What should I wear for an interview at Apple?

When interviewing at Apple, it's important to strike a balance between professionalism and fitting in with their casual, yet innovative, work culture. Apple values creativity, innovation, and attention to detail, so your attire should reflect that. Here’s what you should consider:

1. Business casual is the safe choice

Apple has a fairly relaxed dress code compared to more traditional companies, but you still want to make a good impression during an interview. Business casual is typically the best option for most interviews at Apple.

For men:

• Button-down shirt or a polo shirt.
• Chinos or dress pants.
• A blazer is optional but can add a touch of professionalism.
• Avoid wearing a full suit unless you’re interviewing for a very senior or executive role.

For women:

• A blouse or smart top.
• Dress pants, a knee-length skirt, or a casual dress.
• A blazer is optional but can be a nice addition.
• Keep accessories and makeup minimal and professional.

2. Keep it comfortable and simple

Apple interviews can be long, so it’s important to wear something comfortable while maintaining a professional appearance. Avoid overly formal attire such as full suits or ties unless it’s for an executive-level position. Instead, aim for a polished but approachable look.

3. Footwear

Your shoes should be professional but comfortable, especially if you’re doing an onsite interview or expect to walk around. Good options include:

• Loafers or dress shoes for men.
• Flats, low heels, or smart boots for women.

Avoid overly casual shoes like sneakers, unless they’re clean and styled in a way that fits the business casual look.

4. Show your personality subtly

Apple values creativity, so it’s okay to add a small personal touch to your outfit, such as an Apple Watch or a subtle accessory. Just make sure it doesn’t distract from the overall professional tone of your attire.

5. Avoid overly formal attire

Wearing a full suit and tie or very formal business attire might come across as too stiff for Apple’s innovative and relaxed culture. Instead, think smart, polished, and creative, with a focus on comfort.

6. Adapt to your role

• Technical roles: If you’re interviewing for a software engineering or technical role, the dress code can be more casual. A neat polo or shirt with chinos or dress pants works well.
• Design roles: For design roles, you can afford to be a bit more creative in your attire, but still keep it within the bounds of business casual.
• Retail roles: If you’re interviewing for a retail position at an Apple Store, business casual is still the way to go, but you can lean slightly more casual since Apple Store employees typically dress more casually.

Conclusion

For an Apple interview, business casual is the best choice. Aim for a comfortable, professional look that reflects your attention to detail and creativity without being overly formal. Depending on your role, you can adapt your attire to be slightly more creative or casual, but always stay polished and professional.