"What to Wear to a Job Interview in Australia"

Dress codes vary wildly across Australian workplaces. A suit that’s perfect for a law firm will make you look ridiculous at a tech startup.

Here’s how to get it right.

The General Rule

Dress one level above what you’d wear on the job.

If the office is casual (jeans and t-shirts), wear smart casual to the interview. If the office is business casual, wear business dress. If it’s a formal corporate environment, wear a suit.

How to Research the Dress Code

Check:

• Company website (team photos, about page)
• LinkedIn profiles of employees
• Glassdoor reviews (often mention culture)
• Ask the recruiter directly

If you’re unsure, ask: “What’s the dress code like in the office?” It’s a normal question.

Corporate/Professional Roles

Banks, law firms, consulting, government:

Men: Suit, tie, polished dress shoes. Conservative colours (navy, charcoal, black).

Women: Suit (pants or skirt), conservative blouse, closed-toe heels or flats. Minimal jewellery.

Better to be slightly overdressed here than underdressed.

Business Casual Roles

Most corporate offices, marketing, HR, finance:

Men: Chinos or dress pants, collared shirt (no tie), clean leather shoes.

Women: Dress pants or skirt, blouse or smart top, blazer optional, closed-toe shoes.

Tech/Creative/Startup Roles

Dress codes are usually relaxed, but don’t rock up in activewear:

Men: Dark jeans (no rips), nice shirt or quality t-shirt, clean sneakers or casual shoes.

Women: Similar – smart-casual, neat jeans okay, clean and put-together.

Even in casual environments, look intentional. Like you made an effort.

Trades/Practical Roles

If you’re interviewing for a hands-on role (warehouse, construction, trades):

• Clean, neat work clothes or smart casual
• No suits (you’ll look like you don’t understand the job)
• Practical shoes (you might get a site tour)

Universal Rules

Regardless of industry:

• Clothes should be clean, ironed, and fit properly
• Shoes should be clean (people notice)
• Minimal cologne/perfume
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Trimmed nails
• No visible underwear
• Cover tattoos if possible (for traditional industries)

When In Doubt

If you’re truly unsure, business casual is the safest default for most Australian workplaces. It shows effort without being over the top.

First impressions happen fast. Don’t give them a reason to doubt you before you even speak.