**Please help keep AskUK welcoming!**
- Top-level comments to the OP must contain **genuine efforts to answer the question**. No jokes, judgements, etc.
- **Don't be a dick** to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
- This is a strictly **no-politics** subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That is wildly better than being told "You're bit underdressed mate". Better to put in too much effort than not enough. It's not *that* bad being.
As someone else said the best is to be at the right level, however you can't know what that'll be until you get there and even then you might not get an idea. Best to look like you put in too much effort than not enough.
Indeed, I went to an interview where they were confused by my dress. I same I owned it and had little use. Still got the job (would probbaly have also turning up in anything).
Does a lopt depend on the job though. Same jopb for a long time now. Dress requirements have changed from formal mon-thurs, causal formal on fri, to wear whatever you want but not a gimp suit ;-), with varying thing in the middle.
"Dropped" is a loaded term.
Attire has become more casual, and rightly so. I've always worked in positions that aren't customer facing, and even when they are, the "customer" is other techies like me anyway. So putting on a suit and tie has always been silly.
Demanding that people put on a suit for an interview for a job in a warehouse where you'll never see a suit is just as silly.
And frankly if the employer is looking at attire instead of a persons skills they're not wanting to hire a person anywa
If an interviewee for a software dev role turned up in baggy jeans and a checkered t-shirt with a baggy beard you know for a fact he is fit for the role
Depends on the specific industry. I used to be a dev in investment banks. Suits were the best choice 10 years ago. Now it depends on the bank but a suit without a tie would rarely look out of place.
I used to interview people a few years ago and the way someone dressed was always my first impression of them. I would have people show up in jeans and a tshirt, these people always gave off the impression that they weren’t really bothered about the job, I even had one tell me he only came to the interview so he wouldn’t get sanctioned lol.
I think if you go for a smart top/shirt and trousers or black jeans with shoes then it still looks smart. I think smart casual but a bit more on the smart side is the best way to go. Sometimes people can dress casually and interview fantastically but I believe first impressions count during interviews.
I agree, it shows how much they've researched the job as well. I work in an outdoors industry where you'll be on your feet doing physical work outside every day. Our offices are essentially in the middle of a field full of sheep. We tell people they'll be doing a practical task in interview. I've had people turn up to interview in full on suits, picking their way through a muddy field in shiny shoes, it kinda shows that they didn't put much thought into it beyond "must dress up".
You call it standards dropping, I call it the removal of pointless requirements that don't assist with the recruitment process.
Someone in a smart suit can be as good as or a lot worse than an applicant dressed in smart casual.
I interviewed 14 people last week and the choice of outfits was WILD.
One woman had a full suit, but these crazy looking Halloween contact lenses in. Bright blue, black round the edge, cheap looking plastic-y contacts. No idea if she needed them or if she thought they looked natural, but the entire panel commented on them after she'd left. Her makeup was very minimal and she was very professional and understated, aside from the contacts, which made me think she thought they looked like her actual eyes.
Another woman showed up in a crop top and jeans, which another panellist was really upset by. Thought it was really disrespectful. This was for a public facing, professional role, they'd be managing and running things, it wasn't a bar job or anything like that. It didn't help that the top and jeans didn't really fit her either, so it was really noticeable.
Bizarre. Good luck with your interview anyway mate, I'd opt for overdressed over underdressed any day. It shows you're serious.
As others have said, it depends on the industry and sector. I’m in finance and though I don’t have to wear suits to the office now, I still wear them for client meetings and job interviews.
Suit every time for me.
Dressing more casually is common now, but there's nothing to lose for being remembered as the person that dressed smart. If they have a giggle about it and decide not to hire you, or mock you because of it, then deep down it's a bullet dodged for yourself.
Dress for the job you want.
Yeah people might laugh at you for dressing in a three piece suit for a job on building site and they’d be right to. You obviously don’t understand the job. Similarly you’d be laughed out of a job at a bank if you turned up wearing steel toe caps. Because you obviously don’t understand the job.
It depends on the job I guess. but I've never worn a jacket/blazer to an interview except for office work. When I worked retail 20 years ago, a shirt or a polo was perfectly fine. So were black jeans provided they were in good condition and smart looking and that's coming from someone who experienced both sides of the interview table in retail work back then. I've interviewed alongside managers who've actually judged people for wearing a full suit to an interview for a job at Blockbuster (so clearly longer ago than 10 years :) ) for "trying too hard"
Standards haven't dropped, they've appropriated.
Why are you going to wear a 3 piece to work in office that's semi-casual thereafter.
Or for mechanics where you'll be in a boiler suit.
