How to Dress for a Non-Professional Interview

While you should always look nice for any job interview, there is something to be said for appropriate attire. You wouldn't wear a tailored suit while working the grill at McDonald's or tendering money at a 7-11. If you are interviewing for an office or professional job, you can almost always find advice about what to wear, but what about dressing for a non-professional interview?

Dress for a Non-Professional Interview: Mimic the Uniform

Most non-professional jobs require uniforms with the company's logo on the shirt. Since you don't have one of those, you might want to mimic the uniform in other ways. For example, if you know that employees at the fast food restaurant for which you are applying wear black corporate polo shirts with jeans, you could very easily wear a black polo shirt and jeans to the interview. Likewise, if the job requires khaki's, you should go out and purchase a pair to wear to the interview.

Dress for a Non-Professional Interview: For Clothes Stores

If you are applying for a sales job at a clothing store, your best bet would be to wear clothes from that store. Sounds simple, right? Obviously, if you are a woman working in a man's clothing store, you won't have much luck, but get as close as possible. You can also visit the store before your interview to examine the sales clerks. What do they wear when they're on the floor? Purchase clothes that are as close as possible to that which the other employees are wearing.

Dress for a Non-Professional Interview: Jewelry & Tattoos

Just because you're not applying for a senior level management position at a multi-national corporation doesn't mean that you shouldn't show reverence for the job. Jewelry should be tasteful and elegant, and should not in any way compromise the position you are seeking. For example, a fast food restaurant will not appreciate large hoop earrings. You should also make an effort to wear clothing that covers any tattoos or body piercings (unless, of course, the job is at a tattoo parlor).

Dress for a Non-Professional Interview: Sensible Shoes