I have been told that some managers don't like to see their candidates overdressed on a virtual job interview. I am not sure if it's true or not. Which combination would you use for your virtual job interview? Please pick one from these options:
@mc+1jp4wz64c I'll go ahead and answer your question in the spirit that you are serious. My recommendation is based on listening to hundreds of hiring managers looking to hire thousands of positions ranging from entry-level to C-suite (e.g. CEO, CFO, COO).
If you read my post carefully, my recommendation of "no tie" only applies to senior level positions when interviewing via webcam with a RECRUITER only. It's because we recruiters won't waste our time with a senior level candidate who doesn't already possess the necessary experience. Candidates wearing a tie won't impress us so they don't have to bother. If the senior level candidate is interviewing via webcam with the hiring manager or a high level professional, then WEAR a tie.
Conversely, lower level candidates don't have a lot of experience to hang their hat on (compared to higher level candidates) so dressing to impress makes a difference, no matter who the lower level candidates interview with.
As for the low pay for lower level positions, it's all about supply and demand. Frankly, there aren't many low level positions up for grabs while there are loads of lower level candidates looking for work. So companies can hire someone at the lower levels for less money. If the candidate doesn't like the pay offered, the candidate is free to decline the offer (at least in the US). The company will shed a tear and feel remorse for a second or two before moving on to the next candidate on the list to extend the offer two.
Here's a fun fact: I have NEVER had to go to the 2nd candidate on the list when it comes to extending offers. Smart candidates know that a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush and will ALWAYS accept an offer when presented with one.
Maybe #2 for a P5 job or above. Anything lower job, no need. I've gotten multiple jobs just rocking a polo. I've asked managers this same question and they said doesn't matter. Focus on being the best candidate and what makes you feel most comfortable.
Source: trust me bro
@hs+1jp4wz64c what's your reasoning for your statements below? Is that your personal preference or is that shared by recruiters across the board? Also why no tie for higher up positions and a tie for lower positions? Is it so the applicant for the lower positions can strangle themselves after they find out the pay in the job offer?
@f7 You've shared your opinions on people's wardrobe, how do you feel when they spell poorly?
Depends not only on the job that you're interviewing for but also the industry, location and company culture. I think in general business casual would be the best option except for executive-level positions.
Corporate Executive Recruiter here. Generally, if you're interviewing via webcam for a senior level position (e.g. Director or higher) with a RECRUITER, I recommend that men wear a suit jacket, dress shirt, but no tie. We can't see your pants so you don't have to wear a full suit but I recommend slacks at the very least. You don't want to be the candidate who stands up during the interview and is only wearing boxers or shorts. For women, dress business casual to fancy business casual but no suits (again, don't care what you wear for the bottoms but wear something in case you accidently stand up during the virtual interview).
For lower level position interviews via webcam, dress to impress in a business suit WITH tie (same rule applies for the bottoms) if you're a man and business attire if you're a woman (again, same rule applies for the bottoms). You have less experience so dressing the part will definitely help during the interview and will set you apart from the competition who don't.
If you're invited to an onsite interview at ANY stage of the recruiting process, wear a suit and tie (men) and business attire (women) regardless of the level of the position. This applies to onsite interviews from corporate banks to Series A startups. You want to dress to impress when visiting the company. Dress down (if permitted at the company) AFTER you get the job.
It depends on the job you are interviewing for.
I wore a dress for my virtual interviews. I made sure I did hair and basic makeup (eyeliner and lipstick because that’s all I wear), made sure my b-a straps or cleavage didn’t show, and made sure my background was pleasant to the eye. I’m a big believer in dressing nicely because I don’t want anyone distracted by my appearance. It should accompany my skills, not detract from them.
Two interviews. One offer.
The old expression “dress for the job you want”.
Show up in anything less than business casual then you’re waiting my time and yours.
How you present yourself shows your interest or lack of
Retiree is the job I want.
Business casual. A nice dress shirt, no tie. It plays well on both ends of the formality spectrum. IMHO.
@c7 So you're admitting you're discriminating based on appearance, rather than capability.
I wouldn't want to work for you.
Interesting, people's opinions are all over the place. Did anyone of you actually get hired? Which option did you choose when you got hired?
"@az+1jp4wz64c"
That is only part of the hiring equation.
If you are that good, then you will dress accordingly.
Show up in a t-shirt and I guarantee you most will treat you like one.
Business casual, whatever makes you look professional and not stiff.
The correct answer is probably 3, which really just shows how slowly/poorly we've evolved as a society. It's 2025 and you still have to dress like you're going to a funeral for a job interview.
dress for the job you want not the job you have, or don't have
I would go with 1 if it’s summer time and I don’t want to have my ac on blast. I personally like to be comfortable and when I used wear suits to work. I would never sit at my desk with my jacket on. Just make sure that dress shirt is crisp though lol
1 or 2. "Business casual".
You don't want to overdress to look overqualified, but you also don't want to underdress to appear you don't care if you get the job either.
Judge me by my resume, communication skills, and ability to deftly weave my way through your personality-based interview, not my visual choice of self-expression/comfort.
Judge me by my clothes and show me you're a boomer without showing me you're a boomer.
I would do a solid tee shirt as thats what i would wear once hired
Dress for success… business 101.
I would dress like I want the job.
Agree with Option 3. The bigger risk is underdressing and looking too casual and not taking the opportunity seriously enough. Even if you look "too formal" most hiring managers will count that as caring about making the best impression. Good luck!!
That's true IMO. I had a second interview with 3 hiring managers. The two men had on flannel shirts, the woman had on a T-shirt and a sloppy sweater. I had on a nice black suit, dress and matching blazer. The woman hiring manager seemed to have an attitude with me, and quite sarcastic. The heck with them. You should choose option 3. Put your best impression forward in your clothes and answers. You got this! I believe in you.