What To Wear To An Interview as a Teenager

As a teenager, job interviews can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You want to make a great first impression and stand out amongst the other candidates. One of the easiest ways to do this is by dressing appropriately for the occasion. However, being a teenager, you may not have a lot of experience when it comes to knowing what to wear to your first job interview. And that’s totally understandable!

Although it’s unlikely you’ll be expected to wear a suit, dressing too casually is not a good idea either. Because what you wear can make all the difference, we’re giving you some tips and tricks to dress to impress. We’ll also share some outfit ideas that are sure to make you stand out from the competition and leave a lasting impression on any interviewer!

What To Wear To An Interview as a Teenager

As a teenager, you may not have a lot of job experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress like a pro. Whether looking through your closet or shopping for the perfect outfit, look for clothing pieces in neutral colors like black, navy, grey, and beige. Although they aren’t the most exciting, these colors convey a sense of maturity and dependability. The goal is to avoid anything overly casual and instead aim for business casual. Think button down or polo shirts and slacks or khakis for pants.

One more important thing to note. Just as important as your outfit, if not more so, is showing up looking well-rested and well-groomed. Read Easy Ideas For An Overnight Glow Up if you want some great tips.

Bottoms

Non-denim bottom options include slacks, khakis, dress pants, and skirts. The best bet is to choose neutral colors and avoid wearing loud or excessive patterns. This can come across as distracting or too casual. Whatever bottom you choose should fit well, be an appropriate length and be comfortable.

Tops

When it comes to the style of top you wear, there are a few things to keep in mind. You want to consider how the top looks with the rest of your outfit and what environment you’ll be working in. Your top doesn’t need to be fancy by any means, but you should avoid anything too tight and low-cut or any shirts with logos.

Denim

If you want to wear jeans to an interview, a few things will help you avoid looking too casual. The best option is a pair of dark wash denim that doesn’t fit too tight. Light-colored denim is considered to be very casual and should be avoided until you know how you’re expected to dress. Jeans with rips, holes, and distressed material should also be removed from outfit choices.

Sweater

Most offices and department stores are cold, even in the summer, so a knit sweater or cardigan will look nice while keeping you warm. Stick to neutral colors, and avoid anything with loud patterns.

Jacket

Although a blazer isn’t necessary, it can really pull an outfit together and even make a more casual-looking outfit more professional. Blazers are also a good option during colder months when you want to add an extra layer that doesn’t add a lot of bulk.

Shoes

You may be wondering, dress shoes or sneakers? Deciding on the right shoes to wear to a job interview requires almost as much thought as the rest of your outfit! The shoes that you wear to your interview will depend on the rest of your outfit. Before deciding on a pair of shoes, you’ll want to consider how they coordinate with the rest of your outfit in terms of style, color, and the level of formality the dress code requires. And lastly, your shoes should be sensible, clean and comfortable. You’ll want to be sure you can walk or stand in your shoes for long periods of time without discomfort. You want to be able to focus on your conversation and not on your aching feet!

5 Interview Outfits For Teens

• A short skirt can strike the perfect balance between professional and stylish, making it a great choice for a wide range of industries. Opt for a midi skirt that falls just below the knee or a short skirt that hits right above the knee. You can pair it with a blazer or cozy sweater in a solid color. Stick to neutral tones like black, navy, or gray for a classic vibe or a pastel hue for a soft, whimsical touch.

The trick to wearing shorter skirts to work is to keep your heel low or wear opaque tights and pair your skirt with more conservative necklines like buttoned-up tops to balance out the leggier look.

• A well-tailored pair of trousers can take you far in a job interview. It shows that you’ve put thought into your outfit and that you’re serious about the opportunity at hand. They are also the most versatile option that pairs well with any style of top. Depending on the professional setting, you can pair your trousers with a button-down shirt, polo shirt, blouse, sweater, or plain t-shirt. Just be sure that whatever top you choose it’s appropriate for the company and position you’re interviewing for.

5. Cardigan and Dress Pants

What Not To Wear To An Interview

Before deciding what to wear to a job interview, it’s a good idea to first try and research the company’s dress code. You can do this by reviewing their website, as some companies publish their dress codes online. Or if the company is local, stop by and observe what the employees are wearing. If you’re still in doubt, try and contact the hiring manager and ask about the company policy.

In general, it’s best to avoid wearing the following items for your job interview.

Open Toe Shoes

Open-toe shoes, especially flip-flops, and sandals, are too casual and could even be viewed as a safety hazard.

Shorts

With the exception of applying for a pool lifeguard position, there really aren’t any other places where wearing shorts to an interview would be appropriate.

Avoid Wearing Too Many Accessories

Wearing layers of necklaces and stacks of rings may look nice, but it can be a major distraction. Keep things simple by wearing one or two necklaces at a time, small hoops, huggies, or stud earrings, and a couple of delicate rings.

Mismatched or Bright Colors

 Bright or clashing colors and mismatched patterns are all distracting. Your best option is to stick to a neutral color palette, but if you really want to add a pop of color, stick to one item and one color.

Athletic Attire, Hoodies, and Hats

Hats, sweaters with hoods, sweat pants, or any gym-type clothing are too casual for an interview. Although it’s comfortable, you want to give the impression that you’re ready to work, not relax.

Too Much Makeup or Perfume

While it’s important to look well put together, keeping your makeup simple and on the natural side is best. The same goes for perfume. No matter how good it smells, wearing too much of a fragrance is unpleasant for everyone else. One or two sprays are all that is necessary.

Additional Tips For Your Job Interview

• Do not bring drinks with you, including coffee.
• Don’t chew gum or eat candy.
• Put your phone away and turn on silent.
• Make sure your hair is clean and brushed.

Remember, dressing for a job interview is about striking a balance between professionalism and personality. By choosing an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, you’ll be able to focus on the interview itself and leave a lasting impression on your potential employer. So go ahead, pick out one of these interview outfits, and rock that interview!

Xx Monti