Well-made dress shoes can make all the difference at job interviews — and these are worth the investment

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You only get one chance to make a first impression.

These words are never more relevant than when heading into a job interview. You want to show your best self, answering every question with sincerity, while also selling yourself as a good fit with the company you’re courting. You want to come off as confident, but not arrogant; knowledgeable, but eager to learn. And most importantly, you want to look the part.

Your outfit is one of the most important aspects of how you are received as a potential employee, and not for superficial reasons. Rather, your appearance is important because it is a variable of presentation that is totally within your control. If you spent some time getting ready — your hair is in order, and you’re wearing your best shirt — chances are the person interviewing you will take notice. Similarly, if you roll out of bed and into the office, it’s a pretty telling piece of insight regarding how seriously you’re taking the opportunity.

Yet there’s one aspect of your interview outfit that is especially important not to overlook: your shoes. Recently we spoke with Allen Edmonds CEO Paul Grangaard, and were taken aback by what he told us. “Research shows that 80% of hiring executives say shoes are ‘extremely important’ in creating the right impression in work environments, but only 51% of young men even wear appropriate shoes to an interview.”

Allen Edmonds is well aware of the importance of walking into an interview with confidence, in yourself and your look, and offers special deals specifically for college students preparing for the process. Students who present their school ID can get their pick of one of five classic Allen Edmonds styles, a matching belt, and a pair of shoe trees for $350, saving a total of over $150. Whether you’re applying for a job on Wall Street or a tech startup, having an attractive pair of shoes is beneficial.

“Obviously, it depends on the work environment and the line of work you are interviewing for, but dressing smart tells the interviewer you are serious about the job and about making a solid impression,” said Graangard. “If the interview calls for less formality, a great pair of dress shoes can complete an otherwise casual attire.”

Again, the deal is only available to students who present their ID in person at an Allen Edmunds retail store, but to give you an idea of the styles of shoes you can get, we’re listing them below. And if you can’t make it out to the store before your big interview, you can spend a little extra cash and order online — it will be a worthwhile investment once you get the job.

For options beyond Allen Edmonds, you can also check out our guides to the best-looking dress shoes under $200, under $350, and under $500, as well as our Insider Picks spotlights on Jack Erwin and Paul Evans.

Park Avenue Cap-Toe Oxfords

The Park Avenue is a perennial best-seller for Allen Edmonds. Worn by US presidents and Fortune 500 CEOs, it's a style that instantly provokes a sense of professionalism.

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap-Toe Oxfords, $395, available at Allen Edmonds.

Fifth Avenue Cap-Toe Oxfords

A favorite of the finance industry, the Fifth Avenue exudes a bit more style than the Park Avenue, with a touch of  decorative perforation across the top.

Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue Cap-Toe Oxfords, $395, available at Allen Edmonds.

Strand Cap-Toe Oxfords

The dressiest cap-toe that Allen Edmonds has to offer, a pair of Strands will surely help you stand out from the crowd, whether at a wedding or a casual weekend gathering.

Allen Edmonds Strand Cap-Toe Oxfords, $395, available at Allen Edmonds.