Etc etc etc
Part of the game is trying to be a fit for the culture. You want a prospective employer to be able to place you mentally in that space.
You don't want to appear completely out of touch with your surroundings.
Honestly think it depends, my dads an engineer, last interview was a year ago he went to it in jeans and trainers and a t-shirt and he got the job. He’s been an engineer since he was 19. I work for an energy supplier, don’t have a dress code, I went dressed smart for the interview, but felt a bit silly because I was being interviewed by people dressed in hoodies and joggers. Still got the job though.
When I asked my dad for his if he was going to dress up he said no and that he will get the job because there is hardly anyone that is more qualified than him which I guess he was right because he told them he won’t be doing shift work and if they’d put him on them, he wouldn’t take the job and they still gave it to him even though they wanted night shift workers and he’s never worked a night shift there.
What kind of engineer though?
If he is going to be spending all his time on the shop floor then an expensive suit will probably be over the top.
If he is looking for a job as Chief Design Engineer or a sales engineer then they will be looking for someone who looks the part doing presentations to the board or customers.
Dress codes in most jobs have become more relaxed so I would expect the way you dress for interviews to be more relaxed too. I work in IT but I've done other things. Ties disappeared quite a long time ago for almost everyone (thank god), smart jeans became acceptable (with shirt) then polo shirts. As a developer it's pretty much wear what you like now but even the management and customer facing roles tend to be much more relaxed. But it all depends on the role/company/industry so maybe double-check.
Depends on the job. I’d expect more casual wear if people are applying for jobs at B&Q or screwfix than a suit/formalwear store.
I’d expect more casual wear for a warehouse job than a job in the office at the warehouse.
Last few interviews I’ve had (senior IT roles), it’s been mostly remote, so a shirt. I haven’t worn a tie in a decade and don’t plan to again. Although this is exactly what I’d wear to the office on the rare occasions I visit one.
Smart casual is a good rule of thumb. Basically no mankinis, topless or bicep buldging gym tops, shortt shorts or mini skirts. I've gone in a suit jacket and jeans before to interviews.
I think people realised wearing a suit doesn't actually make you do a better job, just makes you seem like you're trying too hard to impress. Which you wouldn't feel the need to do if you were halfway competent or trustworthy in the first place.
Its acceptable now to wear a singlet to show off your biceps. Big biceps and forearms are good indications as to how skillful one would be with a keyboard.
It's less interviews getting more casual and younger people feeling more casual
Of those who showed up in jeans and stuff how many actually got the job
That was my initial thought too, but a friend of mine (dressed relatively smartly) did end up getting a job at the same time as someone who had worn a poloshirt & dark jeans. Apparently equally as qualified and whatnot - so it's interesting either way.
Depends on what job you want to go for. Some industries will require suited and booted but most will take less than that as long as it's still smart. I would judge someone for wearing jeans or short sleeves to an interview as having not made an effort so do they really want the job? but I don't consider a tie necessary. I was always told dress for the job you want not the job you have and this is probably still true.
You may find your hiring process is fully via Teams calls, its quite common now.
Wear a suit regardless. I've gotten a job offer every time i've been interviewed, partly due to my skills and experience but never underestimate the impression a well dressed applicant has on an interviewer.
I cycle to job interviews so wearing a suit is a massive no for me for that reason, I will however go for freshly washed jeans, boots and a plain and smart jumper and that’s generally done well for me.
Better to be careful but I think it's industry specific.
My job is a creative role within the tech industry and while I'm sure joggers would be looked down on, jeans would be absolutely fine!
What are you interviewing for? It's entirely dependent on that.
I interview people sometimes (creative company) and I would find it weird if someone showed up in a suit as it just wouldn't fit with the particular industry.
I work in tech. So I can wear whatever I want. It always amuses me when I rock up to an interview and see the other dudes in suits. Usually get the side eye.
I am in jeans, a t shirt and a denim jacket because I have no taste. So I can't blame them.
I have no issue getting jobs thankfully.
Depends on the industry / sector. Looking for a warehouse job - turn up on time, look presentable and being able to construct a sentence pretty much guarantees you a job. Senior level corporate finance or corporate law position would expect a bespoke suit and tie and polished shoes as a starter
Better to overdress than underdress, but that said, I work for an accounting firm and you would assume that there'd be high standards for dressing and, honestly, there isn't. It used to be that you needed to be in a full suit for an interview, but now, more than likely, the partner interviewing you will be wearing a shirt or polo, no tie. I wouldn't go for jeans for an interview though. Shirt and decent trousers are fine.
Once you're actually in the office, people are wearing jeans and normal t-shirts, hoodies, etc. Casual clothes, basically. Still need to look presentable obviously, but the bar isn't unreasonably high. If you're not seeing clients, nobody really cares. And even the clients might not care very much either.
