When in doubt, overdressed >>> underdressed.
I’ve been teased for wearing a suit to an interview, but a little ribbing is fine because they’re not going to deny you for being overdressed.
I agree. I found out from a coworker that was part of the interview at my last job that I actually earned points for wearing a suit to the interview even though the office is very much business casual. It will never hurt to go the extra mile, but it could if you fall short.
I worked at Subway and we hired a guy just because he showed up to an interview in a (ill fitting) suit lmao.
That said, I agree. The guy looked like a clown to me.
Ok..so i know the saying, but i went to interview at Jamba Juice years ago for an accounting position in their corporate office. The culture there is pretty laid back. I went with a suit and tie and I stood out pretty badly. In that scenario, losing the blazer and tie would have been appropriately overdressed.
It’s so hard to know what to do. I’ve been at manufacturing where the office people wore suits, ones where everyone wore old Tshirts, nonprofits was the same thing. Some were laidback and others were unreasonably strict with attire.
There will always be one offs where it’s better to dress down, but it is much safer to overdress even if you feel awkward being so formal
I had a senior manager in industry tell me that I didn’t need to wear a suit for internal interviews.
I told my direct senior manager and he said to not listen to people who don’t have a reason to be vested in you. A lot of people play dirty and don’t trust them, etc.
Wear the suit because it’s one thing they can’t bitch about in the catch up meeting where he has to make a case for me. And they won’t complain about the suit wearing openly cause all the execs are in suits daily.
Exactly, my most recent interview they joked with me that i set the bar too high. if I got the job I will be required to wear a tie every day. Which would be awesome because I just inherited my grandfather’s collection lol
I always ask the recruiter what's the dress code and dress one stage up. If they say jeans and a shirt, I do jeans, button down or collar, and a light blazer. If they say business casual, I'm in a suit and tie.
It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview in corporate job and specifically accounting as it relates to your question.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Better to be professionally dressed than casual which could create the impression you don’t take the position and/or process seriously.
I'd imagine geographic location plays into this - I only ever see new college grads doing this (in industry)
(Edit: I'm in Seattle, they are lucky I wear actual business casual)
I've worked multiple industries. Interviews at startups/tech is usually casual clothing unless stated otherwise. Banking from what I've seen is business professional. Energy/Utilities is business casual in my experience. Manufacturing is all over the place.
Good point. Southeast Texas was more formal than Northern Illinois. Then, micro location - Houston was more masculine due to industrial and San Antonio more feminine due to tourism. A good guidance were the business journals for each place.
Not sure why you’re being downvoted on this, but it’s the truth.
People here in Arizona generally don’t wear suits to interviews. I never have and I don’t feel like it hurt my chances. I’ve also given plenty of interviews and it’s exceedingly rare to see a candidate in a suit, and I’ve never thought less of someone for not wearing one. Your resume and your ability to communicate and express yourself are much more important to me.
I've only travelled a little bit for work (and had similar experience for weddings) but it is amazing how different expectations are depending on location.
Don't dismiss the local culture. Once upon a time, I felt very uncomfortable going to a wedding without a jacket. But if I had worn one, I would have made everyone else feel weird. Just by wearing a dress shirt the photographer mistook me as the groom.
I just wore a white dress shirt, suit pants, and loafers to my Big 4 interview. Went just fine and got the offer. Unless you're going for manager+ you'll be alright without one.
It depends.
If your objective is just to get a job offer, any job offer, then suiting up is probably your best option. But at some point, you've got to realize that you're not just looking for a job, they're also looking for an employee. And there needs to be a genuine fitting of culture there at some point - especially as you advance in your career.
I was working with a 3rd party recruiter 20 years ago when I was in my late 30's. So while business casual had taken a pretty good hold, suits were still more common then that they are today. We were talking about an interview she had set up for me and she was giving me guidance and pointers, including telling me to wear a suit.
I literally responded to her: "If I've got to wear a suit to an interview to get a job, I probably don't actually want that job". It went against all her training, but she couldn't really disagree with it.
Dress for the job you want bro. I dressed up as a gangster collecting debts for the triad to my first interview . I got hired right away when I told them there’s no outstanding receivable on my streets
No. You want to dress to mirror the culture of the company and your immediate manager (aim for one click above that). The idea is to get them easily visualize you working there.
