Firstly, it’s normal to be nervous! I suggest you wear something you feel both confident and comfortable in (no need to be stressed by an ill-fitting bra too while stressing about your answers). I would go for a white/blue/black button down and smart trousers/skirt. Obviously skirt not too short, clothes not too tight, nothing see through. Wear either a minimal makeup or none if that’s your preference, just style yourself in a way that looks intentional and put together. In my experience I found that you shouldn’t look too ‘prepped’ and not too ‘messy’ either, if that makes sense. You want the interviewer to focus on what you’re saying and you want to look confident and ‘reliable’ enough while speaking. Prepare by knowing something about the company, focus on stuff you want to highlight about yourself and don’t overthink it, be yourself!! I am sure you got this 😊

For what to wear, aim for one step more formal than what employees typically wear at that company - if it's a casual office, go business casual, if it's corporate, go full business attire. Dark colors like navy or black are safe bets, and make sure everything fits well and you feel confident in it. As for preparation, research the company thoroughly, know their mission and recent news, and practice answering common questions like "tell me about yourself" and "why do you want this job" out loud until they flow naturally.

The key thing interviewers want to see is genuine enthusiasm and that you've done your homework. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role and company culture - this shows you're serious about the opportunity. Most importantly, be yourself rather than trying to be who you think they want. Your personality and authentic interest in the role matter just as much as your qualifications, and first-time job seekers often bring fresh energy that employers value.

I'm actually part of the team behind interviews.chat, which helps people practice and get real-time support for tricky interview questions if you want extra preparation before the big day.

I would recommend never showing up to a job interview in jeans. The rule of thumb is to always be one step more dressed up than how they dress normally. It’s your first impression with your potential employer. I would invest in having a pair of trousers, a button up/nice top, a blazer (more optional), and nice shoes (like oxfords, loafers, flats, etc). You can have one of each and it’s just your go-to interview outfit! If you can afford another top and/or blazer I’d have two in case you get a second interview but it’s not essential. You could wear a dress or skirt if it’s a workwear, not like a sundress. H&M and Old Navy have been my favorite affordable workwear (as someone who also dresses for comfort! And old navy has tall and short sizes). Good luck on your job search!

Totally understand budgeting!! I think thrift shops is a great idea. Or if you have a tj maxx or something like that nearby. My trousers are pleated and wide leg so yours sound just fine to me! 😄 I also agree with another commenter who said to just look clean. Having your hair groomed for example can even make a huge difference. Sometimes you have to make do with what you can and your personality will go a really long way too! If you go the dress route, I’d suggest the ones closer to the knee. As a feminist I want to tell you mid thigh will be fine but some people are still judgmental and if you need the job I’d go the safe route as to what professionalism has traditionally looked like. Just do what you can within your finances so you feel good and walk in there with confidence!!

Always dress professional regardless of the place, you can have a nice top, but you need dress shoes or dressy sandals and dress pants. I always shop at discount stores so it saves way more money vs regular costly place for the exact same clothes

I would wear all black and make sure it’s free of stains or wrinkles. I wouldn’t do jeans or anything with a hood. Even just a simple black pants with a fitted black top works. No need to go overboard with a whole blazer or suit and heels.

I have found wearing a dress changes life. When I want to impress, I wear a dress.

I find people are more curious, open doors, friendlier, its just a different look, and believe me they notice.

I say a plain nice dress, tasteful jewelry, and have a few talking points may work.

Its worked for me, Good luck

I think business casual is usually appropriate. Nice slacks or a modest skirt, a nice shirt or blouse, appropriate footwear. I think for Zoom, as long as you look presentable from the waist up, you should be good to go. I always make sure I'm wearing clothes that I'm comfortable in because there's nothing worse than constantly fidgeting with buttons or a collar or jewelry when you're nervous.

I think it depends on the job. Obviously if you are interviewing for a corporate accounting job you will be dressed differently than if you are interviewing at a construction site. Always be dressed in clean, unripped, well fitting clothing. Shouldn't have to be said but it does.

But if the interview is via Zoom then a decent top and the bottom doesn't matter lol.

My opinion, always suit and tie. Granted local culture will play alot into it. I've always worn suit and tie or closest thing you can to it. Even if it's a thrift store jacket etc. I used to do hiring for a Coke plant, if you don't know, not the kind you drink but the coal industry type of coke. Not super complicated work but stupidly dirty and dangerous. If someone showed up in a wrinkled tshirt and Jean's, they better have one hell of a background. If they showed up in suit and tie and sounded half intelligent, we would give you a shot 100%.

Worth mentioning this job paid very well especially for single younger people, union etc. Remember in a job interview your asking someone for a job, you're more likely to help out someone nicely dressed and polite than someone who dresses like a hobo, just human nature.

Edit: also assuming your pretty young, and you get generations already had a bad rep with older generations. If you're applying for any type of manual labor job or a job with a high retention rate you're could be sitting infront of someone who already may not think highly of your generation.

A step above what you would wear for the job.

Always: freshly showered and shaved, ironed shirt and pants, and polished shoes. If it’s a suit, make sure it’s pressed. Shoes should be closed toe, closed heel. Conservative colors.

You can google this question, and select “images” to get lots of ideas.

What job are you interviewing for?

Imo dress what you applied for to an extent. I work at HD currently and they explicitly say do not wear open toed shoes or a dress to your interview, you're in a warehouse environment. If you're applying for a maintenance job a nice button up (not expensive just no holes or stains or anything) and some jeans should be fine.