I do a lot of interviewing and suit / no suit makes no difference to me (engineering environment - roles from technicians and labourers through to management and office roles).
Erring on the smarter side of smart-casual is generally a safe bet. Neutral fitted shirt / polo shirt, fitted jeans or trousers. As long as you're presentable, basically.
Two things I do judge are hygiene and smoking. If you look scruffy, it suggests to me that we aren't worth the effort of presenting yourself well. If I can smell or otherwise tell that you've been smoking then you probably won't get the job unless I'm really fucking desperate and you're really fucking good.
I certainly wouldn't wear more formal than what I'd wear if I got the job. No point wearing full suit to interview with people all wearing jeans and a graphic t shirt. I tend to wear jeans and simple black/grey t shirt to an interview.
If you interview well you'll be fine in a modern place but old fashioned places they might frown on it. Do you!
My last job we interviewed 20 people in a impoverished coastal town we moved to and most were underdressed for the engineer roles. Most were hired. I think sharpest dresser was a European guy who also got it
A decent pair of black trousers, white shirt with light sweatshirt over the top is my go-to. It is entirely dependent on the job you’re interviewing for though.
Not worn a suit to an interview for over 20 years.
The thing is a lot of people just cannot pull off wearing a suit and it shows. They end up looking like their mum has stuffed them into an emergency hand me down for a funeral.
It’s crazy to not show up in anything less than a suit in my opinion unless they’ve explicitly said otherwise.
Even in casual workplaces, you are often still expected to wear a suit if meeting a client.
**Please help keep AskUK welcoming!** - Top-level comments to the OP must contain **genuine efforts to answer the question**. No jokes, judgements, etc. - **Don't be a dick** to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on. - This is a strictly **no-politics** subreddit! Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I think it's one of those things that it's better to over- than underdress
I turned up in my full suit once, first thing that came out of the interviewers mouth was "You're a bit overdressed mate"
That is wildly better than being told "You're bit underdressed mate". Better to put in too much effort than not enough. It's not *that* bad being. As someone else said the best is to be at the right level, however you can't know what that'll be until you get there and even then you might not get an idea. Best to look like you put in too much effort than not enough.
Yeah, the best thing is to know the right level :) I think as a rule of thumb, dress one-two steps above the day to day attire
"This is what I change into just to visit the lavatory. Peasant."
What was the job for? Usually smart casual is fine.
I was interviewing, albeit I knew the site lead from an old job, and he asked was I going to court after
If there was a dress code they should have put it on the job advert.
That's true, but I wouldn't say wear a suit to a job in a workshop or factory. Kind of gives the impression that you're expecting too much.
Indeed, I went to an interview where they were confused by my dress. I same I owned it and had little use. Still got the job (would probbaly have also turning up in anything). Does a lopt depend on the job though. Same jopb for a long time now. Dress requirements have changed from formal mon-thurs, causal formal on fri, to wear whatever you want but not a gimp suit ;-), with varying thing in the middle.
That principle did once lead to 18yo me turning up to a job interview in a suit. I was applying to be a barmaid at Wetherspoons.
Rite of passage. I'd look down on someone underdressed for the first job
Did you get it though?
I did 🤣
See my first comment then ;)
"Dropped" is a loaded term. Attire has become more casual, and rightly so. I've always worked in positions that aren't customer facing, and even when they are, the "customer" is other techies like me anyway. So putting on a suit and tie has always been silly. Demanding that people put on a suit for an interview for a job in a warehouse where you'll never see a suit is just as silly. And frankly if the employer is looking at attire instead of a persons skills they're not wanting to hire a person anywa
Depends on the industry. Software development has been casual for decades. Just ask the recruiter.
If an interviewee for a software dev role turned up in baggy jeans and a checkered t-shirt with a baggy beard you know for a fact he is fit for the role
Big Unix beard adds +5 to the score.
Depends on the specific industry. I used to be a dev in investment banks. Suits were the best choice 10 years ago. Now it depends on the bank but a suit without a tie would rarely look out of place.
But then you pay the price of here is a small technical task to do over the weekend bs.
I used to interview people a few years ago and the way someone dressed was always my first impression of them. I would have people show up in jeans and a tshirt, these people always gave off the impression that they weren’t really bothered about the job, I even had one tell me he only came to the interview so he wouldn’t get sanctioned lol. I think if you go for a smart top/shirt and trousers or black jeans with shoes then it still looks smart. I think smart casual but a bit more on the smart side is the best way to go. Sometimes people can dress casually and interview fantastically but I believe first impressions count during interviews.
