What Every Teenager Should Wear to a Job Interview

Long gone are the days of trolling the mall for job applications, filling them out in the food court, and then awaiting a call by the phone in your kitchen. But even though most applications are sent online, the first interview in person is still just as important. When your child goes in for a conversation with a potential employer, they need to dress the part. And you might need to help explain what your teenager should wear during an interview. 

I’m not sure there’s anything I’ve argued more with my daughters about than clothing. As I’ve previously shared, this started early. I’ve always been a fan of self-expression. But I wasn’t so much a fan of leggings as pants. Or crop tops. Or jeans that had more holes than actual denim. And after many an altercation, I can tell you that there’s a time to let it go and a time to draw the line. 

When helping figure out what your teenager should wear to an interview, there are some important guidelines to follow. And with casual attire seeming to reign supreme these days (my kid can’t be the only one going to high school in sport shorts and a hoodie every day), some guidance from mom or dad is probably in order. After all, as they say, you’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression. 

Why do first impressions matter? 

We make first impressions very quickly and they tend to stick with us. We’re wired to assess new people immediately. The assumptions we make in the first few seconds of meeting someone stay with us. Furthermore, if our initial impression is positive, we tend to continue making positive assumptions. 

When your son or daughter is getting ready for their first job interview, explain that what they wear plays a significant role in making a great first impression. Your teenager should wear a professional outfit and one that’s appropriate for the environment. This shows the hiring manager that they’re serious about the position and care about making a good impression. 

Whether your child is looking for a summer job, part-time work, or a babysitting gig, it’s a good idea for them to understand just how important that initial meeting will be. In addition to picking the right outfit, teens should know other important elements of an interview. Eye contact, a firm handshake, and speaking with clarity and confidence are all factors of the process on which they’ll be evaluated. 

So what should a teenager wear to their next job interview? 

As a prospective employee, your teenager should wear something appropriate and polished. Clothes should be clean and ironed, their appearance should be generally put together, and they should limit distractions. No need to go all out and wear a three-piece suit, but they should have a professional appearance and take the opportunity seriously. 

The perfect interview outfit is something in between formal business attire and the casual clothing they wear when hanging out. A polished look will send the message that they’re ready for the job, competent, and responsible.

Some basic dos and don’ts:

• Stick to neutral colors– bright, loud colors can be a distraction. 

• Keep it appropriate– while it’s good to choose clothes that fit and are tailored well, stay away from clothing that’s too tight and revealing. This can be especially important for teenage girls. The goal is to capture the interviewer’s attention with her intelligence and hard work. Not for what she’s wearing. 

• Good grooming– it’s important for your teenager to be clean and well-groomed. This means that they have showered, that their facial hair is trimmed, hair is neat, and that they have an overall professional look. 

• Limit jewelry– too much flashy jewelry, including excessive body piercings, can be distracting. 

• Keep feet covered– while some employers might be okay with open-toed shoes or even sandals once the job begins, it’s best to keep them covered during the interview process. A nice pair of dress shoes, flats, or pumps are a good choice. 

• No hats– wearing hats of any kind, especially baseball caps, to an interview is not advisable. 

• Don’t wear too much makeup– too much makeup or perfume can sometimes be jarring. The goal is for the interviewer to pay full attention to your teenager’s strengths and character. 

Some practical advice

Below you’ll find some possible outfits your teenager could wear to a job interview. 

Of course, the type of job they’re interviewing for will help dictate what they go with. Teens can also take a look at the human resources page of their prospective employer to see if they mention anything about the company’s dress code. 

Button-down shirt with dress pants. This is a classic, professional look that works for nearly any job interview. Teenage boys can wear a crisp dress shirt, a belt, and a nice pair of dress pants. Black or brown dress shoes are the perfect finishing touch. Girls could wear a nice blouse instead and certainly have lots of fashion choices when it comes to slacks. They can finish the look with a sleek pair of pumps or flats. 

A simple blouse and a skirt. Teenage girls can pair a blouse with a knee-length skirt or a pencil skirt and a pair of low-heeled shoes. A good rule of thumb is to wear a pair of tights or pantyhose the same color as the skirt. 

Shirt and tie. Although your teenager isn’t required to wear formal attire, pairing a tie with a button-down shirt can be a nice, professional look. Sometimes the extra touch can tell your potential employer that you’re taking this seriously. And that can help make a good first impression.

A tailored dress. Young women might be comfortable in a nice dress. This can be a good option, especially if your teenager has some dresses in her closet. While I do think tights and pantyhose have generally fallen by the wayside, wearing them can’t hurt. 

Add a sweater. Your teenager could add a cardigan or a sweater of a solid color to one of the basic outfits above. This is a fun way to add some color and style to a basic number. And in the winter months, an extra layer of warmth.

Add a blazer. Similar to a sweater, a blazer is the best way to punch up the style factor while also staying professional. 

Polo shirt, khaki pants, skirt, dark jeans. Casual clothes aren’t usually appropriate, especially for an initial interview. But teens should consider the type of job they’re interviewing for when choosing what they wear. For example, a polo shirt and khakis or a skirt would be appropriate when interviewing for a summer job or a babysitting gig. But would not be appropriate for an internship or an office environment. 

Some final thoughts

Interviewing for a job is a nerve-wracking prospect for anyone. And is especially true for a teenager. Dressing the part can help build confidence. After all, when you look good, you feel good. 

Remind your teenager that they’re interviewing too. They want to make sure that this job is a good fit for them and that their company culture is one they’ll thrive in. Landing their first job, even if it’s part-time, is a big deal. It’s your child’s entrance into the workforce and another step toward independence. 

Helping them find just the right outfit so that they can showcase themselves in the best light is a great way to help them make the best impression.