Are you wondering what to wear to a retail job interview? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
As someone who has been both interviewed and has interviewed others, I have some helpful tips and tricks to share for what to wear.
How to Dress for a Retail Job Interview
For a retail job interview, it’s a good idea to dress business casual. Wearing chinos and a polo shirt will be an appropriate look. Depending on the job you are getting interviewed for, consider wearing a dress shirt and pants. When choosing your outfit, it’s important to know the job you are being interviewed for and dress accordingly.
In this post, I share how to dress for a retail job interview, job interview style tips and answer frequently asked questions about retail job interviews.
How to Dress for Retail Job Interviews
Casual
If you’re going for a retail job interview at a very casual store, you can dress casually, but neatly. While you can’t go wrong with nicer clothes, dark jeans and a nice shirt will be appropriate for many casual retail jobs. As an example, if your interview is for a sporting good store, you can dress casually.
If you want to look a bit more put together, a polo shirt with some khakis will have you dressed perfectly for the job.
Business Casual
For most retail jobs, you are going to want to dress business casual. These days business casual is less dressy than a few years ago. Business casual style for men can range from nice jeans with a polo style shirt to chinos and a dress shirt. Dress shoes and leather sneakers will do the trick.
You are going to want to dress business casual for retail clothing stores, grocery stores, department stores, phone kiosks and appliance stores.
If you are looking to impress your potential new employer, wear blue chinos, black dress shoes and a white dress shirt with a simple pattern. This will be a very nice and professional looking outfit.
It’s better to come to an interview slightly overdressed than showing up underdressed. Dressing business casual will do the job and have you looking good.
Professional
For professional jobs you are going to want to elevate your outfit. Avoid wearing sneakers, jeans, t-shirts and polo shirts. If you are getting interviewed for a professional retail store you are going to want to dress more formal.
High end retail shops or luxury stores require dressing for the environment. Examples include luxury brand clothing and high end jewelry stores. For these jobs at the bare minimum, you are going to want to wear dress shoes, dress pants with a dress shirt tucked in.
If you want to look more professional, wearing a suit with a tie will look great. Nowadays, it is common to wear a suit without a tie, so it comes down to the job you are applying for and preference.
If you are unsure if you should wear a tie, wear a tie! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Should You Wear Accessories to a Job Interview
For a job interview, wearing accessories like a chain, watch or bracelet will elevate your look. It’s better for your accessories to be subtle, as you don’t want them to be a distraction during the interview.
If you wear a chain, make sure that it’s under your shirt as it will look more professional. When you are choosing a watch, leather straps look understated, professional and sleek.
Job Interview Style Tips
Dress for the Job You Waant
The most important thing to getting a job is to know what job you are being interviewed for, and dress for this. It’s important to understand the type of store, the clientele and the position that the employer is looking for.
Do some research before hand. Check reviews, see what the employees wear and find out what products the business is selling. All this preparation will come in handy when you are being interviewed.
Based off of the information that you find out about the business before hand will give you a good idea on what to wear to the interview.
Arrive Well Groomed
If you have facial hair, make sure that it is taken care of. Before the interview, get a haircut or at the very least style and put paste in your hair.
Arriving well groomed will make you look professional, which is something every employer looks for in an employee. It’s important to look well put together as your appearance really does matter for interviews.
Hygiene
Having good hygiene is a lot better then having bad hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth, shower and put on deodorant before the interview.
You can get nervous in the interview which can result in sweating. It’s important to wear deodorant and shower so you don’t smell. Brushing your teeth is equally as important.
Confidence
Having confidence is one of the most important things in a job interview.
Employers value a confident employee. If you’re dressed properly, you prepared for the interview, your hair and hygiene is taken care of you will come off as confident.
What to Avoid Wearing for Retail Job Interviews
Sweatpants
Do not wear sweatpants to an interview. Trust me, I love my sweatpants, but a job interview is not the place to wear them. Instead wear jeans, chinos or dress pants.
Ripped Clothing
Ripped clothing is in style. However, although you may want to look trendy for a clothing store, it’s safer to go with clothing that isn’t ripped. It looks more professional if your clothes do not have rips in it.
Overly Flashy Accessories
Avoid wearing overly flashy accessories. Wearing a big shiny gold watch or a diamond chain can be a distraction. It’s better to wear subtle jewelry as it will look more professional. Save the flashy accessories for the club!
Sleepwear
Wearing sleepwear to a job interview will show the employer that you lack effort and professionalism. Save your sleepwear for bed and put on some nicer clothing.
Flip Flops
I get it, flip flops are more comfortable than dress shoes. When you are applying for a job the last thing you want is to be wearing flip flops. You are getting interviewed for a job, not going to the beach.
Put on some nice leather sneakers or dress shoes and keep the flip flops at home.
Harmful or Offensive Clothing
Wearing harmful or offensive clothing will make a horrible first impression. If you think your shirt can be offensive or harmful do not wear it.
Keeping a simple aesthetic will look more professional. It’s better to stick with shirts that have minimal designs.
Quick Interview Tips
Here are some helpful interview tips and tricks:
- Arrive a few minutes early
- Be engaged and ask questions
- Act extra polite
- Prepare for the interview
- Be yourself
Final Thoughts on What to Wear to a Retail Job Interview for Men
I hope this post was helpful in answering your questions for a retail job interview. We’ve gone over how to dress for a retail interview, things you want to avoid doing and some quick interview tips.
What is your go to outfit for retail job interviews? Please let me know in the comments below