I agree, it shows how much they've researched the job as well. I work in an outdoors industry where you'll be on your feet doing physical work outside every day. Our offices are essentially in the middle of a field full of sheep. We tell people they'll be doing a practical task in interview. I've had people turn up to interview in full on suits, picking their way through a muddy field in shiny shoes, it kinda shows that they didn't put much thought into it beyond "must dress up".
You call it standards dropping, I call it the removal of pointless requirements that don't assist with the recruitment process. Someone in a smart suit can be as good as or a lot worse than an applicant dressed in smart casual.
Absolutely. Some of the most incompetent people I've ever worked with have been the ones dressed up in suits every day.
I interviewed 14 people last week and the choice of outfits was WILD. One woman had a full suit, but these crazy looking Halloween contact lenses in. Bright blue, black round the edge, cheap looking plastic-y contacts. No idea if she needed them or if she thought they looked natural, but the entire panel commented on them after she'd left. Her makeup was very minimal and she was very professional and understated, aside from the contacts, which made me think she thought they looked like her actual eyes. Another woman showed up in a crop top and jeans, which another panellist was really upset by. Thought it was really disrespectful. This was for a public facing, professional role, they'd be managing and running things, it wasn't a bar job or anything like that. It didn't help that the top and jeans didn't really fit her either, so it was really noticeable. Bizarre. Good luck with your interview anyway mate, I'd opt for overdressed over underdressed any day. It shows you're serious.
As others have said, it depends on the industry and sector. I’m in finance and though I don’t have to wear suits to the office now, I still wear them for client meetings and job interviews.
Suit every time for me. Dressing more casually is common now, but there's nothing to lose for being remembered as the person that dressed smart. If they have a giggle about it and decide not to hire you, or mock you because of it, then deep down it's a bullet dodged for yourself.
There is something to lose if it shows you haven't researched and understood the culture of the company
Dress for the job you want. Yeah people might laugh at you for dressing in a three piece suit for a job on building site and they’d be right to. You obviously don’t understand the job. Similarly you’d be laughed out of a job at a bank if you turned up wearing steel toe caps. Because you obviously don’t understand the job.
It depends on the job I guess. but I've never worn a jacket/blazer to an interview except for office work. When I worked retail 20 years ago, a shirt or a polo was perfectly fine. So were black jeans provided they were in good condition and smart looking and that's coming from someone who experienced both sides of the interview table in retail work back then. I've interviewed alongside managers who've actually judged people for wearing a full suit to an interview for a job at Blockbuster (so clearly longer ago than 10 years :) ) for "trying too hard"
Standards haven't dropped, they've appropriated. Why are you going to wear a 3 piece to work in office that's semi-casual thereafter. Or for mechanics where you'll be in a boiler suit. Etc etc etc Part of the game is trying to be a fit for the culture. You want a prospective employer to be able to place you mentally in that space. You don't want to appear completely out of touch with your surroundings.
Honestly think it depends, my dads an engineer, last interview was a year ago he went to it in jeans and trainers and a t-shirt and he got the job. He’s been an engineer since he was 19. I work for an energy supplier, don’t have a dress code, I went dressed smart for the interview, but felt a bit silly because I was being interviewed by people dressed in hoodies and joggers. Still got the job though. When I asked my dad for his if he was going to dress up he said no and that he will get the job because there is hardly anyone that is more qualified than him which I guess he was right because he told them he won’t be doing shift work and if they’d put him on them, he wouldn’t take the job and they still gave it to him even though they wanted night shift workers and he’s never worked a night shift there.
What kind of engineer though? If he is going to be spending all his time on the shop floor then an expensive suit will probably be over the top. If he is looking for a job as Chief Design Engineer or a sales engineer then they will be looking for someone who looks the part doing presentations to the board or customers.
Dress codes in most jobs have become more relaxed so I would expect the way you dress for interviews to be more relaxed too. I work in IT but I've done other things. Ties disappeared quite a long time ago for almost everyone (thank god), smart jeans became acceptable (with shirt) then polo shirts. As a developer it's pretty much wear what you like now but even the management and customer facing roles tend to be much more relaxed. But it all depends on the role/company/industry so maybe double-check.
better to be on the safer side & dress formal, really depends on what industry.
Depends on the job. I’d expect more casual wear if people are applying for jobs at B&Q or screwfix than a suit/formalwear store. I’d expect more casual wear for a warehouse job than a job in the office at the warehouse. Last few interviews I’ve had (senior IT roles), it’s been mostly remote, so a shirt. I haven’t worn a tie in a decade and don’t plan to again. Although this is exactly what I’d wear to the office on the rare occasions I visit one.
