition of travel

Missionary work is a rite of passage for Latter-day Saints — and has been since the church’s founding in 1830.

The church’s missionaries have traveled the world, growing their faith from a fledgling start-up in upstate New York to a global religion that brings in billions of dollars in revenue .

Church leaders say it is men’s responsibility to become missionaries for two years starting at age 18. Missionary work is optional for women, who serve for 18 months. The church has historically encouraged women to focus on marriage and motherhood. But since 2012, when the church lowered the age women could become missionaries to 19 from 21, more women have been going .

Missionaries leave their families and friends, learn new languages and spend the first years of their adulthood spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

While on a mission, they cannot date and must follow the religion’s ban on premarital sex, drinking, smoking, coffee and caffeinated tea. Communication with friends and family back home is restricted. They commit to stay focused on their work, and their proximity to their missionary partner creates a sense of accountability that keeps most from breaking the rules.

Until recently, the experience of young missionaries was similar to that of their parents. They first attended a missionary training center — a religious boot camp of sorts — before then traveling to their missions.

Most missionaries now start their training online at home , where the transition is less jarring. They can adapt to a mission schedule with their family’s support. Being home is also an opportunity for new missionaries to evangelize in their community.

“I’ve had friends who aren’t members of the church,” Tanner Bird, a 19-year-old missionary in Brazil who did part of his training at home in Houston. “And I just get super, super excited and talk to them about the gospel.”

Once deployed, men in some areas are allowed to wear blue shirts and go without ties , while women can wear wrinkle-resistant dress pants in “conservative colors.” Most missionaries now have smartphones and call their families weekly.

Some traditions remain: Young missionaries still do not get to pick their destinations. Many teenagers throw parties to open their assignments, reading their “call letter” aloud for the first time in front of family and friends. Others film elaborate announcement videos — including on ice skates . Some serve close to home (there are 10 missions in Utah). Others go as far as Tahiti or Tokyo.

Mr. Gonzalez, the missionary in Los Angeles, said he first imagined going on a mission when he was a child in Venezuela. His parents, who converted to the faith, often had young missionaries over for meals. After the church helped the family settle in Utah, he said serving as a missionary was part of his “American dream.”

Every morning, he wakes up at 6:30 a.m., the set time for many missionaries, with his “companion,” an assigned missionary partner. They are mandated to “never be alone,” with few exceptions, and each day follow a missionary schedule .

On Facebook, they contact people they have met, including those they have approached on the street in downtown Los Angeles. They also search groups for people who may be open to their message and post videos to generate interest in their faith. They keep track of potential converts’ progress, including lessons they teach. Every Monday, Mr. Gonzalez calls his parents.

Calls are also an opportunity for him to receive support. “It’s a little bit hard,” Mr. Gonzalez said of his mission work, describing people in downtown Los Angeles as “busy.” Still, he remains hopeful: “Some of them, they really are ready. They make time, even just like five minutes.”

The missionary experience is not for everyone. Some people feel isolated, find it difficult to adapt to a location, or struggle with the rules or the pressure to keep their commitment. Some people do leave early; the church does not comment on those who do.

Alex McAlpin, a 23-year-old who went on a mission to Denver, almost did not put in a missionary application. Before her mission, she attended Pepperdine University, where she wrestled with some aspects of church doctrine and history.

Then the church made its dress code change, allowing women to wear pants in 2018.

“That was the first day of my life that I thought maybe I would go” on a mission, Ms. McAlpin said. She saw the new dress code and the church’s other mission changes as a sign the church was evolving and listening to its younger members, many of whom hope their church will modernize in larger ways. “I wanted to be a part of the change.”

Lauren Jackson is an associate editor and writer for The Morning , The Times’s flagship daily newsletter. More about Lauren Jackson

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