Dress Code: Adapting to the Industry and Company

Choosing your interview attire is a crucial part of the first impression.

It's not about following a single rule, but about intelligently adapting to the context of the industry and the specific company culture.

Your clothing should project professionalism and demonstrate that you understand the environment you aspire to join.

Research the company's dress code.

Before deciding what to wear, research how they dress at the company. You can:

Observe: If possible, visit the vicinity of the office (without being intrusive) to see how employees dress.

Consult their website or social networks: They often post photos of events or day-to-day life that will give you an idea of the prevailing style.

Ask your contacts: If you know someone who works there, ask them directly.

Ask HR: When arranging the interview, you can politely ask what the usual dress code is.

This inquiry will help you choose an outfit that aligns with their expectations.

If in doubt, opt for a more formal style.

If you are still in doubt about the dress code after doing your research, the general rule of thumb is to err on the side of formality over informality.

It is preferable to be a little more dressed up than necessary than to look sloppy or out of place by going too casual.

A more formal attire will rarely be frowned upon, while one that is too casual may be interpreted as lacking in seriousness.

Examples: Formal vs. business casual attire

Men:

• Formal: Full suit (dark or neutral) with dress shirt and tie. Polished dress shoes.
• Business Casual: Dress slacks or chinos, dress shirt (with or without tie, depending on company), sweater or blazer type jacket.Dress shoes or neat loafers.

Women:

• Formal: Suit jacket (knee length pants or skirt), understated blouse, closed moderate heeled shoes. Tights (depending on weather and formality).
• Business Casual: Dress pants, knee length skirt, smart blouse, thin sweater or jacket. Closed-toe shoes (low/medium heel or dressy flats).

Remember that "business casual" does not mean weekend wear (distressed jeans, t-shirts, sneakers). A neat, professional appearance should always come first.

Industry differences

It is vital to recognize that the dress code varies greatly between industries:

Traditional Sectors (Finance, Law, Consulting): usually require very formal attire (suit). Appearance should be conservative and neat.

Technology sector (Startups, Silicon Valley): Often much more casual. A suit may even be considered out of place.

Here a more relaxed "business casual" style may be appropriate (shirt, chinos, even dark jeans without rips in some cases), but always be careful.

Creative Sectors (Advertising, Design, Fashion): There may be more flexibility and allow for a more personal and fashionable style, while still maintaining a degree of professionalism. Here, not fitting in by being too conservative could also be a problem.

Specific Industries (Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing): Will have their own standards, often more practical or uniformed. Do your research specifically.

Tailoring your dress to the industry shows that you understand their norms and culture.

Summary

Your choice of attire is a crucial part of your first impression. It's not about following a single rule, but about adapting intelligently to the context of the industry and the company's specific culture.

Research the company's dress code: observe employees, check their website or social media, or ask your contacts and HR. If in doubt, it is always preferable to opt for a more formal style.

Traditional sectors such as finance or law often require very formal attire (suit). The technology sector is often more informal. Creative sectors may allow for a more personal style.