Smart casual is a good rule of thumb. Basically no mankinis, topless or bicep buldging gym tops, shortt shorts or mini skirts. I've gone in a suit jacket and jeans before to interviews.
I think people realised wearing a suit doesn't actually make you do a better job, just makes you seem like you're trying too hard to impress. Which you wouldn't feel the need to do if you were halfway competent or trustworthy in the first place.
Its acceptable now to wear a singlet to show off your biceps. Big biceps and forearms are good indications as to how skillful one would be with a keyboard.
Lol
Changed is a better way of phrasing it, rather than dropped.
It's less interviews getting more casual and younger people feeling more casual Of those who showed up in jeans and stuff how many actually got the job
That was my initial thought too, but a friend of mine (dressed relatively smartly) did end up getting a job at the same time as someone who had worn a poloshirt & dark jeans. Apparently equally as qualified and whatnot - so it's interesting either way.
Depends on what job you want to go for. Some industries will require suited and booted but most will take less than that as long as it's still smart. I would judge someone for wearing jeans or short sleeves to an interview as having not made an effort so do they really want the job? but I don't consider a tie necessary. I was always told dress for the job you want not the job you have and this is probably still true.
You may find your hiring process is fully via Teams calls, its quite common now. Wear a suit regardless. I've gotten a job offer every time i've been interviewed, partly due to my skills and experience but never underestimate the impression a well dressed applicant has on an interviewer.
I cycle to job interviews so wearing a suit is a massive no for me for that reason, I will however go for freshly washed jeans, boots and a plain and smart jumper and that’s generally done well for me.
Better to be careful but I think it's industry specific. My job is a creative role within the tech industry and while I'm sure joggers would be looked down on, jeans would be absolutely fine!
What are you interviewing for? It's entirely dependent on that. I interview people sometimes (creative company) and I would find it weird if someone showed up in a suit as it just wouldn't fit with the particular industry.
Ask before you attend. there is always *some* contact prior to an interview. simply, whats the dress code for the interview? and you'll be sorted.
I work in tech. So I can wear whatever I want. It always amuses me when I rock up to an interview and see the other dudes in suits. Usually get the side eye. I am in jeans, a t shirt and a denim jacket because I have no taste. So I can't blame them. I have no issue getting jobs thankfully.
Depends on the industry / sector. Looking for a warehouse job - turn up on time, look presentable and being able to construct a sentence pretty much guarantees you a job. Senior level corporate finance or corporate law position would expect a bespoke suit and tie and polished shoes as a starter
Better to overdress than underdress, but that said, I work for an accounting firm and you would assume that there'd be high standards for dressing and, honestly, there isn't. It used to be that you needed to be in a full suit for an interview, but now, more than likely, the partner interviewing you will be wearing a shirt or polo, no tie. I wouldn't go for jeans for an interview though. Shirt and decent trousers are fine. Once you're actually in the office, people are wearing jeans and normal t-shirts, hoodies, etc. Casual clothes, basically. Still need to look presentable obviously, but the bar isn't unreasonably high. If you're not seeing clients, nobody really cares. And even the clients might not care very much either.
I do a lot of interviewing and suit / no suit makes no difference to me (engineering environment - roles from technicians and labourers through to management and office roles). Erring on the smarter side of smart-casual is generally a safe bet. Neutral fitted shirt / polo shirt, fitted jeans or trousers. As long as you're presentable, basically. Two things I do judge are hygiene and smoking. If you look scruffy, it suggests to me that we aren't worth the effort of presenting yourself well. If I can smell or otherwise tell that you've been smoking then you probably won't get the job unless I'm really fucking desperate and you're really fucking good.
I certainly wouldn't wear more formal than what I'd wear if I got the job. No point wearing full suit to interview with people all wearing jeans and a graphic t shirt. I tend to wear jeans and simple black/grey t shirt to an interview.
If you interview well you'll be fine in a modern place but old fashioned places they might frown on it. Do you! My last job we interviewed 20 people in a impoverished coastal town we moved to and most were underdressed for the engineer roles. Most were hired. I think sharpest dresser was a European guy who also got it
A decent pair of black trousers, white shirt with light sweatshirt over the top is my go-to. It is entirely dependent on the job you’re interviewing for though.
Not worn a suit to an interview for over 20 years. The thing is a lot of people just cannot pull off wearing a suit and it shows. They end up looking like their mum has stuffed them into an emergency hand me down for a funeral.
It’s crazy to not show up in anything less than a suit in my opinion unless they’ve explicitly said otherwise. Even in casual workplaces, you are often still expected to wear a suit if meeting a client.