Is it still required to wear a suit to an interview?

Is it still required to wear a suit to an interview?

I have a last minute in person interview in 2 days for a mid level engineering position. My mom always told me to wear a suit when I was younger. Is this still a thing? I see people come in for interviews all the time without a suit on. What are your takes?

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91 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Hi there.. I would say it's best to err on the side of caution. While the job role you are interviewing for may not require very formal dressing on a day to day basis, it is best to put your best foot forward and be overdressed rather than turn up casually dressed and have that affect your chances (which shouldn't really) but it wouldn't hurt to turn up smartly dressed.

  2. Anonymous

    A professional dress or twin set is OK too.

  3. Teenie

    What is your role ? While it seems ok to not go in a suit, "looking the part" is key. Now if I was to be baking all day, Id still show up in a "formal" look not in a suit, but as a florist.. probably more flexible vs as other roles etc..

  4. Anonymous

    I wouldn’t dream of showing up at an interview in anything less than a suit or a blazer and dress pants or a skirt. I think it’s the respectful thing to do. You have nothing but time after you get hired to dress more casually.

  5. Kristin

    I've actually had this backfire on me when I was doing a lot of freelance work under the banner of "writer" (though the work wound up being more project management than writing). If I dressed too professionally, client's got the impression that I wasn't "a creative" which is ridiculous, but I had to find a balance between "creative" and "I will still get my full rates."

  6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Things have changed - it's 2023 now. This can very much depend on the position you're interviewing for, the industry or the organization. Showing up in a suit to some places, you'll seem like you won't fit in.

    I used to place engineers - this one company was casual and said they wanted the candidate to come dressed in business casual.

    They did it for two reasons - to see if the candidate would be comfortable in that environment and to see if they listened. Show up in a suit, you wouldn't make it to the next round of interviews.

  7. Kristin

    I'd say for an engineering role a suit might be overkill. You can probably take it down a notch and still look completely professional. Like, a blazer and slacks with a nice shell and good shoes/purse would work I think, but I don't think a matching suit set is necessary. I don't think it would hurt either though. You should also consider whether wearing a suit will make you feel self conscious or uncomfortable - it would for me. If it would for you, you might not interview as well, so I'd say dress in what makes you feel most confident about singing your own praises!

  8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Is there a recruiter you can speak with?
    If so, ask them what the dress code is.

    Unless you're in banking or law firms, sometimes the blue suit route is out of date these days. Offices have gotten a lot more casual for the most part. You don't say what kind of engineering - electrical engineer or software engineer?

    Have you had any phone interviews where you may have gotten a feel for the culture of the office? Even pictures on their website might help. I'd ere on the side of being slightly overdressed as opposed to underdressed. You don't want to be so overdressed, they think you wouldn't fit in.

  9. Paulla Fetzek, MSEd

    I wouldn't say you need a suit. But most certainly a nice shirt/blouse, skirt, or slacks. Or a nice dress. The obvious no-nos are jeans, sweats, yoga pants, anything tight-fitting, torn, revealing, too short. or too informal (hoodies, t-shirts).

  10. Mary Pool

    The best advice I ever received for what to wear to an interview is to wear what you would wear on a day when there are important people coming to the office. In some places, that is a suit; in some, it is Sunday's best clothing.

  11. Anonymous

    not suit, but formal :)

  12. Christi Lopez

    I think it really depends on the workplace culture. I'm almost 50 and at a point in my life where I will never wear a suit again. It's actually a deal-breaker for me.

    I dress for my interviews the same way I want to be able to dress in the office...a nice blouse/sweater, a fun skirt (usually science or art themed), leggings and comfy shoes. The worst thing I could do is dress in a suit for an interview, and then find out that it's standard attire. I would be miserable.

  13. Kimberly Graham

    Well stated!

  14. Sandra

    Things are changing so much in the job world. I have always worn a suit to every interview I've been on. I've been to one in person interview and several virtual interviews. I think the first impression is lasting. I didn't care what other people wore, I just always wanted to look professional.