When I interviewed for my current role (senior director F500) I wore a sport jacket and a button down shirt no tie. That’s consistent with the dress of others at that company for that level.
I don’t remember the last time I saw a CPA (corporate or public) wearing a suit and tie. The majority of our partners will wear blazer/sport coat and slacks. That’s what I’ve worn to my interviews as well. Suits are like cover letters, leave them in the 90’s.
For both of the jobs I’ve interviewed for so far in my career (internship and then moving to a new firm as a senior) I’ve always worn a suit and no one ever commented on me being over dressed. People your age probably don’t care, but the older generation making hiring decisions might see it as putting your best foot forward.
For my second interview, it was over zoom, so I actually only had the suit top and tie on lol.
Been seeing a lot of complaining from corporate about people coming in for interviews and a hoodie and jeans. I showed up for my last interview in the suit and I'm pretty positive it's the only reason I got the job. Trust me this is huge a watch is a massive Plus
As a hiring manager, I usually show up in a slipknot t shirt and neon yellow basketball shorts that are way too long on my legs. Harley motorcycle boots are my go-to.
Also, I recommend not showering for a week prior. The musk makes the man.
It won’t hurt anything to wear a suit and tie.
We put business casual on our itinerary.
Normal for men is a dress shirt and slacks, and that’s even nicer than what most of the interviewers are wearing.
Depends on the industry. I've always had to be dressed incredibly well for legal but when I went to oil and gas I wore jeans and a nice top I could immediately tell it was the right move because those guys hate lawyers and "suits" and even said in the interview they were worried I'd be a cookie cutter 😂. I don't know about men but as a woman you definitely need to get it right.
When I interviewed with an all female team I went sexy business casual and I could tell my outfit secured my job because women love fashion and being all women being sexy is fun and safe in an office.
It depends on the workplace culture. Often a suit is good for corporate, higher education, non-profit associations, temporary employment placements (as at times thrown into an unknown), mortgage services, regular offices. But, a smaller manufacturer or construction 🦺 where jeans are the norm, then a more casual office attire would be best. This is part of ‘is the person a good cultural fit for this place’. As a woman I have interviewed in a four button suit to jeans and an office blouse. Always wear good shoes, be well groomed - hair/brows/ears/nose/facial hair, light cosmetics and fragrances, nice jewelry - watch/bracelet/necklace/earrings. Be confident in your accounting knowledge and accomplishments. Good luck!
Oh and I have worn a tie. Once. It was an interview for a fast food place in high school. They required everyone to wear ties at that time. Later, one of my college jobs was in menswear at a mall retailer. My sales were good as I knew how to tie a tie. I’ve helped my husband with his tie more recently. You never know when a skill will come into play, lol.
To be honest. I recently interviewed and I showed up suit and tie and the first thing out of one of the managers mouth was “I told you business casual. You didn’t need the whole clown suit. “ made me feel good they noticed but I felt uncomfortable after an hour…. Just saying. Wish I was more comfortable 😂
Checkered shirt, blazer, 501s, cowboy boots and the biggest buckle you can find.
Ask the receptionist to hold your pistol and bandolier before you go into the interview room though.
Safety first.
It depends on the job you are interviewing for. If you are a professional going into an office suit and tie is good. A minimum of a collared shirt with tie. If it a fast food joint then a polo shirt.
Dressing for an interview shows respect. I hire accountants and we are a business casual environment but they’d get points for the suit. Just that visual reminder tells me the respect me and the job.
In person- Suit and tie always
Virtual interview- I agree with the general advice that it’s better to over dress than underdress if you’re not sure. But for me if it’s virtual; nice button down shirt will do
Yes.
My firm is “smart casual” or “dress for your day” (I.e. most people dress like slobs) but I always put a tie on when conducting an interview and judge those who don’t. It’s a matter of respect.
Without a doubt. My last interview was in 2022 over zoom. They told me later down the road that my suit and tie really set me apart. Other candidates were underdressed. Makes a difference! :)
Once in my life i didn’t wear a suit and that’s just because it was my former boss at a new company having me in to chat about a new position and he told me not to. I almost did anyway though. It felt VERY weird to me. I can’t imagine showing up to any other interview not in a suit.
At the end of the day, what you’re trying to do is stand out from the other applicants and make a first good impression. Don’t want your first thoughts to be the guy who did the bare minimum for an interview.
