My very first job out of college was as a marketing and publicity assistant at a book publishing house in New York City. I loved that job. I was a good fit for the organization and adored my colleagues and manager. The position laid the foundation for a 10-year career in the publishing industry and I learned so much during my time there. So you can imagine my surprise the day I found out I almost didn’t get hired because of my interview outfit! 

At this point, you’re probably thinking I wore something unprofessional for my interview. Well, the joke is on you because I was wearing…a suit! That’s right, the hiring team was worried I was too buttoned up for the role and wouldn’t fit in because of my attire. Little did they know, I had just gone out and purchased the suit days before because I didn’t own one and thought, as a 22-year-old fresh out of college, that a traditional suit was required for most white collar jobs, and certainly for all interviews. 

I don’t tell this story to scare you. I tell this story because it illustrates the importance of first impressions and how your outfit can send cues, whether you want it to or not, about who you are and your aptitude for a role. Because of this, it is important to research industry norms and have a general understanding of dress code before showing up to an interview. 

So how do you know what to wear if you’re interviewing for the first time in a particular industry? The CSE has you covered! Reference our CSE Professional Appearance and Attire Guide to help narrow down what to wear based on industry. 

In addition to the guide, pay attention during CSE events. If you participate in coffee chats, networking events or industry panels, observe what the alumni and employers working in that field wear. Ask your career coach or mentor for advice and, of course, stop by a CSE table during our annual Professional Presentation Week.

Once you have an idea of what the industry standard is, dress on the formal end of that standard for your interview (generally a step or two up from what you’d wear to the office on a normal workday. Think important client meeting vs. casual Friday). So, for my publishing interview, it would have made sense for me to wear a dress with a blazer or dress pants with a silk blouse instead of a full matching suit. 

An important caveat here. Despite my story, when in doubt, err on the side of caution and overdress. While you should make every attempt to understand what is most appropriate, if you’re still unclear, go more formal rather than less. It would have been far worse if I showed up in a stained sweatshirt with unbrushed hair (in fact, I wouldn’t have been offered the position at all!) so the pendulum can swing both ways.  

In an ideal world, merit would be the only indicator for who gets the job. But we all know that job hunting is far more nuanced than that. Our personal network, appearance and first impressions all play into how we are perceived by others so it’s important to think about what your attire and grooming might say about you before you meet people for the first time. 

For more helpful tips, participate in the CSE’s Professional Presentation Week February 23 – 27, 2026!