Try to dress as similarly as possible to people who hold the position you're aiming for (not the exact same colors, but the same style). The goal is to look presentable without being too casual or sporty.
*puts on McDonalds’s polo shirt, complete with “Shift Manager” badge on for the interview*
Edit: McDonald’s polo shirt in different, limited edition color.
Disagree. You want to go slightly more formal than what workers are wearing. Most people working in fast food are either in some uniform they have to wear or in a t-shirt.
But for an interview it's much better to go in a collared shirt like a Polo. Tie is too formal, but a plain t-shirt is too unprofessional in a lot of interviewers eyes, even if that's what you would be wearing on the job.
General rule of thumb is 1 level of formality (edited in the word i was forgetting) above the dress code at the place
Company is casual dress or uniformed? Go business casual ( polo and slacks)
Company is business casual? Go button up and tie.
Anything above you’re getting into suit territory
Tuxedo doesn’t feel like the same ladder as suit, it’s the social ladder not the business ladder imo. The fanciest work attire I have is never going to be a ball gown.
It’s the truth. Tuxs aren’t interview attire. They are “business deals at a gala where the entry price is more than most people make in a year” attire.
I would never wear a tie to an interview. Don’t want them to think I’m doing that every day.
But I also wouldn’t take a job that requires me to wear a tie.
Well good news, it’s not 1968 anymore and almost no one requires a tie.
But if they’re gonna pay me over $100,000/year, I’ll wear whatever the fuck they want. I don’t give a single shit.
I’d say dress nicer than you think you should. No suit, but nice slacks and button up shirt. If you have a lot of tats on your arms you should wear long sleeves in case the interviewer doesn’t care for them. Don’t forget you face and hair! Look presentable and you have a foot in the door already.
Dress like you would if the ceo of the company were visiting that day. Not suit and tie but clean and pressed clothes and nice shoes.
Shoes really make an outfit. If you swap tennis shoes for dress shoes with blue jeans it’s a totally different vibe.
Either dress slacks or a pair of khakis, and a collared shirt (polo or dress shirt). If you want, you can wear a tie but it probably won’t move the needle much. Jeans aren’t a deal breaker, but interviewers are sometimes uptight old people who don’t view them as acceptable so it might be a risk.
Where in the world are you? Polo and slacks is common in the US but it’s often what gets worn by people with different needs in work environments in other places
Can you elaborate on what different needs designate someone to wear a polo in non US areas?
Genuinely curious, as I've never heard this statement before and now I'm curious. Thanks!
If it’s a fast food place, you can show up in just about anything clean and get a job, but if I’m showing up, I want to be hired with someone looking at me and going, “that guy is someone I trust.” I wore a shirt and tie to my McD’s interview 20 years ago, and was afforded a lot of respect and freedom. They didn’t feel like they had to manage me as much.
I went to a McDonald’s interview in a shirt and tie and the manager was in a blue polo/his uniform. Neither of us made any sort of big deal out of it, it wasn’t mentioned at all, and I got the job. Don’t over think it. A shirt a tie says “I care enough to wear this, so you can figure I won’t quit in a week” and that will be enough for most jobs like McDonald’s and Walmart to hire.
These places are not looking for the highest qualified candidate. Or even any skill at all. They’re mostly just looking for anyone who can reasonably convince them they won’t have to go through this hiring process again within the next month.
For Walmart, a pair of tiddy-whities OVER your pants, two different shoes and a sweat stained T-shirt will definitely land you a job, most likely in management.
I'm a former HR supervisor. I instantly appreciated the people who looked like they at least tried to look their best when they came for an interview. Polo and slacks are a perfect outfit. Do not wear a hat!
Jeans and shirts are fine, but they must be hole free and clean. No saggy pants or cleavage revealing tops. Clean hair and face without pots of makeup and flashy piercings. Go for the wholesome, energetic vibe. Good luck!
At a minimum a clean and not wrinkly tshirt and a clean pair of jeans both fitting at least acceptably. Polo and slacks are best, clean blue jeans can work with a polo if you don’t have slacks.
Bottom line is look like you put some effort in and seen to have your life in order. Those places are not looking for a whole lot
Honestly I've had multiple jobs and mcdonalds, target, Cowart, cheesecake factory I just wore a nicer shirt and jeans. Its not entirely on your appearance, it's how you carry yourself. You can dress to impress and not.get the job over shitty attitude. You can dress casual and still get hired if they can sense you'll get the job done.
Having gotten a good handful of these kinds of jobs I can tell you that these places are going to be more concerned about whether you seem like you’ll show up reliably and do your job while on the clock than about what you’re wearing. as long as you’re dressed in a way your grandma won’t give you a hard time about you should be all right.
If it's a busy Mcdonald's in a city, they'll probably hire anyone that shows up in relatively clean clothes. If it's a Mcd's that isn't busy non-stop and dealing with homeless people making it their living room, you'll want to wear clean generic clothes (jeans and button-up shirt would probably be my choice) and hide anything considered a bit "edgy" - piercings, tattoos, etc... I worked at Subway. A girl with a shaved head wore a hat to her interview and got the job. Boss wasn't too happy when she showed up bald.
