How to Dress for Airline Pilot Job Interviews

Aim for an image of professionalism and competency that matches the company culture — and does not draw attention to you for the wrong reasons. 

Suit: Business suit or pant suit that is of a conservative design, not trendy or flashy. Ideally, your outfit approximates the color and style of that airline’s pilot uniform, so interviewers can look at you and picture you as one of their pilot colleagues. . . So, navy, black, or dark grey.

Blouse or shirt: Avoid a low neckline or blouse that will fall open — no cleavage should show. White or a solid color.

Tie: Yes, for men. Many wear solid red or blue; consider a color from the airline’s logo. Wear a Mickey Mouse tie only if your interview is with the Disney Company. 

Shoes: Clean, polished, plain black or neutral color closed-toe shoes or heels. If there is a simulator check, wear or bring low-heeled shoes.

Hair: Get a haircut and return the color to a natural shade. Most women with long hair wear it pulled back in a braid or ponytail or bun; some prefer to wear it loose; either way, it should be neatly styled. Men: Hair cut above the collar, above the ears, and clean-shaven. 

Absolutely must wear a beard? Long hair? Or a turban or other headgear? You can make a formal request for an exemption to a grooming standard, based on a federally protected category. Such requests are handled on a case-by-case basis by HR.

Jewelry: Remove all studs, gauges, rings, nose jewels, and jewelry from your face and ears, except for one set of conservative earrings, worn in the traditional way, one in each earlobe. A small, conservative necklace or string of pearls can be worn, but if in doubt, don’t wear any necklace. Men: No jewelry on the face or head. 

Tattoos: Completely covered and hidden from view. 

Purse or brief: Nice plain black.

Overall look: A conservative, professional appearance that helps you to feel confident. 

Note: The interview, screening, or on-boarding process will include a DOT-mandated drug test. If you haven’t done so already, stop using all marijuana, THC, and CBD products. The DOT warns that some CBD products can trigger a positive drug test, in which case your airline career will be over before it even got started.

Now, here’s more information about what to wear to an aviation job fair, and to new-hire airline pilot training.

May your dreams take flight!

© 2023 Jenny Beatty. All Rights Reserved. 

Photo credit: Michael Jung