I have interviewed several people over the past few weeks and no one has dressed up. The most anyone has done is put on a polo.
salesking
Is dressing up for interviews a thing of the past?
40
*sigh*
I've been told for multiple interviews NOT to dress up. It's just the way the culture is going, I guess.
I don't care, I'm still gonna wear a sport coat.
I've been told for multiple interviews NOT to dress up. It's just the way the culture is going, I guess.
I don't care, I'm still gonna wear a sport coat.
I’m just curious… who is telling you not to dress up? If the interval recruiter told them that’s fine but I think like to see the person go above because that’s what sales calls for. But if somebody external is telling you that then you should still dress up.
It's usually come directly from the leadership I'm interviewing with "We're pretty casual around here. No need to put on a suit."
I actually had an interviewer tell me that I *shouldn't* have worn the suit that I wore because it made him feel weird for dressing down so much.
I actually had an interviewer tell me that I *shouldn't* have worn the suit that I wore because it made him feel weird for dressing down so much.
I’ve had this experience a few times too. I’ve been given feedback that it’s too formal, still got the offer anyway.
You nailed it that it’s the interviewer feeling underdressed and uncomfortable because most candidates don’t put that much effort into how they dress during the interview.
You nailed it that it’s the interviewer feeling underdressed and uncomfortable because most candidates don’t put that much effort into how they dress during the interview.
I Interviewed with a few tech companies and all were very laid back, toast, Uber, traba to name a few
No need to put on a suit is a far cry from showing up in Jeans and T-shirt. Button down and a jacket should be appropriate, skipping the tie keeps it a little more casual.
Really? What roles are they interviewing for? Is it in-person or Zoom.
I understand it being less formal, but even a polo isn't dressed up at all.
I guess the old rule was one step up above the interviewer, but I would assume people would wear a button-up even if the interviewer is in a t-shirt
I understand it being less formal, but even a polo isn't dressed up at all.
I guess the old rule was one step up above the interviewer, but I would assume people would wear a button-up even if the interviewer is in a t-shirt
It’s for a BDR role and virtual… I have always worn a suit but I feel like at a minimum it should be a sports coat
Where are you located? Or are you a more formal business? I think a polo or button down shirt is more than appropriate for a male to wear to a BDR interview. They should look put together, intentional but not out of place. Would a sport coat be something they are required to wear on a daily basis?
You have to spell it out for people now.
That’s craziness to me… it shows laziness and that is something we don’t want in sales
Agreed
Are you interviewing them as a peer, or in a management role? I ask, because of your title displayed here. I'm just wondering if in a potential colleague situation, the candidates treated this more casually.
What role are you interviewing for? Is it for senior roles, or those with no experience? Or a mix?
Not that I recommend dressing down for any interview, I'm curious about the context.
What role are you interviewing for? Is it for senior roles, or those with no experience? Or a mix?
Not that I recommend dressing down for any interview, I'm curious about the context.
I should probably update that… I just recently got a job as a BDR Manger so I would hiring them to be on my team. It’s for a Senior BDR role
Congratulations on the role!
Not sure about the suit for a BDR role, but you can't go wrong when interviewing. I've always dressed nicer than the role I want.
Not sure about the suit for a BDR role, but you can't go wrong when interviewing. I've always dressed nicer than the role I want.
Shows a lack of preparedness IMO if not dressed up. Previously I would do the full suit get up but as I am changing companies now, I wore a button down and dress pants with nicer shoes and no sport coat.
Polo though? Lol, that’s someone that hasn’t done the research
Polo though? Lol, that’s someone that hasn’t done the research
What u wear has nothing to do with how you go about your business. Answer solidly, appear to fit in. Those are the keys.
Dress to impress. Always.
That said, I always ask the dress code. For one place I was told to NOT wear a tie. OK... I wore a sport coat and slacks.
That said, I always ask the dress code. For one place I was told to NOT wear a tie. OK... I wore a sport coat and slacks.