  15. Anonymous

    My basic rule is to determine what the people in the role typically wear and then step up one notch. If they are casual, I will go in business casual. If they are business causal, I will wear a blazer and skirt. If they generally wear suits, I would wear a suit. I know this isn't always easy to find out, and in that case, check out their website. Often they have staff and office pictures that can give you an idea.

  16. Reb562

    Wear what makes you feel confident. Skirt, trousers, blouse, sweater, etc.. just NO Wrinkles and it must fit well.

  17. Anonymous

    It depends on the company dress code. If it's a tech company with a more casual dress code, a suit may not be necessary. Nice pants (not jeans) with a button down for men or a dress with a jacket for ladies. But it's important that you look and feel your best so wear what's nice and makes you feel confident!

  18. surfnwrite

    If not a suit, at least a blazer over nice slacks. There seems to be a trend lately of women wearing sleeveless dresses like they are going to a nightclub and it makes me cringe. That's not a way to be taken seriously.

  19. Heather Bingham

    You really need to understand the culture of the business you're interviewing for. I've never owned a suit and have never needed to wear one for an interview, but in other sectors it is de rigueur to wear one. The very easiest thing to do is to ask the recruiter what is expected of you. They won't mind being asked at all and that way you can then put it out of your mind and concentrate on the most meaningful part of your preparations.

  20. Anonymous

    It’s validating to learn that I’m not the only professional with a mom that guided my wardrobe in every way.

  21. Tamara

    Most technology positions do not expect a suit on an interview but expect a nice blouse or shirt and nice pants or a skirt. In technology, your skills usually far outweigh anything else. Good luck!

  22. Anonymous

    I think it depends on the role, and can vary within the same company. I once had an interview where we started talking and he said for him a suit was ok, but he knew that in the department where they did photo shoots they’d automatically not hire you if you wore one. I’ve had interviews where they told me ahead of time no suit necessary. I would still wear some sort of jacket or cardigan. Makes me feel more polished.

  23. Ayian

    A suit is only required when the company's dress code requires it. However, you should always dress for the salary you want, not necessarily the one on offer. Psychologically, most people perceive a person's worth by how they look, particularly in settings like an interview. Bear that in mind for accessories, wardrobe, and if you choose to don any warpaint (read: makeup).

    Best wishes for your interview!

  24. Orlagh Costello

    I support the advice already given to ask the recruiter. I will say I've been an engineer 20yrs and gave up trying to get suits I liked years ago. There have to be some benefits to being in a minority in the profession, and part of that is a little bit more freedom in what we wear. For an interview, I usually wear my standard smart black work trousers and a really good top. If it fits properly, is comfortable and looks professional (in that order!) I'm ok with it. I'm the same with interviewing others. I've interviewed some of the best candidates who come in in jeans or trackies - usually because they're coming straight from work themselves, so judging them on their attire just doesn't work very well. I will also say though that I'm in manufacturing - if it's consultancy, there are higher standards cos of clients.

  25. Sharon Rosendahl

    If the company is very casual, I would wear a casual suit, low key accesories and makeup. There are still some more old fashioned companies that without a formal suit you wouldn't be considered. It is rare where a suit will be held against you if you will be working in an office environment. I would wear a step up from what is typical for employees.

    I used to interview for a trucking company. We expected applicants come in wearing work clothes but that they be clean and a little leveled up like a button up work shirt instead of a tshirt.

  26. Rebecca Gale-Gonzalez

    If you want to stand out from the crowd and feel your most confident. Yes, put your best foot forward.

  27. Anonymous

    I would say yes, wear a suit. My husband has hired many employees over the years and a suit always wins out over looking like you're going to the mall or worse. Dress to impress for success! Good luck!

  28. Balanced372207

    And once you land the job, continue to "dress to impress."

  29. Cynthia Armistead Newman

    It depends on the company with whom you're interviewing. I haven't owned a suit in many years. I work in tech, and normal dress mode is casual. I do wear business casual when interviewing, but anyone who showed up in a suit would look out of touch/step.

  30. Anonymous

    One company I worked for was business casual, but they said to think business before casual. If they were going to a client then it was suggested to dress to the level of the executive you were meeting with. Such as the president of a company wore a suit so did you. I am not sure about this particular industry, but I would dress to the highest level of the company, you never know if you will "run into" them accidentally on purpose by HR or the hiring manager.

