Is wearing jeans to a job interview okay?

You have only a few seconds to make a good first impression when you walk in for your job interview. Often, nonverbal cues can make all the difference – your handshake, the energy you give off, making eye contact, your confident smile, and your wardrobe. 

The minute a hiring manager sees you, they're looking you up and down to determine if you care enough to be there and land the job. That means ditching the jeans and opting for something a little more upgraded.     

Can you wear jeans to an interview if the dress code is business casual?

When trying to determine if you can wear jeans to an interview, it's natural to dig into the company's culture a bit. If you're like most people, you'll probably check out their website and social media pages to check out what people wear in the photos being posted. 

While several organizations opt for a business casual dress code for their employees, it's important to remember that you're trying to make a great first impression. This means you should do everything in your power to remain professional during an interview since you are not yet an employee; your goal is to become an employee. 

Even if an organization has a more laid-back dress code that includes wearing jeans to the office, it does not mean you should wear jeans for your interview, regardless of the type of position you're interviewing for. You might be asking:  

  • Can you wear jeans to an interview if I'm applying for a part-time job?
  • Can you wear jeans to an interview for an entry-level or student job?

  • Can you wear jeans to an interview if I'm applying for an hourly role and would be wearing jeans to work?

  • Can you wear jeans to an interview if I'm applying for a role with a tech company?

  • Can you wear jeans to a smart casual interview?

The answer to all of these questions is that it's best to err on the side of caution. Jeans are rarely ever going to be looked upon as appropriate interview attire. 

It's true that you don't want to show up in a suit and tie for your interview if everyone else in the office is wearing business casual or jeans, but you also don't want to give off the impression that you're too laid back or don't care enough by underdressing.  

What should acceptable job interview attire look like?

While some individuals may still land the job even if they wear jeans, why risk it? Unless you're explicitly asked to wear jeans, choose to go with business casual attire when interviewing with an organization that has a more laid-back dress code. In doing so, you will be setting yourself up to make a good first impression without worrying about whether or not you're underdressed.

What to avoid wearing

Generally speaking, avoid wearing bright colors and patterns to an interview; white, navy, black, gray, and beige are appropriate and professional interview colors. Also, in the spirit of not wearing wrinkled clothing, run a steamer or an iron over your blouses, shirts, pants, and skits to ensure your clothing is neat. If you need to get something new, then you should do so, as an outfit that fits well is also essential, regardless of the dress code.

Professional vs casual

Meanwhile, men and women should wear suits for interviews with organizations that have a business formal dress code. For business casual and laid-back work environments, dress pants or a knee-length skirt with a tucked-in blouse are good choices for women, while men could opt for a polo shirt or sweater with slacks. Shoes should be clean and closed-toed (no sandals!) for everyone unless they are open-toed pumps or high heels for women.

Final answer, “Can you wear jeans to an interview?”

Remembering that you should always dress for the job you want rather than the job you have. It's best to never wear jeans to an interview. There are so many other viable options, like khakis and suits, that jeans shouldn't even be a choice. 

Your interview outfit is just one way to impress the interviewer. With the help of our interview coaches, make sure you impress in the rest of your interview. 

This article was originally written by Ronda Suder. It's been updated by Marsha Hebert.

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