It wasn’t too long ago that men would wear a suit and tie and women would wear a dress or business suit to a job interview. Now that Casual Friday has consumed every day, what’s appropriate anymore? Business-Casual has given way to Casual-Casual. Is there such a thing as being overdressed for an interview? Is it appropriate to ask the interviewer what would be appropriate to wear?
I think it is very important to cast the first impression that comes with your attire . Candidates with inappropriate dress code during interview gives a bit of wrong impression as if it is kind of casual meeting.
At the very least business casual dress code is pretty good if not totally formal one as it gives interviewer an idea that interviewee has given importance to the meeting by way of his/her dress code.
Though it does not tell the true credentials / competencies of the candidate but it may give an idea to the panel how much importance he / she has given to the interview session .
Asking interview does not seem to be a good idea.
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Mark Price PerryBusiness Driven PMO Evangelist| BOT InternationalOrlando, Fl, United States
Great question. I highly agree with Aamer's answer and advice. Perhaps I am old school, but it does not sit well with me when an interviewee comes to an interview, poorly dressed, poorly groomed, and poorly self-presented. Whether interviewing for a job as an individual contributor such as a project manager or as a manager such as a PMO manager, most interviewees would be well served to dress and groom appropriately and look like you are ready to work - not like you need new clothes, new shoes, a haircut, a shave, and a new briefcase. I am a big fan of taking every effort to prepare for an interview, including dress and self-presentment. I suppose it is possible, but generally speaking, I don't think you can overdress for an interview. Put another, I would not be put off or offended by a project manager or PMO manager candidate arriving at an interview in a suit and tie, polished shoes, cleanly shaved, hair trimmed, fingernails cut, smart looking brief case or laptop bag, and, oh yeah, a smile on their face and a firm handshake. Again, I am admittedly old school. Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
I have just read a book called This is How To Get Your Next Job by Andrea Kay and she recommends calling the interviewer to ask about the protocol for dress code if you don't know what to wear. She also says that it depends on the industry - turn up to a surfboard company in a suit and you probably won't get the job.
I think it is better to be smarter rather than too casual. You can always take your jacket off when you get there. Saving Changes...
Andrew MakarProgram Manager| AMAKAR LLCOakland Township, Mi, United States
In our field, a suit and tie is the way to go to represent your professionalism. Once you get the job, you can adopt the dress code as appropriate.
For external interviews, I always focus on professional dress.
For internal interviews, I put on a sport coat and still appear professional yet more business casual. I always thought it was odd when Barry shows up in a suit one day for an internal interview with directors who all know him.
If someone basis the decision of "company fit" because I was overdressed, then that company wouldn't be on my list. However, I have refused to move a candidate further in the process because they were under-dressed.
Harlan BridgesConsultant, Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Program Manager, Project Manager| EntrepreneurSeguin, Tx, United States
I always dress a "cut above' the attire of the company. If I am unable to determine their dress code ahead of time, I will wear a suit and tie. In fact, I am generally more at ease in a suit and tie for an interview.
But I agree that culture is important, not for dress but for fit. I would most likely turn down a position in a company with whom I did not feel comfortable. If I was in an interview with an interviewer dressed in a t-shirt and faded jeans, I would have to think hard about accepting a position, if offered, with that firm. That just demonstrates a lack of respect and professionalism to me. Outside of the high tech industry, business or business casual is still the norm. What part of country you are in also factors in to some degree.
For instance, I was recently at the Mayo Clinic. Everyone was either in uniform appropriate for the position or suit and tie for the men and dresses or suits for the women. It just added to the sense of professionalism and competence.
Jennifer, I responded to this question on LinkedIn as well, so forgive the redundancy.
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Wai Mun KooPMO Director| Intergraph PP&MSingapore, Singapore
That depends on culture, climate etc. too. For example, in Singapore, it is sufficient just to go with a business shirt and a tie. If you appear with a business suit, the interviewer might think that you are over-doing it and that you are not a very practical person giving the fact that the weather in Singapore is usually very hot throughout the whole year. Saving Changes...
My nephew was applying for a part time job with the local supermarket to earn some pocket money whilst at school.
His dad insisted he wear a suit and tie and with much grumbling he did and he got the job.
Some feed back was that one reason he got the job was that he took the time to present himself well which gave the interviewers the impression he was taking the job seriously. Other candidates did not bother with their appreance - as it was ONLY a supermarket job and they missed out.
So dressing well is not only fitting in but also flags how important you are taking the job interview. Saving Changes...
I absolutely detest people who don't take job interviews very seriously--including the clothes they have to wear.
The company I work for, we have a casual thing going on, but what I don't understand is why the interviewees would come in wearing tattered jeans, dirty sneakers, and a graphic shirt. Like, dude (because I just can't call him "sir"), have you ever heard of a button-down shirt?
I think if the company you're applying for has a casual attire as their norm, you have to wear at least a neutral-colored french cuff shirt (what it is, right here: http://www.tiesncuffs.com.au/blogs/article...nch-cuff-shirts ), dark denim pants, and leather shoes.
The small details are also important. For women, don't use too much makeup, avoid popping and neon colors, no flashy jewelry, and AVOID TOO MUCH PERFUME. Also, wear close-toed shoes -- so much more professional than open-toed ones which can also backfire.
So yeah, this is my two cents in this matter. Saving Changes...