  31. Anonymous

    It is better to go over dressed than under dressed until you figure out the culture of the company. I had a virtual interview 2 summers ago and the recruiter did mention to me to make sure I wear a suit even for a virtual interview. Good luck!

  32. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    As a candidate, you can wear whatever you want to wear, but a suit is a sign of respect. It shows that you have thought this through, it is important to you and that you have respect for the coveted opportunity to interview for this position. I have had many candidates not get hired because of poor and inappropriate clothing choices on their interview. You can never go wrong with a suit, no matter what the year is. The only exception is if you do not own a suit. Then dress pants, a collard shirt and a jacket. Short skirts, club shoes, bare arms will not serve you well. It is never about what the dress code is because you are not an employee--dress up and show up. Your job is to make an impression. And don't forget that thank you note...

  33. Jenn Etheridge

    I haven’t worn a suit for an interview in years. Bay Area. However, I do typically wear a dress with a blazer. My husband is an engineer, when he was interviewing a year and a half ago I think he wore nice slacks and a collared shirt tucked in. If you’re working with a recruiter, you could always ask what they recommend!

  34. Risk Eng0562

    Agree that a suit is good, as with others; show you've made an effort, show you want the job! If you've gone through a recruiter ask them; "hey, what do you think is the right dress code?" . I still, to this day don't always clue what is the right dress code for a certain event and have no problem saying to colleagues what's the dress code.

    Likewise; if you find yourself feeling overdressed, its easy to dress down a suit simply by pulling the tie, I would usually ask in a round about way, engagement with the interviewer "hey, feeling a bit over-dressed, mind if I lose the tie?", often everyone breathes a sigh of relief, but be authentic whatever you do, if you put on the suit, look and act as if it is natural, don't let dress code ruffle you, unless you under-dress! always easier to undo a top button than sitting there wishing you has one!

  35. Anonymous

    it is pretty much “still the thing” for some positions, i.e. legal counsel, flight attendants, corporate officer, etc. while not so much for positions in marketing, design, tech. The main thing is to wear clothing that is clean, not wrinkled, and not missing any buttons or frayed anywhere.

  36. Christine Baumeister

    Ultimately you want to wear something that makes you feel confident. However, that can be tricky if you don't know the environment in which you will be interviewing. My rule of thumb is that I'd rather be a little overdressed rather than underdressed. The last few interviews I have been on for IT jobs, I wore a blazer or suit jacket with slacks and blouse or sweater, and nice loafers (I gave up heels at work long ago). This allows me to feel pulled-together and professional, which is what I need to feel confident. But again, everyone is different.

  37. EMILY KIKUE FRANK

    I always say to aim for a level above what you would wear to the job itself. That said, unless you're in a very casual profession, a suite doesn't hurt anything.

  38. Anonymous

    Yes. Right or wrong, first impression make the biggest impression and the hiring people aren’t going to be interested in making an offer to someone who comes in for an interview not looking “spit shined”. You can still be comfortable and feeling your best in a suit. Like having a LBD in your closet, everyone should have a suit that fits, looks good on them and makes you feel like a million bucks.

  39. Christine M

    Suit no, but I wear dress pants, top, and jacket.

  40. Anonymous

    I haven't worn or owned a suit since my post-college days (late 90s/early 00s).

  41. Jessica Boelter

    It can depend on the industry. I know in tech, it can look a bit stuffy but in something like banking it’s more expected. I straddle the line by wearing a separate blazer and pants often paired with a bright pair of shoes. Example: green, 3/4 sleeve blazer with navy pants and bright pink flats.

  42. Balanced372207

    I have a classic designer sheath dress with a matching jacket that I purchased almost 20 years ago when materials were not as cheap as they are now. I wear that with a brightly colored scarf and matching shoes to interviews.

  43. Rich

    You can always ask the person who scheduled the interview. Unfortunately, they are very likely to say "Business Casual." The problem with that response is that what defines "Business Casual" varies by company. Some are very formal, and some are not. For some it means "A clean shirt and shorts." For others it means, "You can wear a pantsuit." So, see if you can find what people at the company wear regularly to work on social media. Try Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, etc... Also check their company website (that will usually be more formal). Then dress SLIGHTLY above what you see there. Along the way, you might see the people with whom you are interviewing and learn a little more about them that can help you.

