Research is probably your best weapon, but it usually is when applying for a job. You need to know something about a company before working for them, the dress code is just part of the equation.

I’m a big advocate of doing your research first, so that you know who you’re meeting with, what the environment is there and what their expectations are. With a little sleuthing, this is completely possible.

I’m usually the one sitting on the other side of the table – the interviewer instead of the interviewee. Truthfully, unless you’re dealing with the extremes of standard dress (overly casual or overly suited), you focus more on the person and their work than their clothes.

Interviews can be stressful. I’ve probably seen every type of nervous reaction there is, and I’m entirely sympathetic. Not too many people are comfortable in interview situations, so I do my best to make them feel comfortable and at ease. The best situation is when you can both sit down and have a conversation. If their attire feels “matched” to the environment, then that helps us get to that point just that much quicker.

I also want to point out that this conversation thread also applies to when you visit a client for the first time. This is an “interview” in a way as well. Heed John’s advice (above) for client meetings too. And don’t forget – do your research.

If you’re interviewing for an inhouse position (the majority of design jobs) or with a firm that specializes in B2B (most firms in Houston) I would think that a suit and tie would be appropriate for three reasons:

1. It shows the interviewer that you take the interview seriously.
2. There’s a good chance that some of the people interviewing you will not be from the creative side so normal interview attire would not be unexpected.
3. Figuring out a suit, shirt and tie combination is a lot easier then figuring out a jean, t-shirt and blazer combo.

I sincerely doubt that it’s possible to be overdressed for a job interview, the end goal is that the interviewer should be focused on your qualifications and portfolio, if you are remembered for what you wore, that’s probably not a good thing.

With that said some agencies out there do go out of their way to cultivate an anti-corporate environment in which case my advice would be to lose the tie and maybe go with an edgier look. A little research into the agency will help determine which route to go.

Another thing to consider is, if the job interview is one of the few times you find yourself wearing a suit you might not be completely at ease during the interview and that will definitely affect how the interview goes. At the end of the day you want to be comfortable and project confidence with whoever it is you’re interviewing with. If you can do that with jeans and tshirt, great, if you feel happy and comfortable in a suit, that’s valid too.

Often times I’m reminded of a quote by Henry David Thoreau “beware of all enterprises that require new clothes”

I’m not saying wear a t-shirt and jeans, but be creative about how you dress up and let what you wear reflect your personality/creativity. Definitely NOT your “Sunday Best”, though.

I wouldn’t even wear a tie to a client meeting. If you were a client, would you want the AD/CD of the agency you’re working with coming in looking like a lawyer? Cool sport jacket? Sure. Tie? Never.

Yes, presentation counts. But be mindful that you want to project creativity AND business sense.

If you’re still at a loss, go hunting for videos/presentations of CDs/ADs from other agencies and see what they’re wearing and take cues from that.