Motus RecruitingMotus RecruitingMotus RecruitingMotus Recruiting
  • WHAT WE DO
    • OUR SPECIALTIES
      • EXECUTIVE SEARCH
      • ACCOUNTING & FINANCE
      • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
      • TECHNOLOGY
      • INTERIM LEADERSHIP
    • ASSOCIATIONS
    • PARTNER
    • DIVERSITY BLOG
  • SEARCH JOBS
  • EMPLOYERS
    • OUR PROCESS
    • OUR SOLUTIONS
  • ABOUT US
    • MISSION
    • OUR STORY
    • MEET THE TEAM
  • RESOURCES
    • BLOG
    • EVENTS
  • CONNECT

BLOG
NextPrevious

Interview Dress Code 101

All Topics, Job Seeker’s Guide | May 25th, 2018

You’ve got your resume tightened up, your interview answers prepped and ready, and you have your references together, but when it comes down to it an interview is much more than just your qualifications on paper. The way you present yourself when meeting a hiring manager for the first time is crucial, and contributes to setting the tone for the whole interview. While most people have a general understanding of dress code and interview attire expectations, it can be tricky when you take into consideration company culture and your own personal style.

The standard advice for most interviews is that it’s always better to err on the side of formality rather than looking too casual. While it’s certainly a good bet to upgrade from Crocs and jorts for an interview there are also times when a power suit and pearls can strike the wrong note. It will be important for you to assess the company you are interviewing for. For example, in a startup or creative environment the unofficial dress code is often much looser than other sectors, which can make striking the balance between company culture and expected formality tricky.

While coming in for an interview overdressed is not usually a deal breaker it can act as a hurdle to overcome when a hiring manager is looking for someone who meshes with their company identity. Confusing dress codes such as “tech casual”, “creative casual” or even “wear whatever you’re comfortable in!”  can often feel like a minefield to navigate, but with a bit of research and a “standard uniform” for interviews you can make sure to nail the first impression when you walk in the door. Here’s a short list of tips, tricks, and rules of thumb for your first impression.

  1. Do your research! Most companies today have a strong online presence either through Instagram, Facebook, or even internally posted blogs! These can act as great hints for what level of formality to emulate and the general employee dress code. A little bit of cyberstalking can be a huge help.
  2. Have your basic go to. Start with a simple combination like slacks and a button up, or a simple sheath and cardigan; classic “business casual” pieces. Aiming for a standard, neutral uniform can allow you to add flair either with accessories, an added piece or interesting footwear. A neutral backdrop can make small elements like interesting jewelry, stylish shoes, or a festive sweater feel personal and thoughtful rather than reading as “overdone.”
  3. Ask about it. Oftentimes, candidates are too nervous to ask for guidance when it comes to interview attire. Either it doesn’t cross their mind during the initial screening period or they feel silly asking for clarification. While there are some questions to avoid during a screening, asking about company culture and dress code is just as important as responsibilities and benefits.

If you’re working with a recruiting or staffing agency you’re in luck! Your recruiter can act as a great guide when navigating tricky “first impressions” and interview styles. Usually they have visited client’s work sites, created a client profile, or taken in depth notes on presentation styles which can be a great guide in dress code questions. You will want to hit the right note, and this is an important factor to consider.

business attire, business casual, dress code, formal, interview

Related Post

  • How to Not Lose Talented Candidates During the Recruitment Process

    Comments are Closed

    There’s nothing more exciting than when a company thinks it has secured a talented candidate to join their team. However, just because the candidate is interested in working with you does not mean they willRead more

  • The Importance of a Thank You Note

    Comments are Closed

    While sending a thank you note after an interview can feel like a bit of a throw-back, this gesture may be more of a deal breaker than most job-seekers think. Hiring managers see the thankRead more

  • How to Define a Good “Culture Fit”

    Comments are Closed

    In the world of hiring, you will hear phrases like, “The candidate wasn’t a good culture fit.” As a hiring manager, you might have even said this yourself. But how often is what makes aRead more

  • Six Key Practices for Being a Great Interviewer

    Comments are Closed

    Who makes an interview great, the candidate or the hiring manager? Trick question. The answer is actually both! For an interview to go well, a candidate has to be prepared, but it is equally asRead more

  • Why You Should Honor Your Professional Commitments

    Comments are Closed

    Whether you are a job seeker or a recruiter, experienced or inexperienced, there are always new lessons to be learned. One should always seek to learn from their mistakes, and the mistakes of others. TheRead more

NextPrevious

Topics

  • All Topics
  • Career Coaching
  • Community Conversations
  • Company Culture
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Hiring Manager’s Guide
  • Job Seeker’s Guide
  • Leadership
  • Miscellaneous
  • Motus News

QUICK LINKS

Search Jobs
Blog
Employers

ABOUT US

Diversity
Our Story
Meet The Team

CONTACT US

6650 SW Redwood Lane
Suite 355
Tigard, Oregon 97224
Phone: 503.496.1310


Disclaimer Notice: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are falsely claiming to represent or be associated with Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc. Please be aware that our team will never initiate contact with you through SMS texting.

FOLLOW US

© 2018 Motus Recruiting & Staffing | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
  • WHAT WE DO
    • OUR SPECIALTIES
      • EXECUTIVE SEARCH
      • ACCOUNTING & FINANCE
      • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
      • TECHNOLOGY
      • INTERIM LEADERSHIP
    • ASSOCIATIONS
    • PARTNER
    • DIVERSITY BLOG
  • SEARCH JOBS
  • EMPLOYERS
    • OUR PROCESS
    • OUR SOLUTIONS
  • ABOUT US
    • MISSION
    • OUR STORY
    • MEET THE TEAM
  • RESOURCES
    • BLOG
    • EVENTS
  • CONNECT
Motus Recruiting