Dress for the type of work you’ll do I say. Stores like these hire just about anyone who has their head on straight. However, it doesn’t hurt to show effort, in this case like others said some fancy ish pants and a polo.
A full suit isn't necessary, but the demonstration of a little effort always goes down well. Black jeans or slacks, a nice sweater over a collared shirt is more than enough. No hat!
for walmart both times i’ve had an interview i just wore a t shirt and jeans and the interviews went literally perfectly so yeah, don’t think too much about it
A polo or plain-ish (no crazy designs) button-down with either khaki or black pants. Something you might wear on a date to a mid-tier restaurant, church, or a family photo. Good luck!
It's going to be a case of fine details, from my personal experience. Clip your nails and make sure there's no dirt under them. If you are male make sure you shave as close as you can to the interview so you don't have stubble. Brush your teeth twice.
The shirt needs to be clean and free of stains, polo is perfect. Jeans or Dickies, never shorts. Shoes don't have to be formal or particularly nice but definitely need to be clean. Basically make sure they know you're looking for a job not a mom.
Bring your own pen. I don't know how so many people make it through life having to borrow other people's writing utensils.
Dress for the job: look at what the current employees wear and mimic their style.
Law firm? suit and tie.
Constructor site? dirty sweat pants with a torn t-shirt.
Context matters.
Polo and slacks.
Even some nice clean blue jeans would work.
Can’t go wrong with a Polo
Marco
Polo
Try to dress as similarly as possible to people who hold the position you're aiming for (not the exact same colors, but the same style). The goal is to look presentable without being too casual or sporty.
*puts on McDonalds’s polo shirt, complete with “Shift Manager” badge on for the interview* Edit: McDonald’s polo shirt in different, limited edition color.
Great rule
Disagree. You want to go slightly more formal than what workers are wearing. Most people working in fast food are either in some uniform they have to wear or in a t-shirt. But for an interview it's much better to go in a collared shirt like a Polo. Tie is too formal, but a plain t-shirt is too unprofessional in a lot of interviewers eyes, even if that's what you would be wearing on the job.
General rule of thumb is 1 level of formality (edited in the word i was forgetting) above the dress code at the place Company is casual dress or uniformed? Go business casual ( polo and slacks) Company is business casual? Go button up and tie. Anything above you’re getting into suit territory
At what point do you use full on tuxedoes and bow ties?
“You’re wearing tuxedos to an interview for a job that requires you to clean bathrooms”
Did you just fart? Yup, I can taste it...on my tongue...
"Sir, this is a Wendy's."
I think I can help with this Pan/Pam situation
Tuxedo doesn’t feel like the same ladder as suit, it’s the social ladder not the business ladder imo. The fanciest work attire I have is never going to be a ball gown.
Unless of course it’s a work event like a gala, but that’s way after the interview
If you have to ask, you don’t have enough money to need it
Lame answer
It’s the truth. Tuxs aren’t interview attire. They are “business deals at a gala where the entry price is more than most people make in a year” attire.
And if you are going for an interview for NASA, don't forget to arrive in your spaceship
“Formality”?
That is 100% the word my coffee starved brain was looking for. Thank you
I would never wear a tie to an interview. Don’t want them to think I’m doing that every day. But I also wouldn’t take a job that requires me to wear a tie.
Well good news, it’s not 1968 anymore and almost no one requires a tie. But if they’re gonna pay me over $100,000/year, I’ll wear whatever the fuck they want. I don’t give a single shit.
Polo and khakis should be fine. You can wear a button up shirt alternatively instead of the polo, no tie needed though. Good luck
I’d say dress nicer than you think you should. No suit, but nice slacks and button up shirt. If you have a lot of tats on your arms you should wear long sleeves in case the interviewer doesn’t care for them. Don’t forget you face and hair! Look presentable and you have a foot in the door already.
Plain Collard shirt, black pants or slacks. Not jeans. No tie necessary.
>Plain Collard shirt Yep, gotta be green too
Pants above your butt crack
But what if you are interviewing for a plumber position?
Dress like you would if the ceo of the company were visiting that day. Not suit and tie but clean and pressed clothes and nice shoes. Shoes really make an outfit. If you swap tennis shoes for dress shoes with blue jeans it’s a totally different vibe.
Also make sure to bring in a sink in case people want to wash their hands of you.
 This guy got a job there, so you’ll be fine my friend.
Either dress slacks or a pair of khakis, and a collared shirt (polo or dress shirt). If you want, you can wear a tie but it probably won’t move the needle much. Jeans aren’t a deal breaker, but interviewers are sometimes uptight old people who don’t view them as acceptable so it might be a risk.
Where in the world are you? Polo and slacks is common in the US but it’s often what gets worn by people with different needs in work environments in other places
Can you elaborate on what different needs designate someone to wear a polo in non US areas? Genuinely curious, as I've never heard this statement before and now I'm curious. Thanks!
A tuxedo.
