Definition
Interview attire — Interview attire spans a spectrum from formal (suit, tie or equivalent) through business professional and business casual, down to the smart-casual norm common at many startups and creative companies. The right point on that spectrum depends on the specific employer's culture more than a universal industry rule, since two companies in the same field can land in very different places.
Researching what current employees wear, whether through the company's own photos, LinkedIn, or simply asking the recruiter, beats guessing. Dressing one level more formal than the observed baseline is a safe default when in doubt, since being slightly overdressed rarely counts against a candidate the way being noticeably underdressed can.
For video interviews, wearing a complete outfit rather than just something camera-appropriate on top matters more than it seems: having to stand up unexpectedly in pajama pants has ended more than one interview badly.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to overdress or underdress for an interview?
Overdressing is the safer default when the company's norm isn't clear. Being slightly more formal than expected rarely hurts, while showing up too casual can register as a lack of preparation.
Does interview attire still matter for a video interview?
Yes. Camera framing usually shows only the upper body, but wearing a complete outfit avoids an awkward moment if the candidate has to stand up, and dressing properly also tends to affect how someone carries themselves during the call.
How can a candidate figure out a company's actual dress norm?
Checking the company's own photos or LinkedIn posts, or asking the recruiter directly, gives a more reliable answer than guessing based on the industry alone.
Related pages
The outfit is the easy part
Once the outfit is settled, run an AI interview on Intervieux and put the actual conversation to the test.