When looking for a new job, making it through to the interview stage is exciting. You’ll likely prepare by reviewing potential questions the interviewer may ask and areas you’d like to learn more about. While these are the most important aspects of preparing for a job interview, you should also consider your outfit.
First impressions count, and your attire can often influence an interviewer’s opinion of you before the meeting begins. Choosing an outfit you feel your best in can help you feel more confident during an interview, so opting for styles that make you feel comfortable is important.
Shoes often come last when choosing an interview outfit, but the right pair can add the perfect finishing touch to your professional aesthetic. You can even use them as a starting point to build your outfit, making it easier to create a coordinated look to impress your potential new employer.
We’ve created a guide to help you choose the right shoes for your job interview. Whether you prefer to elevate your look with or stay practical with comfortable flats, plenty of options suit your needs. Read on to discover our go-to shoe styles to help get you interview-ready.
Contents
1.1. Court shoes
1.2. Ballerina pumps
1.3. Ankle boots
What shoes to wear for an interview
Court shoes
If you love heels, court shoes are a great option to add to your interview attire. They feature a simple slip-on design with a low-cut front and a closed toe, so they are made with comfort in mind. You can choose from various heel heights, but we recommend wearing a low or mid-heel of around 2-3 inches to achieve an ultra-professional look.
Court shoes are typically made from structured leather or soft suede fabrics to create a smart and elegant aesthetic. They are guaranteed to make you feel confident and empowered in a formal interview setting and are easy to style with various garments. As court shoes offer a more refined footwear choice, they are ideal for wearing with a structured suit or tailored dress in corporate environments.
Ballerina pumps
Ballerina pumps make an excellent go-to for those who prefer flat shoes. They also offer a more lightweight and comfortable alternative to high heels and boots, making great footwear staples for warmer weather. As ballerina pumps feature a closed toe and backs to cover your heels, they will instantly add a touch of class to your interview attire.
While most ballerina pumps offer reliable comfort and support to your feet, there’s no need to compromise on style. Their classic, minimal designs feature excellent versatility, especially if they are neutral, so you can afford to be a little bolder with your clothing choices. Wear your pumps with a crisp cotton shirt and high-waisted trousers, experimenting with muted and pastel tones to curate an interview outfit you love.
Ankle boots
Deciding whether to wear your formal shoes for an interview or a more practical pair can be difficult during colder seasons. Thankfully, you can combine both with a pair of sturdy ankle boots. With flat and heeled designs, black or tan ankle boots can help you create a smart aesthetic while protecting your feet from the elements.
Choose from classic leather, suede and patent designs to find an option to complement your interview outfit. Ankle boots look great with everything from black tights to slim-fit trousers, so you can easily create a look you feel confident in. They typically feature a robust structure with thick soles and uppers that cover your feet completely, so they make a safe choice for your next interview.
What shoes to avoid for an interview
While many shoes are suitable for interviews, you should avoid certain styles if you want to dress to impress. Interviews are usually conducted formally, so you must cover your feet to maintain a smart aesthetic.
Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as these are designed to be worn for more casual occasions. Other casual shoes, such as trainers, are also likely to appear unprofessional in an interview, making them an unsuitable choice.
You’ll need to ensure that you feel comfortable and pain-free in your chosen shoes so that you can focus on the interview. As high-heels are considered a more glamorous shoe style, these are also likely to be unsuitable for a formal interview.
Depending on the job you’re applying for, the dress code at your workplace may be slightly different to the interview attire you choose. Some companies require you to wear formal clothing daily, whereas others have a more relaxed dress code, where more casual clothing and shoes are acceptable.
The right interview attire can make an excellent first impression, so wearing clean, simple and neutral shoes is necessary. At Gabor, we offer an extensive range of high-quality shoes and boots, with plenty of women’s interview shoes to choose from. Explore the collection today, and find a pair to elevate your interview experience.