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Do you have a great opportunity lined up, but you’re not sure how to project your best self? First impressions can be vital when you’re on the job hunt, so it’s important not to miss the mark. Often in the industrial arena, it can be difficult to evaluate how to present yourself. In a job that doesn’t require dress clothes on a daily basis, you wouldn’t want to wear your traditional work attire to the job interview. (Or worse, you wouldn’t want to wear what you roll out of bed in on the weekend.)

There are a range of presentable choices depending on what the company may expect. Some organizations are perfectly comfortable with jeans, other may expect a bit more polish. If you have an interview and you’re not certain how you should dress, read our tips on how to put your best foot forward.

Start with the Basics

The job market is a competitive place. You don’t want to give someone a better opportunity to get the job you want or the shift you want because you ignored the basics in getting ready for the interview. Remember to comb your hair, tuck in your shirt, check your breath, etc. You need to come across as neat and presentable. When you walk in the door, you want to impress the hiring manager so they will want to hire you and be proud you are a member of their company. You aren’t trying to impress them for anything else.

Don’t Even Think About a Suit

Recognize that an industrial job interview does not require a full suit, as many other positions do. If you’re applying for a corporate position, it may be appropriate. In almost any other case, you’ll need to be a bit less formal. Showing up in a suit to an industrial job interview will make the hiring manager uncomfortable and will make you feel out of place.

Hunt for Clues

If you’re feeling lost when it comes to what to wear for your upcoming interview, look for hints. Did you work with a staffing agency to set up the meeting? Perhaps they can shed some light on the company culture. If not, take a look at the organization’s website. You’ll learn more about the environment, and there may be pictures of what dress usually looks like. Dress one step above what their daily wear is: if you see jeans, wear khakis or slacks. Doing a little research can help you feel more prepared.

Keep It Simple

For an industrial job interview, don’t overdo it.  Ladies should have tidy hair and simple makeup. Men should have a shaved face or trimmed beard, and shoes shouldn’t be scuffed or worn-out. Acceptable outfits include a polo and slacks, or a button-down and khakis. Ties are optional. If you feel confident it will be appropriate, crisp jeans and a sweater can work in a blue-collar setting. All accessories should be subtle. Avoid flashy jewelry or belt buckles. Yes, the interivew is about what you bring to the company, but you don’t need to be flashy and draw attention through your attire.

Be Respectful

Above all, you should still be looking fresh and presentable. For men, that should mean clean, intact shoes, for example. For an industrial job interview, work boots may be appropriate, but they should be in good shape. All parts of your outfit should look tidy: your belt, your collar, your hair. Any sort of formal shirt should be tucked in. Casual dress doesn’t give you permission to look sloppy. Know the difference between informal dress and looking unprofessional for a blue-collar interview.

Remember, this is your time to impress a potential employer. They don’t know a lot about you besides any interaction you had over email or on the phone. When you walk in the door, you want to be taken seriously. Showing up in clothes that aren’t professional or looking like you just rolled out of bed won’t help your chances of getting the job!

Work with a Top Staffing Agency in Chicago

Now that you’re dressed for success at an industrial job interview, why not check out our job listings to line up a great opportunity? Davis Staffing, a top staffing agency in Chicago, has many positions available to qualified industrial candidates. We’re looking to fill the needs of terrific applicants, so check out our resources today!