What To Wear To A Swim Instructor Interview

We may earn commissions for purchases made through links on our site. Learn more on our about us page.

“Dress for success” is a phrase often heard by hiring managers the world over. However, not all interviews are the same and should not be treated in the same way. This is especially true of interviews for active positions like a swim instructor or coach.

When planning your outfit for a swim instructor interview, you should try to dress professionally (think a nice button-up shirt and a suitable pair of slacks or a formal skirt) but come prepared with a set of clothing for any practical demonstration of your skills.

Keep reading to learn more about what is and isn’t appropriate for swimming-related interviews.

What to Wear to a Swim Instructor Interview?

Like most other jobs, interviews for a swim instructor position tend to be more formal than the job itself or the business offering the services. Even so, being overdressed can be just as bad or worse for first impressions, so it’s important to know where to draw the line.

Each institution might have a different dress code for its employees or potential candidates. The best advice is to do your research about the business.

Visit a couple of days before an interview to observe the dress code and see what others have worn to interviews at the same place before, if possible. Of course, a clean suit and tie won’t hurt your chances when in doubt.

What Makes a Great Dress Code for a Swim Instructor Interview?

A great dress code for a swim instructor interview will typically reflect what you would regularly wear while on the job. 

If you’ve determined that more formal clothing isn’t necessary for the interview, make sure you wear active wear that still has a friendly but professional look.

Whatever you decide to wear to your interview must be clean and presentable. Your top and bottoms should be wrinkle-free without stains of any kind, if possible.

If there is an unpleasant smell of any kind coming from your clothing, remove it and look for something else instead of trying to cover it up with cologne or perfume.

 

What Is the Most Important Thing to Wear for a Swim Instructor Interview?

Perhaps the most important thing to wear to your swim instructor interview is your swimsuit. Of course, you can wear your swimsuit underneath your professional clothes if you want, but most people will bring a gym bag with the appropriate swimming items packed inside.

If an interviewer asks you if you are ready for a practical demonstration of your skills and qualifications, simply ask if you can be excused to change briefly.

As cheesy as it sounds, you should be wearing a smile to your interview as well. Whoever is handling your interview will want to see that you can be friendly and passionate about working there, not attending just because you had to for some reason.

 

Is There Something You Should NOT Wear to a Swim Instructor Interview?

Some items are warning signs for interviewers and should be avoided at all costs. For example, for women, wearing particularly risqué or revealing outfits, both in professional and practical settings. This means no bikinis or crop tops.

Don’t wear a bunch of accessories to your interview. It can be distracting for the interviewer as well as a potential red flag that you would rather preserve your jewelry or other items instead of jumping in the water during an emergency.

Some people are extremely sensitive to the strong smells of colognes and perfumes, so opt for a mild deodorant instead. This prevents a pool from getting a bunch of contaminants as well.

 

What Do Swim Instructors Wear to an Interview?

Swim instructors that are conducting your interview will probably be wearing the attire you are expected to wear while you are on the job, should you be successful. This may be an entire uniform or an acceptable outfit according to their guidelines.

Many swim instructors wear some form of nice shirt like polo and appropriately long shorts with some tennis shoes or even flip-flops.

If you’ve done your research or even asked if you could wear something similar for an interview, you should be able to follow the swim instructor’s example. Flip-flops are the only things you shouldn’t wear that a swim instructor might wear.

 

Final Thoughts on What to Wear to a Swim Instructor Interview

Interviews for a swim instructor position can be similar to many other interviews but will more than likely include a practical demonstration you need to be dressed for. 

This is why you should arrive in professional attire but come prepared with your swimwear in an easily accessible bag.

When in doubt about whether something is appropriate for your swim instructor interview, remember to check for stains and smells to put your best foot forward and make a great first impression.