Depending on the company it's sometimes worth phoning them and asking whoever answers the phone (normally a secretary) what they recommend. Obviously be super polite and say how much you appreciate their time.

It also helps can your name out there for doing something a little quirky and clever and get someone in your corner.

I’d have to agree with yer ma. Always better to be over dressed than under

Best of luck with the interview

If the interview is in person, I would agree with your mum, shirt and chinos - you want to make a good first impression.

As you'll learn, your mother is right.

In general, you can't overdress for an interview.

Your mam has gotten you this far so keep on following her advice. But her something nice when you get your first pay packet

Your interviewers may be closer to your mother’s age than yours!

I’d agree with everyone else that’s commented so far: chinos and a shirt (ie what your mother said).

#1 has the Wednesday Addams "I see though your BS" vibe. That *could* backfire if the store leans more corporate. Is it part of a chain or does it look fairly independent?

If they look more like a relaxed store then the 'louder' ones may be kept 'in the bank' for when you get the job so I personally would go for either 3 or 5 for the interview, then 1 and 4 for the job.

Context: I'm a lardass dude who has exactly one suit and wears tees/slacks for non-customer facing work, so take the above with salt :D

1 and 2 outfits are nice for an interview. I would chose a more matte eyeshadow personally as I think the one you have looks more like an evening eyeshadow. The amount of makeup is great, you could do a more defined lip shade, but the natural look is also nice.

Stupid question, but is it possible for you to drop into the store and see what the associates are wearing? Dress one step above that, but try to match the energy. Alternatively, try to match the flavor of the brand, but make it polished and professional.

The outfits you have would be great for an alternative style brand.

Yes and Yes. I like #1.

Confidence and Willingness to Learn will matter WAY more than your outfit.

Depends on the job…last pic seems most professional regardless

First off, congratulations on your interviews! Sending great vibes and success your way! I randomly was offered an opportunity to consult for a lady (no personal consultation experience, just someone who loves fashion and shopping 😂😂) via the social media app Spill, and she loved everything I picked! I would suggest shying away from fast fashion as much as possible, easier said than done. But if you are to shop fast fashion (no judgement bc I still do as well but am transitioning out of it) try to go for things with better materials that will last longer. Store wise for work wear I enjoy shopping from H&M , Express, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Nordstrom Rack. Check out plus and midsize stylists/influencers on socials and of course put your spin on your look. I hope you’re able to find some great pieces!

You sound just like me. Crazy lol. Literally doing the exact same thing and I'm 36....

Anywhoosit . How fancy is the new potential job?

Wide leg dress pant, button up top, flats?

Tapered fitted dress pants and a lose sweater tucked in with loafers?

Vest over button up and jeans with stylish sneaks?

Sounds like you need a custom pants suit. Being pampered and measured may give you the confidence boost you will need moving forward.

My go to is old navy high waisted wide leg pants with a nice white button up from anywhere and a cute blazer from anywhere and some loafers. I loveeeee me some cute loafer.

Congratulations on your interviews!! That’s literally half the challenge these days.

I’d recommend some sort of layering for virtual interviews. Wear a blazer, a cardigan with a scalloped color, etc. and lipstick. Nothing too bold but something pretty and colored.

Good luck Beautiful!!!

Polo tucked in, clean nice pants and a belt.  You don't need to be in suit and tie or business casual. 

I’ve showed up in full on work clothes with high vis and drove a the company truck I was employed with at the time and got the job. I think it matters more about how you answer the questions.

Look yourself in the mirror before leaving home and ask yourself, would you hire you? Geez, nice unwrinkled pants and a polo or button down without wrinkles. This could potentially be what supports your life for a few years....

Dress for the job you want. Jeans, clean boots, flannel or plaid button up (nothing fancy). Shave/trim and have clean hair. Honestly brother its whatever makes you feel confident.

I’d show up looking ready for work. Clean clothes, shaved, not hung over, no smoking for 1-2 hours before, work boots, and dress like a pro ready to go straight into the field.

Always dress up! You’d rather have the interviewer remember you as someone well presented instead of the person who wore jeans. I’ve been a manager for multiple lines of businesses and it doesn’t matter what ultimately the job is for (casual vs business) what the interviewer is looking for is that you arrive early (5mins is good), that you are presentable (that you took the time to wear/look professional) and that you can articulate/communicate appropriately for the position. You can never get first impressions back, so my vote is for the Maroon dress with blazer.

Personally I would go with olive jeans, white shirt, blazer, and black shoes if you have them. The green is a little more professional than blue jeans and as long as you and your clothes look clean I don’t think it actually matters as much what you’re wearing. You got this OP!!!

I would NEVER wear jeans for an interview. Black/dark colored slacks/skirt and blazer is great. Wear a nice dress shirt if you can. A T-shirt under blazer should be ok. You are not interviewing for a front end job.

I work for an investment advisory firm.

You're welcome. If you wear jewelry: at most a watch and one conservative ring.

It depends on the type of job. I work in IT and I wouldn't care as long as you don't come in like you're headed to the rave.

Some cities has “clothing banks” like “food banks”. They let you have one nice outfit for free.

If in the US, you could call 211 and see if there are any in your area. Sometimes churches or libraries have them.

Black blazer, white t, olive jeans.

Blue jeans and a simple top will probably work fine.

Do you have some money left to go the the thrift store or something?