Choosing a summer job interview outfit

The summer heat can be oppressive in many parts of the United States. Staying cool can be challenging, even if you only walk from a parking lot to an office. Sweating during a job interview could make you look nervous, uncomfortable, or unprepared, so choosing the right summer job interview outfit is essential.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, about 22% of workers say they're very likely or somewhat likely to search for a new job in the next six months. Continue reading to learn a few tips for choosing the best interview outfit and summer work clothing when looking for your next position.

Pick two or three summer job interview outfits

On the day of your interview, the weather could be hot or relatively temperate, or you may need to navigate through puddles after a rainstorm. Other factors to consider before an interview include the following:

What's the company's dress code for current employees?
How long will the interview be?
How will you travel to the interview?
Have you received an email or other information suggesting business casual or business formal clothing for the interview?

Some companies may not give you much notice when they ask you to come in for an interview, so it's a good idea to prepare a few options. A mid-length dress with short sleeves can be a good choice on a hot day, and the length can keep your legs from sticking to a leather or vinyl chair during your interview. Or consider khaki pants, a short-sleeved dress shirt, and a blazer without much lining.

Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes if it's raining or you must walk a long distance to get to an interview. Wedges or flats are usually best. While you might want to wear boots if it's raining hard, you might give the impression of being unprofessional.

Choose lightweight fabrics

Some fabrics are lighter and thinner than others, so you don't have to worry as much about sweating and can enjoy a refreshing breeze or air conditioning. Cotton is soft and breathable, and it can absorb sweat to help you stay cool. Like cotton, linen can be a good choice, as it dries quickly, keeping you from feeling sweaty and uncomfortable. Silk, polyester, and rayon are also good options for hot days. These materials don't wrinkle and are thin and lightweight.

Be sure to try on clothing before you make a purchase. Some lightweight clothing is translucent, so you may need to wear another layer to ensure your undergarments don't show or match them to your skin tone. Or choose another summer job interview outfit to ensure you give the right impression to your potential employer.

Look for fashionable and practical attire

A heavy wool jacket might be tempting but probably too warm for your interview. And some companies encourage creative rather than traditional workwear. When interviewing for businesses such as banks or insurance companies, choose a light blazer with pants or a skirt in neutral colors, such as beige or light gray. If the office where the interview takes place feels hot or stuffy, you can take off your jacket and place it over the back of your chair during your interview. You can wear brighter colors for jobs in sales, retail, art, theater, and other creative fields.

With all summer interviews, choose clothing in lighter shades when possible. Darker colors absorb more of the sun's radiation, making you feel hotter, especially after a long walk. Open-toed shoes, such as sandals, can look nice with a dress, but you should make sure your feet are well-manicured. If you paint your toenails, pick a neutral color.

"Stopping at a coffee shop or fast-food place before your interview is an excellent opportunity to relax, sit in the air conditioning, and read over any interview instructions one last time."

Tight shirts and pants can make you feel overly warm. While looser clothing styles can still look professional, avoid excessively baggy clothing. You might give the interviewer the impression you haven't prepared for your interview or that your attitude is overly relaxed. You can wear some jewelry, but sticking to a few pieces is a good idea. Large rings or necklaces often feel stifling in the summer heat, and you don't need to look flashy. Your outfit should encourage the interviewer to focus on your skills and personality, not what you're wearing.

Know what to avoid wearing to a summer interview

Here are some of the things you should avoid wearing to a summer job interview:

Denim
Flip-flops or Crocs
T-shirts
Athletic wear, including leggings, yoga pants, and sweatshirts
Strong perfume or cologne
Shorts
Dresses and skirts that end more than a few inches above your knees
Sneakers
Baseball caps and other hats
Tops that show your midriff
Excessive makeup
Clothing with holes, stains, or snags
Wrinkled or dirty clothes
Big, heavy backpacks, bags, or briefcases

When the weather is hot, perfume and cologne evaporate faster, making them smell stronger. Use a small amount or stick with deodorant. In addition to deodorant, underarm shields can protect you from sweating, ensuring you don't have sweat stains on your clothing. A nice hat can look professional for men and women, but wearing one could make your hair look untidy after you remove it. Deciding where to put it when you sit down for an interview can also be awkward.

Carrying a large backpack or briefcase can be tiring, especially in the summer heat. And you'll need to take your bag with you if your interviewer wants to give you a tour of the workplace. If you need a briefcase or laptop case

Prepare for your summer interview

Along with choosing the right summer job interview outfit, think about other things that can help you prepare for your interview. Take some bottled water with you during the drive to your interview. Even with air conditioning, sitting in a car in the summer can be hot. Leave for your interview early and stop somewhere to use the restroom, check your hair and makeup, and put on your jacket. If your face looks sweaty or shiny after spending time in your car, use oil-absorbing sheets or facial powder.

High humidity can sometimes make hair look frizzy, and you may need to reapply hair spray. Stopping at a coffee shop or fast-food place before your interview is an excellent opportunity to relax, sit in the air conditioning, and read over any interview instructions one last time. You want to look confident and prepared, not rushed or stressed out.

Even when the temperature outdoors is over 100 degrees, a nice jacket or blazer is a good idea. Some businesses keep their air conditioners constantly on in summer, and the office for your interview might feel chilly. Like sweating, shivering during an interview could create a bad impression.

If possible, drive to the interview location around the same time of day as your scheduled interview in the summer work clothing you plan to wear. If the weather is hot and your outfit makes you feel uncomfortable or sweaty, you can choose a more lightweight option instead.

Choosing a job interview outfit can be difficult. Preparing for your next job interview and using these tips can help you make a great impression and find a new position that improves your career. To start searching for a new position, upload your resume to CareerBuilder.