Jared Chung
CareerVillage.org TeamHow should I dress for a community management job interview?
Should I wear something business formal? Should I dress casually?
Has anyone ever showed up inappropriately dressed for an interview? What were they wearing?
Bonus points: What's the _cheapest_ full outfit you think someone would need to have to meet the attire bar? (Especially helpful for our students who are going to need to get new clothing for interviews but who lack the funds needed)
_This is part of a question series for CMX Summit to highlight exciting careers in community management. If you are interested in a career in community management, now would be a good time to ask a question of your own!_ #community-mangement
1 answer
Heather White
Heather’s Answer
I don't think you can go wrong with business formal for an interview. However, you should tune what you're wearing to the specific place you're interviewing. I often check with HR when they schedule the interview. Sometimes I ask, Is xyz OK to wear? (Especially if I know a trip to the cleaners will be needed for my most formal option.) You can expect that HR will give you good advice--and they see every single interview candidate. Or I'll ask about the dress code, especially if I'm interviewing on a Friday, when everyone is likely to be especially casual. If that's the case, I may tone down what I'm wearing a bit. Sometimes I'll see someone interviewing at a jeans-only company wearing a grey suit, white shirt, and red tie. This visually announces, I don't fit in here. You want it to be clear you've dressed up for the interview and you take it seriously, but you don't want to send the message that you're from a completely different world, or don't get what the organization is about culturally.
I would suggest budgeting money from your Christmas or summer job for your interview outfit when you know you're about to graduate. It doesn't need to be expensive, but you should look well-groomed. I was working at a place that sold the kind of clothes I would need for an interview, so I got a very nice employee discount on my interview suit. I don't wear a suit anymore now that I have more experience ... I typically wear an unmatched jacket and slacks or skirt. Still, in all black this can be very dressy. If I know I'll be interviewing with all women, I may include a fashion touch that they will likely appreciate. (This may be an advanced skill! :))