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I get the impression that, thirty years ago, if a man showed up for an interview for any salaried job in the business world and wasn't wearing a suit and tie, he would be considered "unserious" and inappropriate. Me, any time I've had an interview for average desk jobs in recent years, I'll wear a dress shirt and sport coat/blazer. Wearing a tie would feel kind of weird and "trying too hard." And I live in a fairly conservative region. (Though if I were conducting interviews, I wouldn't care if candidates were slightly "overdressed.")
Anyone remember a specific time frame when these standards changed in your workplace? I would guess that changes started on the West Coast and gradually filtered through the culture.
I get the impression that, thirty years ago, if a man showed up for an interview ...
The "norm" was always to put your best foot forward. For most jobs that came down to
dressing just a bit nicer than what is typical for day to day attire everyone else would wear.
I don't think that has changed all that much but there are a lot fewer ties than in the past.
I get the impression that, thirty years ago, if a man showed up for an interview for any salaried job in the business world and wasn't wearing a suit and tie, he would be considered "unserious" and inappropriate. Me, any time I've had an interview for average desk jobs in recent years, I'll wear a dress shirt and sport coat/blazer. Wearing a tie would feel kind of weird and "trying too hard." And I live in a fairly conservative region. (Though if I were conducting interviews, I wouldn't care if candidates were slightly "overdressed.")
Anyone remember a specific time frame when these standards changed in your workplace? I would guess that changes started on the West Coast and gradually filtered through the culture.
Before going to an interview find out how staff dresses for work everyday and hike that up a notch.
If you wear a blazer, stuff a tie in the pocket in case you have to upgrade fast.
Like you hinted to, it is better to be overdressed than under-dressed.
Before going to an interview find out how staff dresses for work everyday and hike that up a notch.
If you wear a blazer, stuff a tie in the pocket in case you have to upgrade fast.
Like you hinted to, it is better to be overdressed than under-dressed.
Yeah I know none of the places I tend to apply to (manufacturing and distribution companies) would be dressy places, so a blazer is always plenty.
I'm also mid-career (late 30s) so tend to take a "take me as I am" approach to interviews. I would think people older than 20s are used to interacting with others as equals instead of lower-status supplicants, so are less likely to don a full suit and tie for any reason.
Yeah I know none of the places I tend to apply to (manufacturing and distribution companies) would be dressy places, so a blazer is always plenty.
I'm also mid-career (late 30s) so tend to take a "take me as I am" approach to interviews. I would think people older than 20s are used to interacting with others as equals instead of lower-status supplicants, so are less likely to don a full suit and tie for any reason.
Be careful with that "take me as I am" thing. I think dressing up and paying closer attention to grooming does as much good for you as for your audience. Puts everyone on notice that an interview is a time to show respect. That reminder never hurt anyone.
An interview is not the time to dress down. You can do that after you get the job and fit into the environment. But for the interview always put your best foot forward.
That's right. I always wore a suit myself (suit and jacket) but changed to pants/jacket for the last two interviews I had which were years ago (and now I'm retired) and I got hired for every job I interviewed for.
How you present yourself also speaks to how you will (hopefully) represent the company.
Little things. Good shoes, not scuffed up or dirty, nails manicured or at least presentable, and clean (I have actually seen people at interviews who looked like they hadn't washed their hair). I mean, come on man!
I believe the old adage "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have" holds true. Worked for me as a young woman and my adult kids in the work place as well.
It all depends what kind of job and who the interviewer is. I've had several interviews where the interviewer says no need for ties and jackets. They don't care they want to know how much you know. If you are in the knowledge business vs the accomplishment business.
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