Got a job interview this summer? Make a lasting impression with these summer interview outfit tips

The warm months of summer are ideal for getting some lawn work done, firing up that barbecue grill, and (maybe) getting an interview call for that job you applied to a couple of months ago. If you’ve finally received that call, congratulations! 

Now that you’ve tucked away your sweaters, it’s time to don some cool summer interview outfits and make an amazing first impression on your hiring manager. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on dressing up for a job interview in summer, including:

• How to dress well for a summer interview

• What clothing to avoid when interviewing in any season

How to choose great summer interview outfits

In most industries, you don’t necessarily need to wear a dark, perfectly-tailored suit, knee-length pencil skirt, or modest blouse for the job interview. Furthermore, during summer, you have the luxury to wear light and cool colors.

Here are a few great tips to help you choose the right warm-weather wardrobe.

Ask for the company’s dress code

First and foremost, try to find out about the company’s dress code. You can do a quick Google search to find out about the company and get an idea of its culture, which should give you some sense of their dress code. If you’re still unsure, politely ask the hiring manager about the company’s dress policy, especially regarding summer outfits. Your goal is to dress to impress the interviewer, so don’t go overboard.

Know your industry

Along with specific company culture, pay close attention to your industry when deciding on your interview outfit. Some industries with a more formal dress code include banks, law firms, accounting firms, and funeral homes. Other organizations have a more relaxed dress code such as software companies, entertainment magazines, and marketing agencies.  

Wear loose fits and light colors

Tight clothes tend to wrinkle easily, especially when it’s unbearably hot and sticky. For this reason, it’s important to wear loose-fitting items to your interview. This way, you’ll feel more comfortable when talking and you’ll avoid those embarrassing sweat stains on your clothes.

Summer is also the perfect time to wear light colors. Instead of the classic black and navy blue attire, you should consider wearing something in light blue, white, light gray, beige, caramel, or cream. These colors look good on the eye, and they also go well with the season.

Put on thin and cool fabrics

Cotton, quick-dry, and linen are some of the best materials to wear during the warm months of summer. These materials are gentle on your skin, and they keep your body cool. However, these materials may require ironing, dry-cleaning, and steaming to look good. 

Use layering

The last thing the interviewer (or you, for that matter) wants to see are sweat stains on your clothes. For this reason, it’s important to layer your clothing to hopefully prevent sweat stains from becoming visible. 

Extra tip: Go easy on the makeup

Along with your professional interview attire, pay attention to your makeup. If you wear it, interview makeup should always look clean and professional rather than trendy or shocking regardless of your gender affiliation. 

In the warmer weather, consider using even less makeup than normal so that it will look fresh even when your temperature rises from heat or nerves. Waterproof makeup can be very effective for summer interviews since it won’t run or drip when you sweat.

Items to avoid when interviewing in any season

As previously stated, some companies are more relaxed and flexible than others around specific dress codes. However, there are certain dress items that just don’t look good during a job interview, regardless of the organization or the time of year. 

Some of the items you should avoid wearing during a job interview include but are not limited to:

• Baseball caps

• Tank tops or round-neck t-shirts

• Sandals, flip-flops, and crocs

• Translucent clothing

• Yoga pants, athletic wear, or shorts

• Dirty, wrinkled, and torn clothes

• Tops that reveal the midriff

Your goal should always be to make the best possible first impression so you get called back for additional interviews, and the right clothing is one way to do that.

Key takeaways

1. If you have a job interview coming up this summer, it’s important to check your wardrobe and invest in some light fabric clothes that will help you stay cool and confident during the interview.

2. Instead of wearing the traditional black and blue, you can wear some light colors to stand out. Similarly, choosing the right undergarments is crucial.

3. Before going ahead with the interview, it’s important to check the company’s dress code and industry to make sure you’re properly dressed for the interview.