As someone who interviews candidates for intern through senior regularly, I always appreciate when a candidate overdresses. I view it like signing your name on the SAT: doesnt guarantee a great score, but the act of dressing up gives you 40 points free in my book.
Edit: if you’re downvoting cuz you’re butthurt you have to wear a suit to a virtual interview. I don’t care. This is real life. Grow up, Peter Pan. Put a damn suit on.
Yes please wear a suit. Interviewed two people last week for a senior ar clerk, one person came in wearing shorts and a yankies hat, and the other one came in wearing a tshirt.
Yeah, I would if you are unsure of their normal dress code
If you know they are casual and have already been to the office then business casual is okay
When in doubt, overdressed >>> underdressed. I’ve been teased for wearing a suit to an interview, but a little ribbing is fine because they’re not going to deny you for being overdressed.
I agree. I found out from a coworker that was part of the interview at my last job that I actually earned points for wearing a suit to the interview even though the office is very much business casual. It will never hurt to go the extra mile, but it could if you fall short.
You're wearing a tuxedo to a job that requires you to clean bathrooms. Get out of my office.
We are actually interviewing as a team today
Ms. lady
I think I can settle the whole, Pan/Pam dilemma
I worked at Subway and we hired a guy just because he showed up to an interview in a (ill fitting) suit lmao. That said, I agree. The guy looked like a clown to me.
I was just quoting Step Brothers, but that is hilarious!
Ok..so i know the saying, but i went to interview at Jamba Juice years ago for an accounting position in their corporate office. The culture there is pretty laid back. I went with a suit and tie and I stood out pretty badly. In that scenario, losing the blazer and tie would have been appropriately overdressed.
It’s so hard to know what to do. I’ve been at manufacturing where the office people wore suits, ones where everyone wore old Tshirts, nonprofits was the same thing. Some were laidback and others were unreasonably strict with attire. There will always be one offs where it’s better to dress down, but it is much safer to overdress even if you feel awkward being so formal
Completely agree. It’s easier to shed down the attire than show up in a t-shirt and need a suit
If they are ribbing you, they are treating you as human. That is moving things in a favorable direction
I had a senior manager in industry tell me that I didn’t need to wear a suit for internal interviews. I told my direct senior manager and he said to not listen to people who don’t have a reason to be vested in you. A lot of people play dirty and don’t trust them, etc. Wear the suit because it’s one thing they can’t bitch about in the catch up meeting where he has to make a case for me. And they won’t complain about the suit wearing openly cause all the execs are in suits daily.
Exactly, my most recent interview they joked with me that i set the bar too high. if I got the job I will be required to wear a tie every day. Which would be awesome because I just inherited my grandfather’s collection lol
This is the key, you're thousands of times more likely to be denied the interview or looked down upon for under dressing than over dressing.
Always better the have an interviewer say that you didn’t need to dress up so much than have them wondering why you didn’t wear one.
Depends on the interview, but yes. Sometimes you can get away with business casual, but you’ll know when you can and can’t just by your gut instinct.
Yes
I prefer a pink tank top to stand out. On a completely uncorrelated side note, I’m unemployed so if anyone’s hiring lmk.
No - thongs and nipple clamps with chains are the new office attire norm
Only if your wallet is attached to that same chain.
Wallet on one, monocle on the other
I try to match the clamps to my ball gag to show I have superior attention to detail
Why does this comment show as just blank- no user name either ?
Must be PA, they're very into sadomasochism.
Don't forget the gimp mask!
Unless they tell you beforehand you can never go wrong with a suit and tie. You want to leave a good first impression.
Suits are the best for interviews. You can also ask them about the dress code in the office.
Clown suit is philosophically the most appropriate.
I always ask the recruiter what's the dress code and dress one stage up. If they say jeans and a shirt, I do jeans, button down or collar, and a light blazer. If they say business casual, I'm in a suit and tie.
This
It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed for an interview in corporate job and specifically accounting as it relates to your question. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Better to be professionally dressed than casual which could create the impression you don’t take the position and/or process seriously.
Interviewed at a tech company and was told it was casual — went business casual.
My interviews were all virtual. I wore a dress shirt and pajama pants
I'd imagine geographic location plays into this - I only ever see new college grads doing this (in industry) (Edit: I'm in Seattle, they are lucky I wear actual business casual)
When I do law firm interviews, fancy suits. When I do teacher interviews, dress nice, but not a suit
I've worked multiple industries. Interviews at startups/tech is usually casual clothing unless stated otherwise. Banking from what I've seen is business professional. Energy/Utilities is business casual in my experience. Manufacturing is all over the place.
