Are you wondering what to wear to a construction job interview? It can be stressful knowing how to dress for a job interview – especially when all the advice online is talking about wearing suits or pencil skirts. When it comes to dressing for a job interview, you want to look professional but appropriate for what you’re applying for. Wearing a suit and tie to a construction job interview would make it seem like you have no idea what actually goes on at a job site. To help you dress to impress and ace the interview, follow our tips on what to wear to a construction job interview!
Dressing for the Job You Want
There’s a reason the cliché ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’ exists. It’s important to make a good impression on the prospective employer who is interviewing you. Wearing the right clothing for the job shows:
- You did your research
- You understand the role
- You’re more likely to be a good fit for the job
One of the best indicators that you’re dressed appropriately for a job interview is if your outfit matches what your interviewer is dressed in. If you’re wearing high heels and a dress while your interviewer is in jeans and a sweater, not only will it indicate that you didn’t plan ahead, but it may also make you feel uncomfortable. The same goes for dressing way below what your interviewer will be wearing. Dressing appropriately can boost your confidence and help you interview better while ensuring that you make the best first impression possible.
Dressing for a Job Interview in the Construction Industry
When interviewing for a job in the construction industry, it’s a good idea to dress business casual. This is because even if you’re applying for a labour position, you will likely be interviewing in the office. You don’t want to dress too casually as it will appear unprofessional and that you aren’t taking the job seriously. Dressing too formally is likely to seem inexperienced or shortsighted.
In a construction office, most people who are performing an interview will be dressed in casual business attire, so it’s a good idea to try and match how your prospective employer dresses.
What is Business Casual?
Business casual is a relatively vague term, so it can be difficult to know what to wear just from ‘business casual’. A general rule of thumb is that the clothing is professional and clean without being overly formal. Types of business casual clothing include:
- Khaki pants or chinos
- Plain, dark jeans with no holes or rips
- Slacks
- Skirts (extend to or below the knees)
- Button up shirts
- Blouses
- Blazers
- Open collar or polo shirt
- Nice sweaters
- Loafers or dress shoes (plain leather or suede are best)
- High heels, Ballet flats
If you’re still unsure about how businessy and how casual you should be dressing, check out the company’s team page and website. Look to see the kind of clothes the company wears and do your best to follow suit.
Tips on Getting Ready for a Construction Interview
Interviews can be stressful, here are some tips to getting ready for the interview that will help you feel confident and make a great impression!
1. Shower Ahead of Time
Make sure that you are freshly showered, but don’t come to an interview with wet hair. This can make it seem like you’re unprepared for the interview and aren’t good at time management.
2. Ensure Everything is Tidy
One of the most important tips to dressing for an interview is to dress in clothes that are in good shape. Make sure your clothes are clean, don’t have any stains, don’t have rips or holes, and are work appropriate.
3. Dress Simply
When in doubt, choose an outfit that is plain and simply. Loud or distracting designs, over the top jewelry and accessories, or other dramatic choices can take away from your interview and be the only thing the employer remembers about you. Dress in simple clothes you’re comfortable in to ensure the employer’s focus is on you.
4. Dress Appropriately
To make a good first impression, dress in a way that is more conservative. Wear clothes that fit you well and don’t ride up when you lift your arms, ensure that pants and skirts are high enough on your waist and not too short, and ensure that necklines are at an appropriate height. It’s important to dress appropriately out of respect for the workplace.
5. Prepare the Night Before
A good idea for an interview is to pick out your outfit the night before. Try it on and ensure you’re comfortable with it to avoid any issues in the morning. This also means you can dress for the weather and save yourself some time in the morning!
What to Wear to a Construction Job Interview
What you wear to a job interview is the first impression you make with a potential employer. Your outfit shows how seriously you are taking the interview as well as your ability to adjust to a workplace. Whatever you choose to wear, ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your outfit! So long as you put your best, professional foot forward, you’re sure to do a great job!
Working with ABC in Construction
ABC is actively recruiting for a variety of construction roles in our Alexander Construction and Contracting division. Gain valuable experience with a fair wage while working alongside a supportive and encouraging leadership team. Here at ABC, we want to help you grow!
Please submit your resume to Cindy Yellowdirt at cindy@afnbc.ca, or visit our website for more information!