  44. Peggy J Holen

    Consider an upscale T-shirt paired with a stylish sport coat and dress dockers with a nice leather shoe (Not a tennis shoe)..cleaned and polished. That should meet the biz casual need plus a bit more. If the cultural is more formal you'e going to have to break the shirt and tie. Whatever you do...at the end of the interview..ASK FOR THE JOB!

  45. Anonymous

    I would go for the suit. You’re better off showing that you took the extra effort and that they are important. If you walk in and everyone is in t-shirts you can take the jacket off. I agree with others that say dress to a level above what you’re interviewing for. I’ve never put a bad mark on someone because they are over dressed, but I have said they didn’t make an effort in their image or take the interview seriously because they weren’t put together. You can be in a suit and show a casual image & personality - it’s harder to be in casual wear and try to show a more formal image if it’s needed.

  46. Lori Laurito Betz

    In my field a suit would be three levels over whatever position you’re interviewing for, and that would include the top positions. Not every field is the same.

  47. Bridget Harrington

    The old advice of "scope out the company before you go" still stands. In the morning or the evening, casually drive through the parking lot or park nearby and see what the other employees are wearing. I work for a technical company that is "business casual." I wear neat jeans and sweaters/tops to work, since I am not customer-facing. The engineers dress similarly, with the exception of the VP of Manufacturing who wears dress shirts with a tie and Dockers. When I interviewed, it was in the summer. I wore neat heeled sandals, black linen slacks, a shell top and a black linen blazer. Not really "a suit" but a step dressier than people here wear for work. The AC wasn't working that day -- it was 101 degrees and we're in New Mexico. I ended up taking off the jacket before the interview and I was dressed just like the 2 women that interviewed me. The 3 men were in short sleeved polo shirts.

    Also look at how younger people dress. I'm in my 50s but I make it a point to keep my dress current to what women in their 20s or 30s wear. You don't want to appear like you're "old school" or make any potential ageism relevant. I moved from the northeast US to the southwestern US and there is a huge difference in how people dress for business here. For example, hose is never worn, except for tights in colder months. You also don't see the corporate skirt suits much here, either, except in law or banking (and not even then). You want to give the interviewer the impression that you fit into the role you're interviewing for.

  48. Balanced372207

    "Look at how younger people dress." Sometimes that is good advice when one is older, sometimes it isn't.

  49. Bridget Harrington

    My comment was more in the vein of "keeping current." I'm of the mind that anyone can wear anything, provided the fit is tailored to your body type and you don't embrace the trend verbatim. My company is currently interviewing for a few positions, and I watched a woman come in who chronologically looked to be my age (mid-50s). The outfit she had on was straight out of 1990 and her makeup and hair were dated...you could tell that she hadn't interviewed in some time, didn't pay attention to how styles have changed and likely wasn't a local (we don't dress that way here). Visually, it reflected as a disconnect, considering that a requirement of most of the jobs here is to keep current on your field/technology. Any inference to being from "another time period" doesn't reflect well. There will be those interviewers looking to screen you out, and you don't want something as fixable as your personal style to be that reason.

  50. Dagney Taggart

    You are so right about different regions of the country and dressing differently. I moved from the New York Metro area to the midwest and have not worn a suit in the last eight years. At my current company, which is global, but I work completely remotely, I wore a tank top, a blazer and jeans to interview.

  51. SB

    Yes

  52. Marilyn Kempf

    I have interviewed candidates for a business casual company. It’s part of our company culture & personality. When a candidate shows up in alot more formal attire, I always wonder if they did any research or have any knowledge about the company. I don’t prioritize this over talent, but why take the risk? Dress like you’re already an employee, ready to go to work!

  53. Anne M Ginsberg

    I respectfully disagree - I think dressing up is a sign of respect. My go-to interview outfit is a simple dress with a knit blazer and appropriate accessories.