Old school mentality
Always dress for an interview. It shows you want the job. At least put on a sports coat!
It really doesn’t. Any monkey can put on a suit. Show me who you really are.
This just makes me sad
Even if they wear polos, dress up. The one time you don't is the one time you'll wish you had.
Oooh, that's a line I really like.
Nope, no need at most places. I’m more impressed with candidates who look like they fit in.
Rarely do I have an interview (unless it's at a start up) that upper management isn't somewhat dressed up. Why take the chance of dressing down if you really want the job?
I am as confident as I dress up. I would dress up for sure. It's very less about them, more about me.
But it's subjective for sure. I wouldn't really be comfortable in a polo or anything in the interview. I need to be completely professionally dressed.
But it's subjective for sure. I wouldn't really be comfortable in a polo or anything in the interview. I need to be completely professionally dressed.
Not sure why everyone has started to dress down in interviews but I have noticed this as well. At minimum I feel a nice shirt (doesn't even need to be a collared shirt) with a sport coat.
Seriously?
I wish I was joking
Over zoom or in-person?
Zoom but I don’t think it matters
of course it matters!
I always ask if there is any dress code. I like to dress semi formal as that I what I am more comfortable wearing and never saw that to be a problem till now !
Maybe things are changing more with the times.... we don't see many people dress up for ANYTHING - go to a college campus, the bars are filled with kids in their sweats and gym clothes. We as society are becoming more lazy.
I think you should ALWAYS dress up for an interview. Have some accountability and interest in your future position. Regardless what the interviewer is doing, you have the opportunity to LEAD up!
I think you should ALWAYS dress up for an interview. Have some accountability and interest in your future position. Regardless what the interviewer is doing, you have the opportunity to LEAD up!
I’d pass on a company that sees business professional attire as a job interview requirement. Here’s why:
1. I look for sales organizations that value authenticity over ego. “Dress to impress” or basing your impression on a job candidate’s competence on their suit is classic toxic sales bro mentality.
2. First impression matter and it’s a two way street. I’d dress for how I look on my client calls, professional casual. If I see a hiring manager 1) not matching my standard - either too casual (hat, hoodie, golf shirt) or too professional (full suit), I’m out, and 2) A first impression I care about is how prepared they are and how they open the interview (do they match me?)
1. I look for sales organizations that value authenticity over ego. “Dress to impress” or basing your impression on a job candidate’s competence on their suit is classic toxic sales bro mentality.
2. First impression matter and it’s a two way street. I’d dress for how I look on my client calls, professional casual. If I see a hiring manager 1) not matching my standard - either too casual (hat, hoodie, golf shirt) or too professional (full suit), I’m out, and 2) A first impression I care about is how prepared they are and how they open the interview (do they match me?)
Don’t judge the book by its cover. I wear a company hoodie most of the time. I do this because a comfortable person is an open person and I need to see that. Almost every interviewee tells me it’s the best interview they’ve ever had. Maybe lip service, maybe not. I do sign all that I offer, though. Must be doing something right.
I wore business casual or a nice pullover while on Zoom interviews (was in snowy mountains) and always wear at least a golf polo on video calls with prospects even if I’m wearing gym shorts. I lose a little respect when someone is in a T-shirt, unless it’s a long sales process and we know each other. First 1-3 calls, polo. I feel the same way about interviews, be uncommon and dress up. Tie? Nah, but sport coat with a button down is uncommon and looks sharp. Call me old school as a late 30’s guy
This. Also in my late-thirties 😂 I generally change for prospect calls because tshirt and shorts all day.
Business mullet all day!
I feel it is a mix of 1. Doing what’s requested - most startups I’ve spoken to suggest business casual and 2. Trying to reflects the company you’re applying for. If it’s outside sales, or law/fintech, etc. a suit would make sense always. If They’re applying for a MarTech startup or the role is primarily on the phones I would be more casual.
I feel expectations should be laid out clearly as a requirement if it matters to you otherwise it’s not their fault, the industry is used to remote working and more casual attire. Assuming they are at least presentable.