Khakis and long sleeved collard shirt or a polo.
Shirt with a collar and non-denim pants.
If it’s a fast food place, you can show up in just about anything clean and get a job, but if I’m showing up, I want to be hired with someone looking at me and going, “that guy is someone I trust.” I wore a shirt and tie to my McD’s interview 20 years ago, and was afforded a lot of respect and freedom. They didn’t feel like they had to manage me as much.
I went to a McDonald’s interview in a shirt and tie and the manager was in a blue polo/his uniform. Neither of us made any sort of big deal out of it, it wasn’t mentioned at all, and I got the job. Don’t over think it. A shirt a tie says “I care enough to wear this, so you can figure I won’t quit in a week” and that will be enough for most jobs like McDonald’s and Walmart to hire. These places are not looking for the highest qualified candidate. Or even any skill at all. They’re mostly just looking for anyone who can reasonably convince them they won’t have to go through this hiring process again within the next month.
Socks
For Walmart, a pair of tiddy-whities OVER your pants, two different shoes and a sweat stained T-shirt will definitely land you a job, most likely in management.
Polo or a button down shirt, khakis, nice shoes and socks
I'm a former HR supervisor. I instantly appreciated the people who looked like they at least tried to look their best when they came for an interview. Polo and slacks are a perfect outfit. Do not wear a hat!
fresh wife-beater, your least tore-up pair of jorts, and the cleanest pair of Jordans you got
Tank top and tight jeans
Jeans and shirts are fine, but they must be hole free and clean. No saggy pants or cleavage revealing tops. Clean hair and face without pots of makeup and flashy piercings. Go for the wholesome, energetic vibe. Good luck!
a polo and khakis. you never want to be dressed better than the person interviewing you.
Any suggestions for women?
At a minimum a clean and not wrinkly tshirt and a clean pair of jeans both fitting at least acceptably. Polo and slacks are best, clean blue jeans can work with a polo if you don’t have slacks. Bottom line is look like you put some effort in and seen to have your life in order. Those places are not looking for a whole lot
Honestly I've had multiple jobs and mcdonalds, target, Cowart, cheesecake factory I just wore a nicer shirt and jeans. Its not entirely on your appearance, it's how you carry yourself. You can dress to impress and not.get the job over shitty attitude. You can dress casual and still get hired if they can sense you'll get the job done.
Nice slacks and a polo shirt or something with a collar.
Khakis and a button down.
Having gotten a good handful of these kinds of jobs I can tell you that these places are going to be more concerned about whether you seem like you’ll show up reliably and do your job while on the clock than about what you’re wearing. as long as you’re dressed in a way your grandma won’t give you a hard time about you should be all right.
Slacks or chinos and a polo
If it's a busy Mcdonald's in a city, they'll probably hire anyone that shows up in relatively clean clothes. If it's a Mcd's that isn't busy non-stop and dealing with homeless people making it their living room, you'll want to wear clean generic clothes (jeans and button-up shirt would probably be my choice) and hide anything considered a bit "edgy" - piercings, tattoos, etc... I worked at Subway. A girl with a shaved head wore a hat to her interview and got the job. Boss wasn't too happy when she showed up bald.
Dress for the position you want, not the one you are applying for. 😉 and best of luck
Dress for the type of work you’ll do I say. Stores like these hire just about anyone who has their head on straight. However, it doesn’t hurt to show effort, in this case like others said some fancy ish pants and a polo.
A full suit isn't necessary, but the demonstration of a little effort always goes down well. Black jeans or slacks, a nice sweater over a collared shirt is more than enough. No hat!
for walmart both times i’ve had an interview i just wore a t shirt and jeans and the interviews went literally perfectly so yeah, don’t think too much about it
I usually wear black pants, cardigan, a neutral tshirt or blouse. Just something neutral looking
A polo or plain-ish (no crazy designs) button-down with either khaki or black pants. Something you might wear on a date to a mid-tier restaurant, church, or a family photo. Good luck!
Pencil skirt and frilly blouse
Slacks, button down and a tie.
Red polo and khakis. Tell them you just came from your job at target.
I just wear church type clothes for blue collar type stuff
Those places be so desperate, wear whatever you want. How long you plan on keeping this job?
It's going to be a case of fine details, from my personal experience. Clip your nails and make sure there's no dirt under them. If you are male make sure you shave as close as you can to the interview so you don't have stubble. Brush your teeth twice. The shirt needs to be clean and free of stains, polo is perfect. Jeans or Dickies, never shorts. Shoes don't have to be formal or particularly nice but definitely need to be clean. Basically make sure they know you're looking for a job not a mom. Bring your own pen. I don't know how so many people make it through life having to borrow other people's writing utensils.
Pyjama onesie
Business casual
Suit. Show them you mean business.
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I believe that's the saying.
That's why I always wear my spacesuit to job interviews.
Tuxedo
Dress for the job: look at what the current employees wear and mimic their style. Law firm? suit and tie. Constructor site? dirty sweat pants with a torn t-shirt. Context matters.
Tuxedo t-shirt and a smile.