Military Employment Guide: Purchasing Business Attire

Step by Step Guide to Employment: General Military Community – Purchase Business Attire

When it comes to finding a job after the military, the interview is a big step to getting hired. Depending on the company, you might need to go for more than one. Whether the interview is in person or virtual, you want to be dressed correctly for it.

What you wear to the interview matters. Most interviewers will expect you to wear appropriate business attire.

What is business attire?

Business attire is clothing appropriate for the workplace. It may differ slightly depending on the type of job or environment. You should research and be aware of what type of clothing is acceptable with this particular employer, and lean on the side of formality.

What does business attire look like?

• Business Traditional is more formal. For men, this could include a formal suit or tie, an upscale sports jacket, and dress pants. For women, this could be a skirt suit, pantsuit, and formal blouse and stockings.
• Smart casual is a step down from traditional business practices. For men, this could include a sports jacket with a tie, dress pants, and a button-down shirt. For women, this could be a dressy sweater, dress pants or a skirt, a blouse, and a top.
• Business Casual is even more casual than the other two. For men, this could include khakis or dress pants, shirts with collars, and sweaters. For women, this could include nice pants, skirts, a blouse, or a top.

What should you think about when it comes to your interview outfit?

In addition to sticking with business attire, you also need to consider the comfort and fit of your outfit. The clothing might pass all the business attire tests, but if you don’t feel comfortable with what you are wearing, that isn’t going to set you up for success. You don’t want to get distracted by your clothing when you should be focused on presenting yourself to a potential employer.

You want your clothing to fit well and not be too baggy or too tight. You want to be able to walk around comfortably. Practice wearing your clothes and moving around in them before the actual interview.

Your clothing choices should also make you feel confident. If your clothing makes you feel that way, you will be able to show confidence more easily at the interview.

What shouldn’t you wear to an interview?

There are certain items you shouldn’t wear to a job interview. You don’t want to wear anything too revealing, remember you aren’t dressing for a night out with friends. Think about the colors you are choosing, and try not to go with too bright of colors or extreme patterns. If in doubt, keep the clothing more conservative.

Stay away from words on your shirts. While the wording might not be inappropriate, you never know what might be for the company. This isn’t professional and could lead to not being taken as such or offending someone by the words, whatever they might be.

You should obviously avoid flip-flops, sandals, ripped jeans, tank tops, halter tops, yoga pants, athletic gear, and athletic shoes. Also, watch for heavy cologne and too much makeup.

What if you have a video interview?

If you have a video interview, treat it like an in-person interview. You want to make sure you get ready just like you would if you were going somewhere for an interview. You should be aware of clothing that looks good on camera and stick to more neutral colors.

First impressions go a long way when it comes to a job interview. Potential employers will judge you from the minute you walk through that door. Your outfit and how you present yourself matter. You want your outfit to show you are confident, want the job, and are taking this seriously and being professional. Your outfit can make or break an interview.