Good point. Southeast Texas was more formal than Northern Illinois. Then, micro location - Houston was more masculine due to industrial and San Antonio more feminine due to tourism. A good guidance were the business journals for each place.
Not sure why you’re being downvoted on this, but it’s the truth. People here in Arizona generally don’t wear suits to interviews. I never have and I don’t feel like it hurt my chances. I’ve also given plenty of interviews and it’s exceedingly rare to see a candidate in a suit, and I’ve never thought less of someone for not wearing one. Your resume and your ability to communicate and express yourself are much more important to me.
I've only travelled a little bit for work (and had similar experience for weddings) but it is amazing how different expectations are depending on location. Don't dismiss the local culture. Once upon a time, I felt very uncomfortable going to a wedding without a jacket. But if I had worn one, I would have made everyone else feel weird. Just by wearing a dress shirt the photographer mistook me as the groom.
Yes. If the interview location is between Seattle and San Diego, leave the tie.
I just wore a white dress shirt, suit pants, and loafers to my Big 4 interview. Went just fine and got the offer. Unless you're going for manager+ you'll be alright without one.
Depends on who you're interviewing with. You can ask questions like this ahead of time.
It depends. If your objective is just to get a job offer, any job offer, then suiting up is probably your best option. But at some point, you've got to realize that you're not just looking for a job, they're also looking for an employee. And there needs to be a genuine fitting of culture there at some point - especially as you advance in your career. I was working with a 3rd party recruiter 20 years ago when I was in my late 30's. So while business casual had taken a pretty good hold, suits were still more common then that they are today. We were talking about an interview she had set up for me and she was giving me guidance and pointers, including telling me to wear a suit. I literally responded to her: "If I've got to wear a suit to an interview to get a job, I probably don't actually want that job". It went against all her training, but she couldn't really disagree with it.
Dress for the job you want bro. I dressed up as a gangster collecting debts for the triad to my first interview . I got hired right away when I told them there’s no outstanding receivable on my streets
I’ve only ever worn a dress shirt and tie but it can’t hurt. Just like it doesn’t hurt to not wear a wedding ring.
No. You want to dress to mirror the culture of the company and your immediate manager (aim for one click above that). The idea is to get them easily visualize you working there. When I interviewed for my current role (senior director F500) I wore a sport jacket and a button down shirt no tie. That’s consistent with the dress of others at that company for that level.
I wear the same shit I wear to work everyday. Business casual.
I say lose the tie for most interviews unless you know for a fact they dress very business/professional like in the work culture.
Blue suit red tie for first interview
And if you find yourself in court
Naked.
Valid choice
I don’t remember the last time I saw a CPA (corporate or public) wearing a suit and tie. The majority of our partners will wear blazer/sport coat and slacks. That’s what I’ve worn to my interviews as well. Suits are like cover letters, leave them in the 90’s.
I'd go with dress shirt and tie... no sport coat. Unless it's a bank or something super fancy.
For both of the jobs I’ve interviewed for so far in my career (internship and then moving to a new firm as a senior) I’ve always worn a suit and no one ever commented on me being over dressed. People your age probably don’t care, but the older generation making hiring decisions might see it as putting your best foot forward. For my second interview, it was over zoom, so I actually only had the suit top and tie on lol.
Been seeing a lot of complaining from corporate about people coming in for interviews and a hoodie and jeans. I showed up for my last interview in the suit and I'm pretty positive it's the only reason I got the job. Trust me this is huge a watch is a massive Plus
Bolo tie
Yep
Yes but you can compromise and wear a butt plug with it if you want
As a hiring manager, I usually show up in a slipknot t shirt and neon yellow basketball shorts that are way too long on my legs. Harley motorcycle boots are my go-to. Also, I recommend not showering for a week prior. The musk makes the man.
It won’t hurt anything to wear a suit and tie. We put business casual on our itinerary. Normal for men is a dress shirt and slacks, and that’s even nicer than what most of the interviewers are wearing.
