I have a FT PM interview at Microsoft coming up, and was wondering how I should dress.
They told me to “be comfortable” and that Microsoft employees normally dress casually. They then told me that “if I’m comfortable in business attire to go ahead and wear it”.
I’m very confused with how to interpret that.
I was thinking of wearing dark navy pants with dress shoes, belt, and dress shirt with rolled up sleeves (no blazer no tie).
Is that too formal? All my previous interviews were for Software Engineering roles and I just wore my university hoodie. In the tech world, I feel like dressing in business attire can be seen as “old” and “stiff” — but this is a different role for a more business oriented company.
Advice appreciated!
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comments
The guy interviewing me was wearing a bright orange shirt that didn’t fit over his stomach and said “you didn’t wear a suit to an interview?”
This all assumes you are interviewing in engineering.
In general, what you are proposing is close to what many men wear at Microsoft so you'd fit in. Often they wear nice jeans and a button down. Or a nice hoodie. You can wear pretty much anything (there are some terrifying slobs) but the younger crowd and those who are higher up tend to be slightly more pulled together. Thus, what you are proposing is good - not fancy enough to get derision from the sloppy types but not so casual the fancy types will complain.
Good luck.
For engineering I recommend the equivalent of jeans, polo and casual dress shoes. No sneakers or sandals. A nice tshirt will work but make sure it's not wrinkled. Ladies have a lot more options.
I'm older and subscribe to the dress average plus one theory. Many engineers don't care, but some do and it's not going to kill you to dress a little nicer one day 😎
If your interviews are in Lincoln Square, wear a blazer. Otherwise more casual.
Good luck.