If you asked a non-millennial if it’s ever okay to wear jeans to a job interview, he’d probably have a heart attack before he could spit out an answer. Historically, jeans during a job interview have been a big no-no — but times, they are a-changin’.
So, when is it okay to wear job interview jeans?
In essence, it all comes down to company culture. These days, work place dress codes are pretty lax, especially at start-ups where shorts and a hoody are practically a uniform. So if you know that the company where your interviewing at stands at the uber-lax end of the dress code spectrum, you can probably get away with wearing jeans to the interview. In fact, doing so will show you’ve done your homework about the company’s atmosphere, and the interviewer may have an easier time picturing you fitting in with the team culture-wise. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Stick to dressing one level “fancier” than what you think your interviewer will be wearing. So if you think you’ll be interviewing with someone rocking, say, casual jeans and a t-shirt, then you’d be good with wearing a nicer pair of jeans and a dressy, work-appropriate top. But if you think your interviewer will be donning nice jeans and a fancy top, dress one step above in tailored slacks or a skirt. Showing up in a suit when your interviewer is wearing sweats could get awkward.
A quick caveat, though: Wearing jeans doesn’t equate with being sloppy. Make sure the jeans you don come in a non-descript dark wash and fit you well (but not too tightly). Avoid rips, patches, embroidery, and other superfluous, and distracting, sartorial touches. And please, oh please, don’t show up in jorts. Pair your jeans with a sharp blazer and a well-tailored top and you’re good to go.
What do you think about job interview jeans — are they a do or a don’t? Share with us in the comments below!
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