Skip to content

What should you wear for a job interview at a startup?

The advantage of working in a startup? Not two days are the same and you learn to wait for the unexpected immediately. The wrong side? This unpredictability begins as early as the hiring interview itself. What are the rules of the dress code when you interview a business as casual as a startup? Although the answer is variable, first impressions are important and also make you stand out in a sea of ​​candidates.

Here is a briefing on what to do and what not to do to keep your ensemble professional, but calm, when you meet a team (most likely) dressed in hoodies and flip-flops.

First, do some research on the company before the interview

Chances are, you had probably already planned to do it before I mentioned it, but that kind of duty extends beyond asking about position and the number of people I have. history of the company. Consider the type of industry in which this startup is and what its corporate culture looks like to help you influence your look.

The niche of the startup

Does the startup specialize in food, fashion, technology, or any other field? Take note and have it reflected in your outfit. From small details like food pins on your shirt collar to an elegant and avant-garde combination, tailoring your set to its specific industry shows that you already have an understanding of the field of this startup and its respective trends.

Corporate culture

Nothing will grip you with more fear than the prospect of arriving at the interview too dressed or too badly dressed – all the more so as there is no way to compose your costume instantly.

See also  Upcoming webinars actions funding strategies for women entrepreneurs

Take a few minutes to check out the startup's social media accounts and the "About Us" page on their website to get an idea of ​​their desktop or incubator environment. If the atmosphere seems relaxed enough, you can put aside the heels in favor of the apartments and give up the tie for a neutral button-down shirt. None of this goes unnoticed either. The human resources departments of these startups will take note of a candidate who has observed their upcoming environment and has dressed the room accordingly to prove that they are serious about the job.

 Starter employee "width =" 810 "height =" 540 "/> </p>
<h2> Do not wear a suit </h2>
<p> The general consensus is that the worst first impression that men or women can make at startup is the one where you are dressed in a suit. Startups tend to have a casual reputation, so appearing in a stiff suit can give the impression that you could also be a raid yourself and too much of a killjoy to adapt to their world . (In my defense, it's the costume that gave them that impression, not you personally.) </p>
<p> If you do not wear a suit, what are you wearing? Here's what men and women can draw from their closets to be considered in their respective interviews. </p>
<ul>
<li> <strong> Jackets can dress in any outfit instantly. </strong> Buttoned or unbuttoned, it adds just the right amount of structure to gather your look. </li>
<li> Yes, you can get away with <strong> in jeans </strong> in a startup. Err on the dark-washed denim side for a polished look and avoid anything that is acid washed or full of holes. </li>
<li> <strong> Buttoned top. </strong> For the guys in particular, that means breaking the checkered button-down shirts to keep it lightly dressed but mostly relaxed. </li>
<li> <strong> Shirt dresses. </strong> Jump a super tight pencil skirt for a shirt dress with a fun print that lets you move and is naturally drawn on its own. </li>
<li> <strong> Beautiful shoes. </strong> They do not have to be a designer brand, but they must be clean and fashionable to match your outfit. Make sure you can enter it easily (and comfortably) before the interview. </li>
</ul>
<div style=

Pay attention to details

Now that you know what to wear and what not to wear, take a moment to review the details. Is your shirt ironed and wrinkle free? Have your pants been adapted? Did you floss this morning? What are your nails like? Simple details like these add to your overall appearance, from head to toe, and should be considered before the start of your interview so you can start with the best first impression possible.