The tech industry has recently taken a minor nosedive, and many of you may be looking for new jobs and dreading the interview process. The industry is notorious for being fairly casual, but job interviews are a time when one should put their best foot forward, not only with personality but appearance as well. You might have to dig deep in your closet to find your nicer pieces, but not so far where you’re blowing the dust off your ties. You want to look sharp and stand out from your peers, but not so buttoned up you offend your interviewer. Here are a few key tips when dressing for your potential tech job interviews.

First and Foremost

The first thing you want to do when deciding what to wear to your next job interview is choose colors that suit you. Colors that complement your skin tone will automatically make appear less tired, put together, younger, and overall create a natural glow. Next, please make sure your clothes fit and are properly steamed. There is nothing worse than a wrinkled white button-down.

The Clothes

You can never go wrong with a clean, crisp button-down that is tucked in. It communicates trustworthiness and reliability in the workforce. If you’re not going to wear a blazer to your interview, then opt for this. Make sure to choose a more structured, classic button-down style, but nothing too casual like a shirt made of linen. Wearing the typical tech worker t-shirt or even a polo is simply not dressed up enough to impress the interviewer sitting across from you.

However, if button-downs aren’t your thing, then a T-shirt or polo with a blazer is an option. The blazer adds professionalism to an otherwise casual piece of clothing. Just make sure the t-shirt you decide to rock is of high quality without graphics, stains, or holes. If you opt for a polo, avoid dry-fit materials. Those are for sports, not professional work environments. For the men, make sure your blazer is well-tailored and sits well on your arms, shoulders, and back. This applies to women as well, but the rise of the boyfriend blazer is here, and a looser fit is acceptable as long as you aren’t drowning in it.

A well-fitted pair of slacks is always a safe bet. But for men, a quality pair of chinos is a not too casual material is also acceptable. If you want to add a little pizzazz, then roll up the bottom and make a cuff. For women, a skirt or dress is totally acceptable for an interview, but you will most likely stand out amongst your future peers. The industry is extremely masculine and chill, and a dress or skirt creates the exact opposite impression. However, the choice is totally yours on how you want to show up at your work. If you don’t want all that attention, you can also rock a pair of slacks and there are options to play around with a more fitted or looser silhouette and length. A looser pant provides a relaxed aesthetic while a tailored fit is polished. And this goes for everyone: if you need to wear a classic belt color like brown or black, then make sure it matches your shoes.

Lastly is shoes. The tech bros and girlies or infamous for wearing sneakers to the office. Now, if your boss doesn’t mind your day-to-day outfit including your favorite sneakers, then go right ahead. But a job interview is a first impression, and we want to make a lasting one. Wearing stilettos may not be your thing or the vibe you want to portray the day of. An option is a mule or a slingback with a very short block heel. Both are great options for women. The men can opt for an elevated sneaker like the one here. Instead of the casual white style you would wear to go to your local grocery store, this brown leather is a wonderful mix between a dress shoe and a casual sneaker.

Summary

Yes, the tech industry is super casual, but that doesn’t mean you have to show up to your job interview looking like you rolled out of bed and put the nearest t-shirt on your found off the floor. You can be strategic about what you wear when showcasing yourself for the first time to a potential employer. Switch out the dry-fit polo and plain t-shirts for a button-down. Or add a blazer and continue to ditch the dry-fit polos — it's not doing you any favors. Chinos and slacks are always a good choice and showing a little ankle if that’s your thing as a guy won’t kill you. Roll up the cuff if it works. Your shoes can be elevated past a basic sneaker. I promise. There are options that are comfortable, yet more stylish and professional to rock at your next interview. Hope these tips and tricks help set you apart from your competition. Good luck!