What to wear for a job interview...

[Paul_Heery]

The company where I have worked for the last seven years is undergoing some changes. We have had a few RIFs this year already and there will most likely to be more to come. I decided about a month ago to move on and put my toes in the job-search waters.

I found that things have changed in how you look for a job but I have adapted. I now find myself moving forward on the interview path for a few promising opportunities. So far, the interviews have been by phone.

However, I now am being asked to come to a HQ for a face-2-face interview. This organization has a very casual office environment. The job description actually says that shorts and flip-flops are OK.

So, what should I wear? Back in the day, when going to a meeting I would wear a suit. Then, if someone mentioned that I was overdressed I took off my tie.

I'm thinking about maybe wearing a sport coat, slacks and dress shirt. No tie. If I am overdressed, I could always take off the jacket.

What do you think?

[icemann427]

Except for higher paying executive positions (where you would definitely wear a suit, tie, and dress shoes), an interviewee should dress one level above the job for which one is applying.

While I am no expert in the new millennial corporate business model, I would tend to agree with your idea of sports coat, slacks, and dress shirt.

Good luck!

[JD159]

Every interview I went to during my MBA program, was always in a suit with tie. Recently been approached by a big four consulting firm but coffee interview style, so I drop the tie.

[ckelly78z]

I don't care if shorts are acceptable or not, I would still wear the sport jacket, and a collared shirt, maybe new jeans, and loafers, but leave the beach attire for when you already have the job.

You have to look interested, and be respectful.

[IROC]

I'd vote suit and tie. Even if it isn't required (or expected), I think it makes a statement. I interviewed for a lead position in my own group and wore a suit and tie. And this was in an environment where jeans and t-shirts are acceptable attire.

I got the job.

[drcoastline]

A suit and tie in Navy or gray flannel a simple understated tie. No purple stripes, paisley, etc. If the interviewer is casually dressed simply state, I see you are more casual here do you mind if I take off my jacket and tie? The interviewer will see you came to be professional but you can adapt. I don't think you can ever be over dressed as you stand out in a positive way. But you can be undressed and not taken seriously.

A tuxedo will fit in just fine at a beach party. Put a lay around your neck and pick up a corona and your the cool guy. Shorts and flips flops with a boy tie at a formal wedding not so much.

Just my opinion.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by IROC

I'd vote suit and tie. Even if it isn't required (or expected), I think it makes a statement. I interviewed for a lead position in my own group and wore a suit and tie. And this was in an environment where jeans and t-shirts are acceptable attire.

I got the job.

Ditto.

[masraum]

You could always ask. I've done that before. Say something like, "I usually wear a suit and tie to interviews, is that appropriate here as well?"

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by masraum

You could always ask. I've done that before. Say something like, "I usually wear a suit and tie to interviews, is that appropriate here as well?"

This seems reasonable imo. Yes, I think you can "overdress", depending upon your field and the company. You might not be considered a "good fit" just because of that imo. Common sense....

[cairns]

Suit and tie. Period. Look your best. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

[drkshdw]

Originally Posted by icemann427

...an interviewee should dress one level above the job for which one is applying.

^^This.^^

If the 'dress code' is shorts and sandals, then jeans and a nice polo or button down would suffice. Personally, adding a blazer and tie is just overboard and (to me) screams desperate and unaware of the environment for which you are applying. Makes the interview way too formal and if it's a casual workplace, takes away from the interviewer seeing how you would fit into the job.

[LWJ]

Really only you can tell about the culture. Bottom line- step it up. Look sharp = looking interested.

Good luck!

[masraum]

Originally Posted by KC911

This seems reasonable imo. Yes, I think you can "overdress", depending upon your field and the company. You might not be considered a "good fit" just because of that imo. Common sense....

I usually ask when I'm told ahead of time "our dress code is business casual." (or whatever)

[Rick Lee]

I wore a suit to the Skype interview for my current job. Interviewer wore a hoodie and jeans, but commented on how professional I looked.

[rfuerst911sc]

Something low cut in the front and backless usually gets the job done ! Seriously even though I am now retired I'd suggest sport coat and tie with casual slacks . Not too overdone but shows you made the effort to look away from your phone for a few minutes . Good luck

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by icemann427

Except for higher paying executive positions (where you would definitely wear a suit, tie, and dress shoes), an interviewee should dress one level above the job for which one is applying.

While I am no expert in the new millennial corporate business model, I would tend to agree with your idea of sports coat, slacks, and dress shirt.

Good luck!

this

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I wore a suit to the Skype interview for my current job. Interviewer wore a hoodie and jeans, but commented on how professional I looked.

I did a skype interview once with shirt and tie- and shorts.

rjp

[scottmandue]

Show up naked and declare "I have nothing to hide!"

[Tishabet]

Originally Posted by masraum

You could always ask. I've done that before. Say something like, "I usually wear a suit and tie to interviews, is that appropriate here as well?"

This is the way to go.

My gigs three and four jobs ago were startups, but in the banking and fintech spaces. Suit and tie for interview were the way to go.

My gigs last job and current job are Amazon and Google. Suit and tie would actually be a miss for either of these.

Just ask.

[Paul_Heery]

Looping back on this to provide an update.

After all the great feedback that I got from this group, I reached out to the company's in-house recruiter. I was told that my idea to wear a sport coat, slacks and dress shirt is spot on. Also, I could wear a tie if wanted but it is not necessary or recommended as wearing a tie could be viewed as "he doesn't get us".

So, the interviews are this Thursday afternoon. My wife suggested that I not drive the 911 that day. She said, "leave that for your first day on the job".