  54. Cassandra Schmigotzki

    I think it's a matter of personal preference. I have never owned a suit and wouldn't want a job requiring one (generally equates to a stressful job). I wear business casual, the same thing I'd have on for a scheduled visit with a vendor or customer.

    It also would depend on the company environment. At my job the engineers are in jeans.... they're not going to mess up a suit when they potentially have to do something with the machines. So if the company is a manufacturer, I'd skip the suit in case.

  55. Anna L Garcia

    Definitely research the company and learn about the culture. Suits are great for some instances, but as a corporate employee sometimes highly overrated.

  56. Anonymous

    Most times a recruiter or hiring manager will let you know business casual attire is okay for the interview. When they don't, keep it professional and wear a suit or professional attire (nice blouse, skirt or dress pants and the appropriate shoes). Being appropriately dressed for an interview doesn't indicate you will be required to dress a particular way when employed. So put your best foot forward which includes looking your best. Good luck!

  57. Anonymous

    I bet this poor person is just as confused as me, fgb needs to have a polling option because "do you wear a suit or not" with 52 comments so far would stress me completely out. I'd start to wonder if I should just go naked!

  58. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    This is a very relevent issue--not just for this person but in general. A lot of opinions ...

  59. Anonymous

    Too funny

  60. Anonymous

    Business casual is the mode lately, I would advise to view the photos on the company website, linkedin and glassdoor to see the typical dress of current employees. View the Exec bios on their page and look at how they dress. If they are in suits then suit up, if not then don't don't go too casual but a collared shirt as a man or a simple unadorned blouse in a neutral color, recommend blue - it shows well in video interviews especially. Nothing too trendy or revealing.

  61. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CP

    I think it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. I don't think a full on suit is quite necessary either. Like many have mentioned, look on their website, social media pages and/or employees on LinkedIn) to see what the company culture is. Remember though, that you are trying to get into the company, so while employees may dress casual, you don't want to dress too casual to an interview. I always 'dress for the part/role I'm seeking'. As a women, you have many smart 'business' options that are beyond just a suit. Options include sweater, cardigan, knit tops. Hope this helps. Good luck!

  62. misskelleyp

    I'd skip the sweater or cardigan, those are not professional looks IMHO. But looking at the company's website and social media is a great idea!

  63. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I disagree - I think a sweater twin set is a great alternative to a blazer.

  64. Queen Smalls

    A crisp white button down, dry-cleaned slacks, polished leather shoes and a belt to match should do the trick. Oh, and make sure your nail and cuticle game is on point

  65. misskelleyp

    Your advice is great, but would we tell a man to ensure his nail and cuticle game is on point? I think not. It's a bit sad that in the 21st century that's a thing to deal with for a job interview. I'm not saying you're wrong, mind you, just that it's kinda sad.

  66. ReachingGoals

    Snort. My son, who is a mechanic, once didn’t get a job because his “hands were too clean”. He had scrubbed the crap out of them the night before the interview.

  67. Heather

    My beloved Dad was a mechanic for decades. First thing he did when he got home was scrub his hands and nails with Linco (bleach). He always had soft clean hands.

  68. Valerie Rieger

    I would offer the same advice to a man depending on the industry. I'd be okay with dirty nails on a mechanic but not so much for an accountant or the VP of Anything.

  69. misskelleyp

    Fair point.

  70. Queen Smalls

    What Valerie Rieger said, except I think women should wear skirts/dresses if they’re comfortable with it

  71. Anonymous

    I will never wear a skirt or dress. Some women don’t have the legs for it. I don’t.

  72. Balanced372207

    Most women don't have the bodies for pants, either. They are either as flat as a pancake back there, or have huge booties. Not a good look either way. Skirts hide a variety of "imperfections." And they do come in various lengths for those who don't "have the legs" for them.

  73. Anonymous

    Would you tell a male that his nail and cuticle game better be on point? It is sad that females see this as a necessity for other females.

  74. Queen Smalls

    I actually thought this was a male! See how much attention I was paying but I pay attention to both. Be nice

  75. Joanne Rico

    Guys with horrible dirty nails or too long and unkept are a turn off.

