Can I Wear Jeans on Casual Friday?

Posted on March 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by Katie Evans

While you absolutely shouldn’t consider wearing jeans to a job interview (in most cases), on casual Friday, you can absolutely wear jeans to work. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to wear jeans on casual Friday.

Wear Jeans on Casual Friday—but Not Jeans with Holes!

First, you cannot, under any circumstances, wear jeans with holes or rips. Sure, they’re fashion-forward, but they also look sloppy. You can be hip and cool on the weekend, for the office, keep it safe and classy.

While we are on this topic, be sure your jeans aren’t stained or discolored in any way. You always want to look put together and polished at the office, even on casual Friday.

Stick to Dark Wash Jeans on Casual Friday

Your jeans should be a dark wash. Lighter washes look too casual, and often show stains and discoloration. Buy the darkest jeans possible, but do skip the black denim. It’s just weird.

Your Jeans Must Fit

No matter what your body size or shape, if you are going to wear jeans to work on casual Friday, your jeans must fit your body. Too relaxed and they look sloppy. Too tight and you look like a hoochie or a gigolo—not the right message for the office.

Here’s a secret: No one cares what brand your jeans are. Cheap jeans that fit you properly always look more expensive than fancy brand name jeans that don’t fit. Always choose fit over brand.

No T-Shirts Allowed with Jeans at the Office

You must pair your jeans with a dressy shirt or blouse, dressy shoes, and dressy accessories. A t-shirt doesn’t cut it here. Since your jeans are casual, the rest of your outfit can’t be.

Look for tops in bold colors so they stand in contrast to the blue of your jeans. Look for statement accessories, and don’t be afraid to have fun with them. Casual Friday is a good time to experiment with statement necklaces and dangly earrings.

Jeans on Casual Friday for Guys

In this example of a casual Friday jeans outfit for guys, we’ve paired a dark-wash jean with a red button-up shirt and dark brown loafers. Nothing in our example costs more than $50 (and no, none of these pieces are affiliate links), and there’s a good chance you already have presentable jeans in your closet, and hopefully brown loafers, too.

Men should wear jeans with a button up shirt and loafers on casual Friday.

Jeans on Casual Friday for Ladies

A casual Friday outfit for ladies should include a pretty blouse and memorable accessories. In this example, we’ve paired a dark wash, straight-leg jean with a teal wrap top and a matching statement necklace. Flats in the same color family finish the look.

Wear Jeans on Casual Friday with a pretty statement necklace

More Jeans Examples for Casual Friday

Here are two more jean outfit examples.

On casual Friday, guys should wear a button-up shirt if they choose to wear jeans Ladies should always wear a blouse with jeans on casual Friday

Follow this Pattern and Rock Your Jeans!

Do you see the trend yet? It’s an easy pattern to follow: Dark wash jeans, dressy top, matching belt and shoes for men, statement necklace and dressy flats or boots for women. It’s easy—and everyone will think you’re polished and professional, even in jeans.

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Can I Wear Jeans to a Job Interview?

Posted on March 1, 2018July 1, 2018 by Katie Evans

The interview scheduler says the interview is going to be “casual.” She says they are looking forward to meeting you, and want to learn more about your work and goals. You’re pumped! Now you ask yourself the hard question: What am I going to wear? Can I wear jeans to a job interview?

Can I Wear Jeans to a “Casual” Interview?

Your first instinct may be that “casual” means you can wear jeans to the interview. You are wrong.

For a “casual” interview, the interviewer expects you to show up dressed professionally, but not in a full suit. For gentlemen, this means dress slacks and a long-sleeved shirt. You don’t need a jacket of any sort, but do wear an undershirt. In fact, always wear the undershirt. Wear a tie, but if you get to the office and no one else has on a tie, it’s ok to take it off in the Men’s room and stash it in your briefcase.

Casual Interview for Guys - Don't Wear Jeans to a Job Interview - #whattowear #mensfashion #career #jobinterview

For ladies, “casual” is a little trickier. You can never go wrong with a wrap dress and low heels or ballet flats. If you show your legs, wear hose or tights unless you have a killer tan.

Casual Interview Outfit for Ladies - Don't Wear Jeans to a Job Interview #jobinterview #career #careeradvice #fashion

Dress slacks with a pretty blouse also works. Keep your accessories classy. Stick to pearls or simple metals. Save the big bling for later.

Very Casual Slacks outfit - Don't Wear Jeans to a Job Interview #career #careeradvice #jobinterview #fashion

Can I Wear Jeans to an Interview at a Café?

You see everything at a café, from Armani suits to PJ bottoms. The world’s population drags themselves in all states of dress to pray at the caffeine altar. However, you have an impression to make, and that impression can’t be “I just rolled out of bed and came to this meeting.”

