Wearing a suit for interview

[Aunty Pasty]

Do people still dress up in a suit for an interview these days? I have a face-to-face interview coming up soon and I'm not sure what to wear. The role is a software development role and normal attire would be just normal casual wear. I was thinking of just going smart casual. Wearing a suit would make me stick out like a sore thumb.

[simon_harris]

If it were me going for an interview i would be suited and booted.

Having interviewed several people this year I have been amazed at what people think is acceptable to wear for some senior roles.

[dundarach]

Yes

The answer is why wouldn't you?

You're never overdressed in a suit.

Whereas in jeans and a Hull City Shirt you'd look a bugger in the wrong setting (talking from experience)

[Carbon Sasquatch]

You can always ask ?

If in doubt, I'd go with a suit as there's no real downside. You can always tell them you'd dressed up specially.

[bigandclever]

Aunty Pasty said:

Wearing a suit would make me stick out like a sore thumb.

For software development, having a wash will make you look like some kind of maverick

Booted and suited can't hurt.

[OFORBES]

I am currently working with a global US HQ'd tech firm which has a casual dress code.

When I went in to meet them for the first time to discuss their requirement (kind of a two-sided interview) I wore smart casual. Chinos, shoes, a shirt and a casual blazer without a tie.

And up until maybe 7 or 8 years ago I used to live and die in my suit for work, I would expect all my sales staff to always wear a suit and would judge interviewees who came in not wearing one, but I really do think the working world has changed on this front. I've not worn an actual suit for years now.

Edited by OFORBES on Thursday 1st December 16:49

[toon10]

I'd definitely wear a suit to a job interview. The only thing I would ditch is the tie as these days that can be seen as a bit too formal. I'm sure it wouldn't make much of a difference tie or not though. Our company directors used to come into work fully kitted out and then they all ditched the tie even when seeing clients and senior people.

[deckster]

Suited & booted is unlikely to be remarked upon, but for a development role I'd probably go for smart jeans, proper shoes, shirt, and jacket. Combats and hoodie may well be the everyday dress code but would definitely raise my eyebrows at an interview.

[sinbaddio]

As above - ditch the tie.

My son recently had an interview in a barber's shop (change of career) and he asked me the same question. The simple answer is no-one will be ever be offended by someone who has made an effort. Someone could, however, be very easily offended if they believe you've made zero effort.

[Aunty Pasty]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think I'll go with shirt, smart trousers and shoes with a smart jacket, no tie. Ties seem a rare thing these days.

[NikBartlett]

I've run a lot of interviews in the last 8 months and not seen a single suit. Mind you, all were online and featured mostly candidates from Eastern Europe ahd India

[Golfgtimk28v]

I wore a suit recently to an interview, bloke interviewing me had jeans and scabby jumper on.

[Doofus]

When it comes to suits I'm more bothered by cheap, see-through shirts, collars that are too big or too small, amd ties that are tied wrongly.

I'd sooner see a candidate dressed smart-casual than one dressed badly in a cheap suit with a Tesco shirt and a polyester tie.

[BigRusko]

100% wear a suit.

Golfgtimk28v said:

I wore a suit recently to an interview, bloke interviewing me had jeans and scabby jumper on.

IMO there was only one person in that interview putting the effort in.

[E63eeeeee...]

Check the interviewers' LinkedIn pics and see what they're wearing.

In any case it never hurts to turn up in a jacket, if everyone else is in shirts or t-shirts, just stick it on the back of your chair.

[sutoka]

Depends on the job, if it's IT or web/ graphic design advertising then you will stand out if you dress all corporate " here comes the insurance salesman" was a phrase I heard a lot.

[______]

Doofus said:

When it comes to suits I'm more bothered by cheap, see-through shirts, collars that are too big or too small, amd ties that are tied wrongly.

I'd sooner see a candidate dressed smart-casual than one dressed badly in a cheap suit with a Tesco shirt and a polyester tie.

Perhaps you’d be wise to recalibrate your perspectives to look past that. Just perhaps consider that individual has scrimped and saved to buy those smart clothes as the interview is hugely important to them and they’ve made considerable effort despite limited means.

[Doofus]

Username doesn't parse said:

Doofus said:

When it comes to suits I'm more bothered by cheap, see-through shirts, collars that are too big or too small, amd ties that are tied wrongly.

I'd sooner see a candidate dressed smart-casual than one dressed badly in a cheap suit with a Tesco shirt and a polyester tie.

Perhaps you’d be wise to recalibrate your perspectives to look past that. Just perhaps consider that individual has scrimped and saved to buy those smart clothes as the interview is hugely important to them and they’ve made considerable effort despite limited means.

I've not interviewed anyone for thirty fifteen years. I'm talking about 'business meetings'.

Edited by Doofus on Friday 2nd December 07:43

Edited by Doofus on Friday 2nd December 07:47

[andyA700]

[quote=__]

Doofus said:

When it comes to suits I'm more bothered by cheap, see-through shirts, collars that are too big or too small, amd ties that are tied wrongly.

I'd sooner see a candidate dressed smart-casual than one dressed badly in a cheap suit with a Tesco shirt and a polyester tie.

Perhaps you’d be wise to recalibrate your perspectives to look past that. Just perhaps consider that individual has scrimped and saved to buy those smart clothes as the interview is hugely important to them and they’ve made considerable effort despite limited means.

That is an extremely good point, the fact that the candidate has shown respect and really tried to impress.

[mark seeker]

I think as a minimum, smart trousers, collared shirt with shoes/boots. A couple of years ago we must have interviewed 30 software engineers, most wore this (a few wore suits).

I certainly wouldn't rock up with jeans and a polo, you haven't got the job yet. Just my view though.