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How to Dress for an Interview if You Don't Have Nice Clothes

September 9, 2022

How to Dress for an Interview if Clothes are a Challenge.

The way you dress for an interview could mean the difference between landing a job and being rejected. Meeting a potential employer in neat attire shows that you take the interview process seriously.

What to Wear

Aim to dress as neatly as possible for job interviews, even if the work environment you're hoping to get into is known for being casual. If wearing casual clothes to an interview at Roebuck Staffing, it is ideal to make sure t-shirts don’t have offensive images and clothes are clean. Additionally, jeans should not have holes. Shoes with socks go a long way as well. Ultimately, your appearance should be a neat and professional as your wardrobe allows.

Borrow

Borrow interview-appropriate attire from friends or family members. This is a good idea if you don't want to spend money on a new interview outfit that you may only wear once. Be particular when looking for clothes to borrow. Showing up in clothing that's too small for you will not impress your interviewer. Borrow items that match in terms of cut and color, and keep your look more formal than casual. Don't worry too much if some items are slightly worn; it's more important that your clothes fit well and look professional. Pick neutral colors and avoid loud patterns.

Buy Gently Used Clothing

If funds are tight, shop for gently used clothes at thrift stores or online auction sites. You may wind up with newer items for a fraction of their retail price if you shop around. Buying quality second-hand clothes can be a better option than buying cheap but inferior quality new ones. The investment will be worth it if you land the job.

Presentation

No matter what you wear to an interview, make sure your clothing is clean and not wrinkled.

Charities

Get in touch with organizations such as local churches and places like findhelp.org. These organizations and others like them provide interview-quality clothing either free or at a greatly reduced rate.