Don't Wear THIS to Your Job Interview
Dear Stephen,
I'm a sales representative for a furniture company. I like my job, but I get calls from recruiters like you (and sometimes from companies directly) about other opportunities, and if the brand interests me, I always feel like I should interview.
Mostly, they are lateral moves but with better brands; however, lately I've even gotten a chance to interview for one or two leadership opportunities. I'm in my mid-30s, I call on architects and designers. I like to think I dress hip, but I consider myself an old soul. I wear sports jackets way more often than my colleagues. I also have some tattoos but nothing too visible.
I'm trying to get a handle on how to dress for an interview these days. I've noticed when I've interviewed with luxury Italian brands, most of the gentlemen wear ties and the women are very well-dressed as well. Yet, when I interview with companies like MillerKnoll or Steelcase, it seems no one even owns a tie. The common thread is everyone dresses nicely, and no one is too big on brands showing. But I'm always conflicted, and I never feel like I'm dressed right.
Since I'm in my thirties but tend to think a little old school, I still believe when dressing for an interview, I need to get more dressed up than my everyday business attire. But it seems there's a downside to that — a recruiter shared with me that the company interviewing me recently thought I looked "too corporate." What's the protocol on how to dress for an interview today? Either on Teams or in person? What's your advice?
Signed,
Fashion Dilemma
----------------------------
Dear FD,
The most important thing to remember when dressing for an interview is to do your homework on how the people in the role you're interviewing for dress on a day-to-day basis. Here's how I tell people to do it: go on LinkedIn, find some people in that exact role you're interviewing for and find the manager that you would be reporting to. Doing this, you can get a sense of who they are and what that person "looks like." Don't judge by their profile picture (which generally always looks the same, and by that I mean "professional"); first connect with them and then scroll through their thread. Usually you will see photos of them at trade shows, sales meetings, presentations, events — that is how you can get an idea of how they dress at that company. Also, if you look on their Instagram or Facebook, you may also get a sample of how they dress for work. Check X too; all it takes is a little bit of internet sleuthing.
Alternatively, in some cases, if you're dealing with an HR person first (or a recruiter), you can just ask them directly, "How should I dress?" Keep in mind, whether the interview is in person or on Teams, you should look the same. No matter how you dress in terms of clothing, here are some additional tips on how to accessorize:
Men and women should both avoid excessive jewelry. It is distracting, especially rings. Even if you're on a Teams call, it can be noisy if you're tapping against the desk, for instance, with your jewelry, and you might not notice it as it is a habit.
Meanwhile, if you're interviewing in person, the most common feedback I get from clients style-wise has to do with footwear. For men, in particular, wear socks — the bare ankle, loafer look is not as charming as you think it is — I once had someone pull an offer on someone who didn't wear socks to an interview. I get a lot of negative feedback, also, when candidates wear shoes that are too casual. Skechers do not belong at a job interview! That one is not up for debate.
Tattoos are a non-issue for almost everyone, as are piercings. That being said, gratuitous face piercings are maybe not the right idea (unless you're interviewing at Trader Joe's). Also, too much cologne or perfume can be a turn-off. The people interviewing you need to be able to breathe in order to ask questions!
Which reminds me, check your breath. Hygiene is important, always. When you get to an interview, go straight to the restroom. Why? Because step one when you walk in the building needs to be to look in the mirror! If you're all sweaty from getting there, wipe your face. How's your hair looking? Did you have cilantro or kale at lunch? You know — the basics. Same thing before you go online for a Teams interview. Look in the mirror; don't rely on the camera because then it's too late. Meanwhile, when you are in the restroom before your interview, go ahead and use it, so you're not fidgeting during the conversation. It may seem obvious, but you have no idea how often people forget the very verybasics when it comes to interviewing.
One other thing — while you're in the restroom, turn your phone off, get your last texts out before the interview; this way you won't be tempted to look at it even while you're in the waiting room. You'll be busy locking in.
Since there is no set dress code anymore, getting dressed for an interview is now more of a challenge than you would expect. There are so many types and versions of "professional dress" in today's workplace; getting dressed for an interview now requires research into the culture of the company you're interviewing with. Really, it could be just as simple as asking the HR person or the recruiter. Everyone gets it because every company has a different vibe, not to mention it shows respect and also that you're serious about wanting the job. I always say traditional fashion rules exist for a reason, so err on the side of tradition because everyone can appreciate a classic dresser.
One last tip — if the interviewer tells you it's casual Friday and they're dressing down, that doesn't apply to you. You don't work there, yet. It's still an interview for you!
Signed,
Stephen