Can You Wear Sandals to an Interview

 Are sandals ever ok for an interview? The answer should be self explanatory, but you would be surprised at how many people think that it might be ok to wear sandals.

Let’s just address this up front. Sandals are almost never appropriate for an interview. That goes for both men and women.

Men typically don’t wear sandals to the office, but sometimes women will in the summer.

For the sake of this article when we discuss sandals, we’re discussing casual sandals and not open toed shoes. There is a slight difference and it should be noted that for the sake of this article what we’re talking about are casual sandals that you would see more at the beach or strolling around a park.

We’re not discussing open toed shoes. We’re discussing sandals.

Why Can’t You Wear Sandals to an Interview?

The reason why you don’t want to wear sandals to a job interview is because they are too casual. They simply don’t convey a professional look.

Sandals are something you would more likely see at a beach, pool party, or backyard BBQ then at an office interview.

It’s the same thing with casual clothing like sneakers or hats, both  things you should avoid when setting up an interview.

You don't want the person who is conduting the interview to think that you're taking the meeting too casual and are not serious about the job.

Is it Acceptable to Wear Open Toed Shoes to an Interview

Let’s quickly discuss open toed shoes. These are not to be classified in the same category as sandals. Why? Because there are plenty of open toed shoes that are suitable for the office.

In general, sandals, unless they are specifically sold and marketed as dress sandals, are not appropriate, but there are lots of open toed shoes that are fine for the workplace.

The distinction here is between fashionable work shoes that can include open toed designs and sandals.

As a rule, when looking at the shoes online, if you see that the model is dressed in business casual attire, instead of a more casual outdoor or vacation style clothing, then you know it is something that’s ok to wear to an office interview.

Are Sandals Ok for Casual Interviews?

When asking if sandals are ok for casual interviews, let’s again differentiate between women’s dress sandals and more casual sandals.

Designer and dress sandals that are meant for formal wear, or business suits are fine.

Sandals that you would wear to the beach or while out at a BBQ or backyard party are not something that you’d want to wear to an office interview.

If you are already working somewhere, and they have casual Fridays, or dress down days or whatever your place of business calls it, then you’re ok to wear this sort of sandal. But only wear these sorts of sandals once you have the job, never when you’re looking to get the job.

Sandals for Summer Interviews: Any Difference?

Does it make any difference if you’re having an interview during the summer or during the warm weather?

No, not at all. You wouldn’t wear a tank top to a formal business interview, and so you shouldn’t wear sandals.

The whole purpose of an interview is to meet with a representative of the company and show yourself to be a serious professional person.

If you show up wearing casual clothing, then you’re not going to give off the impression of someone who is professional.

Here’s the truth, employers are looking for reasons to not hire you. The majority of people who apply for a job are not hard working, they are not going to perform, and they are eventually going to quit or be fired.

The interview is the fist step in trying to weed out the substandard people who are not up to the task of working in that environment.

If you want to convey a professional image, then it’s important that you dress appropriately for the interview and conduct yourself in a manner that suggests that you’re a professional who will show up to work and get the job done.

This means that you should avoid behaving in a casual manner when being interviewed, and certainly not dress in a casual manner.