Dress Code for Engineering Interviews

Recruiter Tip: Dress at or above the level of the interviewer when meeting in-person or virtually. There are caveats, however. Company culture will influence interview attire. I once had a client in the construction industry tell me under no circumstances should a candidate wear a suit to an interview. Their rationale was they didn't want anyone to stand out while they were in the office. Some companies have a laidback work environment, however the interviewer may believe candidates lack professionalism when they don't wear a suit. What do you do when you don't know? First, if what to wear is not stated or implied, then my default recommendation is to wear business professional attire. Second, if your intuition is telling you dressing up will not be well received, then I suggest you ask when scheduling the interview. #recruitertip #interviewattire #dresstoimpress

How should we dress for the interview? Dressing appropriately for an interview is crucial to making a positive first impression. Here are some general guidelines on how to dress for an interview: #research the Company Dress Code: Before the interview, research the company's dress code. Different industries and companies may have varying expectations for attire. #Choose Professional Attire: For most interviews, it's safest to wear professional business attire. This typically includes a suit (or a coordinated blazer and dress pants/skirt) for both men and women. #Colors and Patterns: Stick to neutral colors like black, gray, navy, or brown. Avoid flashy or overly bright colors. Subtle patterns, like pinstripes or small checks, are generally acceptable. #Conservative Clothing: Aim for conservative and modest clothing. Avoid clothing that is too tight, too short, or too revealing. #Grooming Matters: Pay attention to personal grooming. Ensure your clothes are clean, pressed, and in good condition. Maintain good personal hygiene. #Footwear: Choose closed-toe shoes that are clean and polished. For men, dress shoes are appropriate, and for women, conservative heels or flats work well. #Minimal Accessories: Keep accessories to a minimum. A watch, simple jewelry, and a professional-looking bag are usually sufficient. #Avoid Strong Fragrances: Skip strong perfumes or colognes, as some people may be sensitive to strong scents. #Consider the Industry: Adjust your attire based on the industry. For example, a creative field might allow for more individual expression, while a corporate setting may require a more formal approach. #Bring Necessary Items: Bring a clean, professional-looking portfolio or folder to carry your resume, a notepad, and any other relevant documents. Remember, the key is to present yourself as polished, professional, and respectful of the company's culture. If in doubt, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed for an interview.

Question I get often for interviews, especially the first one, which is most likely over video: "Dude, what do I wear?" Here's a quick thumb guide on how you can infer what to do: - Stalk their LinkedIn. Look at employee profile pics. Are they wearing suits? Hoodies? Branded polos? That’s your baseline. - Dig through company pics. Check their “About Us” page, Instagram, or press releases. See what leadership wears in public. -Look at people with your job title. On LinkedIn, same role + same company = your dress code cheat sheet. - Decode the job posting. “Fast-paced” and “innovative” usually means casual or smart casual. “Professional” or “corporate” means you gotta break out the jacket. --- Then know that different industries have different rules: -Finance, law, consulting: Suit up. Period. There's a reason the show is called "Suits" - Tech, creative: Smart casual. Button-down, blouse, blazer — no tie unless it’s clearly their norm. - Manufacturing, logistics, skilled trades: Polo or collared shirt. Look sharp but practical. Show up in a suit and you risk looking like a corporate stiff who cannot relate to the workforce and culture. - Startups: Casual, but level up one notch from what they normally wear. Everyone in a t-shirt? Wear a polo. Everyone in a polo? Wear a button-up. --- Golden rule: It’s easy to take off a blazer mid-call. It’s impossible to add one without looking like you just got dressed. (True story- this happened to me in a meeting with a group of investors. I showed up in a suit with no tie and everyone was in a polo. Definitely felt out of place. In the first 10-15 min, I took off the jacket and rolled back my sleeves, and was more at ease with everyone.) Aim one step more formal than you think you need. First impressions count. Make yours look like you showed up to win. --- If you are interviewing people, what do you expect them to wear?