Tie or No-Tie

[washed up contractor]

So do you guys always actually wear a tie for a face to face interview? Suit obviously, goes without saying. But a tie?

Er, what? Yeah it might be sexual discrimination that a man is expected to wear a tie at interview. Ive seen the work of people who rock up to interviews looking 'cas.' Their whole approach to work and time keeping has similarly been 'cas.'

Have to say, I used to be full on Homer when doing telephone interviews though.

[PerfectStorm]

No tie. The more business dress you go for, the less confident you look in your own abilities. I don't want to be hired for 'front', I want to get on and do stuff!

[vwdan]

No tie. The more business dress you go for, the less confident you look in your own abilities. I don't want to be hired for 'front', I want to get on and do stuff!

What a load of tulip.

[PerfectStorm]

What a load of tulip.

If you think business dress is a priority to the good functioning of the business (theirs of yours) I wonder what other priorities you might have amiss?

[vwdan]

If you think business dress is a priority to the good functioning of the business (theirs of yours) I wonder what other priorities you might have amiss?

I neither said, nor think that. "The more business dress you go for, the less confident you look in your own abilities.", however, is absolute rubbish. People, more often than not, expect someone smart to turn up to an interview and it would be prudent business advice to simply meet that expectation. It says nothing about ones lack of confidence.

If you can't even grasp this small piece of interpersonal skill then I wonder what you're like to work with...

[northernladuk]

I neither said, nor think that. "The more business dress you go for, the less confident you look in your own abilities.", however, is absolute rubbish. People, more often than not, expect someone smart to turn up to an interview and it would be prudent business advice to simply meet that expectation. It says nothing about ones lack of confidence.

Got to say I agree with the above. A tie is smart and has nothing to do with fronting your abilities. Less so than in the past but it's still expected to wear a tie in more formal situations. By going in tieless you are making a dangerous assumption the interviewer won't care. At least with a tie you are pretty safe.

I do agree past the initial look up and down when the client is approaching you in reception the tie adds no further value as first impressions have been made but even if that puts you in a better light than the guy without one then it's done it's job.

[PermieToContractorAndBack]

My rule is to dress one level smarter/more formal than the way people dress at a company. Their dress code depends on the industry. So in finance/banking, a suit - and I'd wear a tie if I were a man.
For a client that fancies itself as a bit more modern, just a smart shirt with trousers or a skirt. Male equivalent would be a smart jacket, shirt and smart trousers - not a suit.

I interviewed at least one place where a suit would have lost me the gig.

edit: a suit without a tie can look scruffy, especially if the suit doesn't fit you very well. Need to invest in a jacket/trousers combo that doesn't require a tie.

[washed up contractor]

Ive been interviewed by people in suits for roles and, once getting the role and turning up for work, being told I did not need to wear a suit.

You dont get a second chance to make a first impression. If people want to turn up to interviews tie-less, that is their choice. Even places with casual dress codes usually expect you to wear a suit if meeting external parties or vendors on official business.

[PermieToContractorAndBack]

Even places with casual dress codes usually expect you to wear a suit if meeting external parties or vendors on official business.

It really does depend and it's good to speak to the agent about this. A good agent should know the answer.

I once interviewed with a well known online retailer who were recruiting analysts and developers to set up their fashion website. They specifically asked the recruiting agent to send over people who would fit in with their beard/jeans/lumberjack shirt/laid back culture.
So I made sure I didn't look too formal either and I got the gig.

My point is that it's well worth your while to research the company culture - if at all possible. It's part of the preparation and some clients do care how you fit in with the rest of the team. The way your present yourself is part of that impression as you say but not everyone reads it the same way.

[l35kee]

If people want to turn up to interviews tie-less, that is their choice.

Even places with casual dress codes usually expect you to wear a suit if meeting external parties or vendors on official business.

Tie-less != Suit-less