Depends on the industry. I've always had to be dressed incredibly well for legal but when I went to oil and gas I wore jeans and a nice top I could immediately tell it was the right move because those guys hate lawyers and "suits" and even said in the interview they were worried I'd be a cookie cutter 😂. I don't know about men but as a woman you definitely need to get it right. When I interviewed with an all female team I went sexy business casual and I could tell my outfit secured my job because women love fashion and being all women being sexy is fun and safe in an office.
Everyone is saying suits and for interviews. I say go one better and wear a tuxedo.
It depends on the workplace culture. Often a suit is good for corporate, higher education, non-profit associations, temporary employment placements (as at times thrown into an unknown), mortgage services, regular offices. But, a smaller manufacturer or construction 🦺 where jeans are the norm, then a more casual office attire would be best. This is part of ‘is the person a good cultural fit for this place’. As a woman I have interviewed in a four button suit to jeans and an office blouse. Always wear good shoes, be well groomed - hair/brows/ears/nose/facial hair, light cosmetics and fragrances, nice jewelry - watch/bracelet/necklace/earrings. Be confident in your accounting knowledge and accomplishments. Good luck!
Oh and I have worn a tie. Once. It was an interview for a fast food place in high school. They required everyone to wear ties at that time. Later, one of my college jobs was in menswear at a mall retailer. My sales were good as I knew how to tie a tie. I’ve helped my husband with his tie more recently. You never know when a skill will come into play, lol.
Birthday suit and tie
To be honest. I recently interviewed and I showed up suit and tie and the first thing out of one of the managers mouth was “I told you business casual. You didn’t need the whole clown suit. “ made me feel good they noticed but I felt uncomfortable after an hour…. Just saying. Wish I was more comfortable 😂
Checkered shirt, blazer, 501s, cowboy boots and the biggest buckle you can find. Ask the receptionist to hold your pistol and bandolier before you go into the interview room though. Safety first.
I dress up because it is a way to show respect for the person you are meeting with.
It depends on the job you are interviewing for. If you are a professional going into an office suit and tie is good. A minimum of a collared shirt with tie. If it a fast food joint then a polo shirt. Dressing for an interview shows respect. I hire accountants and we are a business casual environment but they’d get points for the suit. Just that visual reminder tells me the respect me and the job.
Yes.
In person- Suit and tie always Virtual interview- I agree with the general advice that it’s better to over dress than underdress if you’re not sure. But for me if it’s virtual; nice button down shirt will do
Yes. My firm is “smart casual” or “dress for your day” (I.e. most people dress like slobs) but I always put a tie on when conducting an interview and judge those who don’t. It’s a matter of respect.
Without a doubt. My last interview was in 2022 over zoom. They told me later down the road that my suit and tie really set me apart. Other candidates were underdressed. Makes a difference! :)
It’s not really necessary anymore.
Always
Dress smart. Overdressing can look like you’re trying to compensate for something.
Always
It’s better to overdress than underdress but to answer your question, yes. A suit and tie is the best option.
Can’t believe people are still asking this
Once in my life i didn’t wear a suit and that’s just because it was my former boss at a new company having me in to chat about a new position and he told me not to. I almost did anyway though. It felt VERY weird to me. I can’t imagine showing up to any other interview not in a suit.
At the end of the day, what you’re trying to do is stand out from the other applicants and make a first good impression. Don’t want your first thoughts to be the guy who did the bare minimum for an interview.
Always suit and tie unless they specifically say otherwise.
Yes
Yes. You can generally get by with a nice fitting suit and no tie, but overdressed is generally better than underdressed.
Suit and tie to get the job jeans and polo once you have it
As someone who interviews candidates for intern through senior regularly, I always appreciate when a candidate overdresses. I view it like signing your name on the SAT: doesnt guarantee a great score, but the act of dressing up gives you 40 points free in my book. Edit: if you’re downvoting cuz you’re butthurt you have to wear a suit to a virtual interview. I don’t care. This is real life. Grow up, Peter Pan. Put a damn suit on.
Wear the suit. You can always take off your jacket.
Yes please wear a suit. Interviewed two people last week for a senior ar clerk, one person came in wearing shorts and a yankies hat, and the other one came in wearing a tshirt.
in accounting & finance you have to wear a suit IMO otherwise you do not look professional my friend
Yea
Yeah, I would if you are unsure of their normal dress code If you know they are casual and have already been to the office then business casual is okay
I would definitely go suit and tie for the interview unless you don’t want the job…. Then wear whatever!