If meeting at a café for an interview, follow the rules of professional dress unless you know the interviewer personally and have an idea of what he or she may be wearing. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. So, gents wear the tie, and ladies bring on the heels. No jeans allowed.

Can I Wear Jeans to a Last-Minute Interview?

Mr. Grey’s secretary says he absolutely must see you today! Certainly your jeans are fine, since it’s last minute and all? Nope. Don’t even think about it.

Even when an interview is last minute, you must look professional. If you don’t have time to go home, stop by TJ Maxx or Ross and grab a low-cost outfit. For less than $50, you can look appropriate.

Can I Wear Jeans to a Low-Paying Job Interview?

We all take on low-paying jobs to make ends meet while looking for the “dream” job or paying our college tuition. There’s honor in all work. If you show up to a low-paying job interview in jeans, you are showing the interviewer you aren’t taking the job seriously.

For McJobs, follow the rules of casual interview attire. Closed-toed shoes are a must for these interviews. Skip the strappy sandals.

Can I Wear Jeans to an Internship Interview?

Finding a good internship is tough. When you do finally land an interview, you have to show your potential employer that you’re ready to adult. You are ready to follow the conventions of the employed world by looking the part of a paid employee. No, this is the last place you want to wear jeans!

No matter where you are interviewing for an internship, dress professionally.

Is There Ever a Time I Can Wear Jeans to a Job Interview?

Believe it or not, there are two times when it’s appropriate to wear jeans to a job interview. First, if the interviewer specifically tells you to wear jeans. This is common on construction sites and even in the film industry. But, even in these industries, don’t assume jeans are OK. If not specifically told to wear jeans, follow the “casual” rules.

The other time it’s ok to wear jeans to a job interview is it’s a virtual interview. Still wear a dress shirt or blouse and a blazer. You want to look professional, but no one can see your jeans anyway.

And, for the love of all that is sacred, never dream of wearing jeans with holes or rips in front of your employer!

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Ditch Your Resume’s Objective

Posted on March 1, 2018June 29, 2018 by Katie Evans

One of the biggest mistakes we see on resumes is candidates continuing to use the outdated resume “Objective” line at the top. Here’s a tip: Delete it. Right now.

Resume Objectives Do Not Help You Get a Job

No matter what your industry, your resume’s actual objective is the same—to get a job. Anything you write on the “objective” line is just is some version of “I want a job.” One of the worst objectives we see goes something like, “to work in an environment where my skills may be used for mutual benefit.” Well, duh. If your employer does not see your skills as beneficial to them, they aren’t going to hire you in the first place.

The next worst objectives we see are the ones where the applicant states the job to which they are applying as part of the objective. These look something like, “to be hired as a manager at Vandalay Industries.” Even worse, we see objectives targeted to a different job or company to which the job seeker is applying! Recently, we saw a recently graduated high school student who was applying for an entry-level retail job with a resume objective that read, “to work for Google as a research analyst.” Nothing is more offensive to an employer than to point out that you don’t see their job or company as a place you could stay forever. Sure, Best Buy knows that you probably won’t work there after graduate with your Masters in Engineering, but it’s still rude to point it out—especially before you’ve even scored an interview!

Use Your Resume Real Estate Wisely

The top lines of your resume are important real estate. Employers aren’t reading your resume word-for-word. Instead, they’re scanning for keywords that align with the job for which they’re hiring. They’re scanning quickly to see if you are different than all of the other people in their tower applicants. So, your goal is to make it easy for them to see that you are different. You are special. You are exactly the candidate they’re seeking.

Instead of wasting the top lines of your resume on a boring, obvious objective, use that precious space to explain precisely who you are and why you’re the best candidate for the job. You can do this in a few different ways, but if you’re new to crafting a resume specific to the job for which you are applying, start with a professional profile.

What to Say in a Professional Profile

Your professional profile can be either 1-2 concise sentences, or a bulleted list of no more than four items. You should tell your accomplishments and what makes you different than all of the other applicants. Here are a few industry-specific examples:

Teacher’s Professional Profile

Certified elementary school teacher with 15 years’ experience helping special education students reach their goals.

Writer’s Professional Profile

Award-winning freelance writer with over 150 articles published in major travel magazines such as Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler.

Computer Consultant’s Professional Profile

Computer consultant with more than 20 years’ experience designing websites and repairing PCs, Macs, and servers.
Advanced coding experience in C++, Python, and HTML.
Portfolio of more than 200 website designs.
A+ Certified computer repair technician.

Customize Your Professional Profile to the Job You Want

Professional Profiles are not a one-size-fits-all description of who are you. You should customize your profile for each job for which you are applying. Try to echo the words the you see used on the company’s website and throughout the job advertisement. Leave no doubt that you are exactly the candidate they want to hire!