What To Wear To An Office-Job Interview

Many people looking for a new job might be dilly-dallying about writing the occasional covering letter, blissfully unaware that the end of summer heralds one of the greatest windows of opportunity. Employers with vacancies to fill are returning from their holidays re-energised, and basking in what optimism the last of sun-drenched skies reflect.

But while other candidates may be out there strutting around with a tan, you’ll want to look your best at any interview – especially one that’s for a job based in an office (at least for the majority of the week). Preparing your outfit in advance can pre-empt certain practical hitches, leaving you to concentrate single-mindedly on the interview.

For instance, you want to avoid fabrics that will exacerbate the heat or any clammy nerves. But that’s not to say you should compromise on the formality of the occasion on hotter days. Instead, choose garments made from fabrics with heat-friendly properties. You might have guessed that cotton is generally a great material for suits, as is linen, thanks to its open weave that allows body heat to be displaced by cool air. Similarly, chambray is thin, light and breathable, owing to its plain weave. And Merino wool is, perhaps to some people’s surprise, endowed with various properties that make it one of the best summer fabrics. Its great moisture-wicking capacity, for example, helps absorb perspiration and any dampness caused by sudden outbreaks of rain, both of which will evaporate.

When it comes to the colour of your suit, classics such as navy, black and variants of grey are all safe bets. Thomas Pink’s unstructured wool jackets in grey or navy work a treat. They’re designed for the corporate environment and will allow interviewers to envisage your seamless integration into their teams. For brightly lit days, we recommend our Wool Silk Woven Unstructured Jacket, which comes in a tasteful pale grey that’s pleasing to the eye. Better still, it’s currently in the Thomas Pink summer sale, so those pounds can be saved for a celebratory bottle of champagne.

If the role for which you’re applying demands a great deal of confidence, something a little more extravagant, such as our Merino Houndstooth Jacket with matching trousers, will make a statement. Unlined and featuring woollen textures that allow pockets of air to keep you cool, these trans-seasonal options are all perfect for combatting the predictably unpredictable weather in the coming months.

Then comes the tie. Wear one dark enough to stand out against a light shirt. Our Polka Dot Silk Woven Tie and Single Stripe Silk Woven Tie are both clever options. Not only will they pop against plain shirts in white or light tones, but their arresting patterns will accentuate the effect, drawing attention to the understated sense of personality they indicate.

Which brings us to shirts. It’s a general principle that you should dress slightly smarter for interviews than you would doing the job in question. While the average office may be more laid-back than before the pandemic, and hybrid working is the new norm, making a good first impression is still paramount. That means formality is the name of the game for office-based roles. It’s practically impossible to go wrong with white – a crisp foundation on which to experiment with permutations of jackets and ties. Pale blues are almost as safe. In terms of fabric, royal twill and royal Oxford shirts are both characterised by a lustrous sheen and resistance to creasing that will enhance your smart appearance.

Finally, when interviewing for certain positions, you may be required to bring documents or equipment with you. Herein lies an opportunity to complement your outfit further. Come prepared with the Thomas Pink x Troubadour Pathway Briefcase, which has a lightweight and comfortable shoulder strap that will help you seamlessly transport your things. Its interior has pockets configured for versatile storage, and it will enhance the understated elegance you want to convey. Additionally, if the company that you’re applying to is environmentally concerned, the case’s recycled-polyester fabric and vegan leather trim will give you a thing or two to talk about.