Microsoft PM Interview Dress Code

Google / Eng
Gsibgrws

Go to company page Google Eng

Gsibgrws
Sep 10, 2017 28 Comments

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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TOP 28 Comments
  • If you go to an interview and question your attire, you should probably change it. Roll the sleeves down and wear a sports coat at least. You can always take it off. It's a formal occasion and deserves to be treated that way IMHO.
    Sep 10, 2017 5
  • SAP
    ldEe72

    Go to company page SAP

    ldEe72
    A formal dress is always safe no matter which company you interview with.
    Sep 10, 2017 4
    • To that manager, piss out. Business casual at most when interviewing for engineering.
      Sep 14, 2017
    • U.S.Bank / Product
      vandalay

      Go to company page U.S.Bank Product

      vandalay
      That happened to me at a prop trading firm off wall st. I wore a suit without the jacket because I was told of their jeans/tshirt code.
      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?”
      Sep 7, 2021
  • TI
    NoirAnge

    Go to company page TI

    NoirAnge
    Just look good. Whatever it is for you. It's nice when a person looks good. Pants with dress shoes and dress shirt is good
    Sep 10, 2017 0
  • Microsoft
    Freya ❤️

    Go to company page Microsoft

    BIO
    Goddess of sexual pleasure and other pleasant things
    Freya ❤️
    I've seen tons of interviewees here and what you are proposing is perfectly reasonable. You'll look less "old" if the shirt and pants are cut well instead of baggy.

    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.
    Sep 10, 2017 0
  • Microsoft / Eng
    Skyped

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    Skyped
    It depends on which org. If a PM in engineering, that's generally too dressy. If a PM in sales, you need a blazer but no tie.

    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.
    Sep 10, 2017 2
    • Google / Eng
      Gsibgrws

      Go to company page Google Eng

      Gsibgrws
      OP
      I always feel awkward in a polo — it makes me think I’m not committing to either a casual nor formal look. I also wear a man bun and am worried that a polo would make me look “too casual”, whereas a more formal attire with my far less formal hairstyle might balance out a bit more.
      Sep 10, 2017
    • Microsoft / Eng
      Skyped

      Go to company page Microsoft Eng

      Skyped
      That's why I said "equivalent". You gotta be you.
      Sep 10, 2017