What To Wear To Your Teacher Interview (do’s and dont’s)

Knowing what to wear to a teacher interview is an important part of presenting yourself as a professional and hopefully getting hired.

Dressing correctly shows the people interviewing you that you respect them, the teaching profession, and the school community.

Men and women have some specific clothing choices that should be worn and many that should be avoided.

For a quick reference of acceptable clothing take a look at this table

Women/Female	Men/Male
Business casual dress pants or pencil skirt	Two piece suit (navy or grey/charcoal)
Blouse	Make sure suit is properly tailored
Blazer	Light colored collared shirt with tie
Low Heels of Flats	Black or dark dress shoes
Tasteful jewelry that looks professional	Black belt
Professional looking watch	Professional looking watch
Professional makeup not over the top	Black or dark socks
Hair should look conservative, nothing wild	Hair should be neatly trimmed and professional looking
When in doubt, don’t wear it.	Facial hair should be minimal and/or well kept
Avoid see through and clothing that is revealing	When in doubt, don’t wear it

Does It Really Matter What You Wear?

Yes, it absolutely does!

I can tell you from experience that it does matter how well you are dressed.

When I was a team leader in my middle school the administration team asked me to be a part of several new teacher interviews and I can tell you that dress does matter.

This is what happens: Usually there are several interviews scheduled in a row.

After each interview there are a few minutes where we (the team of interviewers) would talk about the person that was just interviewed.

On several occasions how well or poorly dressed they were came up.

Sometimes we talked about how poorly dressed someone was and how that made them appear less professional and less serious about the job even though it may not had been accurate.

Other times there were two really good candidates and the edge often went to the one that ws dressed professionally.

Was it a deal breaker?

Not always, but sometimes.

If two candidates both had really good interviews but one was dressed better (professional) than the other then the one that was better dressed would be the one that got called back for another interview. 

It’s just the reality of the situation, it may not be right but that’s just how it is.

Women: How To Dress Professionally For A School Interview

Don’t overcomplicate this.

Keep it professional and low risk.

The focus needs to be on your teaching ability, not how you dress. You are going on a job interview, don’t dress like you are meeting up with friends, going to workout, or heading out for a wild night out with friends

Here are a few more tips to help you make a good decision.

1. Business casual dress pants or pencil skirt with a blouse, blazer, and low heel or flats are safe choices.
2. Don’t wear loose jewelry that will move around during the interview. It takes the focus away from you.
3. Makeup should be limited or look natural, this is not the time to make a fashion statement.
4. Hair should look professional, not wild. Try to avoid touching it during the interview if you get nervous.
5. See through test: if you can see through it you shouldn’t wear it to the interview.
6. Bend over and lean over check: if you have to bend or lean over make sure nothing you don’t want to be seen is showing.
7. Never wear jeans!
8. When in doubt, don’t wear it.
9. No athletic clothing of any kind.
10. If you have to wear a jacket or coat make sure it is professional looking as well.
11. Wear a professional looking watch if you have one.
12. No mini-skirts with high heels.

Men: How To Dress Professionally For A School Interview

Guys, just like the women you need to keep things simple and professional.

The focus needs to be on you and your teaching ability, not what you are wearing.

Here are a few things to consider as you plan what to wear.

1. Wearing a suit is the best option. If you don’t have a suit then a nice button up dress shirt that has been dry cleaned with a tie.
2. Make it a boring suit, no bright colors or retro styles. You don’t want your suit to take the attention away from you. You are supposed to be the highlight of the interview.
3. Make sure the suit fits well. Don’t wear the suit you had before you lost 50 lbs.
4. Nice tie that isn’t too bright, keep it neutral and professional. Don’t allow the focus of the interview to be your tie.
5. Light colored button up dress shirt. Stick with white or blue colors.
6. Black dress shoes and black belt. Make sure the shoes are clean and don’t look too old.
7. Wear a professional looking watch if you have one.
8. Hair should be neat and trimmed. Nothing wild.
9. Clean shaven or if you have facial hair make sure it is well kept.
10. No jeans!
11. No athletic clothing of any kind.
12. If you have to wear a jacket or coat make sure it is professional looking as well.
13. Carry a professional looking purse.