I feel expectations should be laid out clearly as a requirement if it matters to you otherwise it’s not their fault, the industry is used to remote working and more casual attire. Assuming they are at least presentable.
Might be a regional thing? I've interviewed a bunch of SDRs/BDRs in the last few months and just about everyone wears business casual even for Zoom interviews
Depends on the company. And probably industry as well. Plus working remotely has made people more laid back. I'm currently taking some interviews and the ones done remotely I attend in a t-shirt. There was one in-person, that I attended in a collar shirt and elegant sweater, but I still felt I overdressed.
Perks of working in tech/software industry I guess.
Perks of working in tech/software industry I guess.
I have been interviewing with companies for the past month and always wear a dress shirt and jacket. I find interviewers are looking for preparedness and taking the initiative.
Also it gives me confidence when I’m dressed up nice and look my best. Look good feel good play good.
Also it gives me confidence when I’m dressed up nice and look my best. Look good feel good play good.
Some industries are more casual: IT. I am in construction, Material Supplier, and have for years done the Sport Coat and pants. We are a little more utilitarian in Construction. But in no way would I accept just a polo as the upside. Guess I am old school.
On a Side Note I have a child at Drexel and going through the interview process, again, for CO-OP and both my wife and I have expressed that she needs to look neat and professional in all interviews, even those on "ZOOM".
On a Side Note I have a child at Drexel and going through the interview process, again, for CO-OP and both my wife and I have expressed that she needs to look neat and professional in all interviews, even those on "ZOOM".
I still wear a suit and tie, on Zoom. I might do a polo for recruiters, although I hate when recruiters want a video call. But that’s a different discussion. At a minimum they should have a button down when talking to the hiring manager.
Does it matter if in person or Zoom? I think you always dress up (suit) for in person. You can get away with more casual on zoom.
It depends. Ask the recruiter what you should do. There’s no need to go full suit & tie if the interviewer (like me) is in tshirt and hoodie. I don’t need a facade, I need to know who I’m really taking to. I’m actually put off by over dressers, there’s no thought to it. I always tell them to get comfortable.
I hate this is a thing. I seeth at it.
When I put on a suit or wear a tie, it's like I just turned into Batman or something. I will often get dressed up one day a week and teammates are like "you on an interview" No - I wanted the bump in what I get out of looking like a pro - sometimes if I am in a low point, I will break out the dress clothes
I had a partner meeting last month - first time meeting these folks face to face and at their head office. We were told straight up "Appreciate you putting on a suit for a first visit but it's not needed"
You don't want to be more than 1 dress class above your customer or prospect - I get that, but holy doodle, do I just hate how casual business has become.
When I put on a suit or wear a tie, it's like I just turned into Batman or something. I will often get dressed up one day a week and teammates are like "you on an interview" No - I wanted the bump in what I get out of looking like a pro - sometimes if I am in a low point, I will break out the dress clothes
I had a partner meeting last month - first time meeting these folks face to face and at their head office. We were told straight up "Appreciate you putting on a suit for a first visit but it's not needed"
You don't want to be more than 1 dress class above your customer or prospect - I get that, but holy doodle, do I just hate how casual business has become.
Proper Dressing up for a Sales job interview is a basic prerequisite which reflects the behavioral persona of the individual involved thats what I believe,Sales individuals looks more aligned with a formal look rather then a casual one.Rest situation is the boss everywhere if the society discourage to be more formal then adaptability and flexibility is the way forward.
Honestly, dressing how you plan to work the job is what I would reccomend at a BARE minimum
Always ask the recruiter what the dress code is. Prevents you from showing up and looking like a chump either dressed to the Ts at an org that’s all tshirts and jeans or dresses like a Bum at a Mad Manesque tech co.
If on Zoom? - Quarter zip, button down, or polo.
In person - Jeans, button down, and a jacket
In person - Jeans, button down, and a jacket
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