  76. Balanced372207

    I started having my nails "done" years ago because I had a boss and a supervisor who thought that a woman would go to hell if she didn't visit the nail salon every week. I didn't go every week, but I went often enough to keep them off my back.

  77. Anonymous

    Snort, my son the mechanic once didn’t get a second interview offer because his hands were too clean :). He wanted to make a good impression and the night before scrubbed those suckers almost bloody.

    I get my nails done every other week. Why? Because I like having long, polished nails. Getting ready to retire, it isn’t a requirement for my job (I wear jeans to the office often/yoga pants on work from home days). But I put make up on too. And jewelry. Makes me feel good, and I find when I do all the things, my days are more productive.

  78. misskelleyp

    Totally depends on the industry. Finance and Banking = suit. Engineering? Probably not necessary. Wear something that's flattering and comfortable so that you will be at your best, and make sure it looks professional. A skirt & blouse with a blazer, dressy slacks, blouse, blazer - something along that line. Others here also have great advice!

  79. Anonymous

    Depends on the company culture. I've always worked on the business side of a creative environment and frowned upon candidates who showed up in suits. While I appreciate trying to look professional, that told me right away that they didn't research the company. If this is a "business casual" organization, you could opt for a suit with no tie.

  80. Dagney Taggart

    I've researched companies, found out they were casual, worn a suit and still gotten the job. What's your company? I want to ensure that I'll never interview with such a closed minded individual.

  81. Anonymous

    I worked for a manufacturing company and the opposite extreme with a high level consulting company. A suit said the person was a professional that took the interview seriously. A more lax company culture is fine; however, I agree with the other poster, I want to look professional and as a hiring manager, I expect the same. I have had people show up in jeans, hoodies, and all sorts of attire for corporate positions. I still expect someone to dress professionally for an interview, even if we do not require a suit as dress code. I do not always expect it needs to be a suit depending on the position and company, but something professional and clean needs to be worn. Even in manfacturing, we expected more than just torn jeans and hoodie.

  82. IntentionGirl299847

    Dress as though you are going to work there.

  83. Kim Pfeiffer

    I've always just asked the person who contacted me to schedule the interview.

  84. Ms Kaizen

    Wow I'm so surprised by these comments! I for sure thought everyone would say wear the suit! ?

  85. Paris Palencia

    It’s sad what humans value. Can he/she do the job? I work in the corporate world. I would rather hire someone that is motivated to keep a side job as a mechanic and/or have a hobby than someone that has few interests in life. If his/her hobby is mechanical and it makes his/her hands look bad so be it! Society needs to move on. It’s a mental stuck point. We can do better.

  86. Holly Jacobs

    Remember the interview process has multiple participants and perspectives including your own. Your mom is not being hired; you are so I would suggest you develop your professional avatar and portray what you expect in a working environment. This will go a long way in not being an actor but rather a potential employee. Good Karma and keep positive. I know you'll get the job!

  87. Deb Allen

    Life Advice: Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. You can ask the recruiter/hr person what the office/organization dress code is, but I can guarantee that most will expect professional dress for an interview. Make the best 1st impression!

  88. Anonymous

    Wow, so many comments! I ended up wearing nice slacks, a blouse, and non matching suit jacket. I was overdressed but comfortable and definitely right for the role. The general manager interviewing me (basically the guy in charge there) was wearing jeans and a button up so I think it worked out. Thanks for all of your unique perspectives. I do wish people didn't care so much about what we wear, but as a female in a male dominated field, I am always conscious of the differences.

  89. Susan Janeczek

    here's the thing you have to remember...you can always back out of an interview process but it is very hard to get back in. Therefore, you always want to go above and beyond in each interview. With a suit, you can never fail and if you are overdressed, you just remove your jacket. Another acceptable practice is to ask the person you are interviewing with if a suit is acceptable for the interview or should you dress more casual.....always err on the side of going above and beyond.

  90. Stacy Brockman Stern

    I work in Higher Ed facilities management, where the dress code is casual. I always dress up when I am interviewing candidates, and when they dress professionally, it tells me they are serious about the position and it makes a really good impression,

  91. Ania Schwartzman

    Absolutely not required! Keep it subtle, classy and covered!

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