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!
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.
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.
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.
That's why I said "equivalent". You gotta be you.
A Pinterest search of "business casual" can give you some ideas. Dress shirt, sleeves rolled up w/ dark pants 👍 (skip the tie, skip the blazer)
A formal dress is always safe no matter which company you interview with.
Not true. You don't want to stick out and if everyone else is in tshirts and you show up in a suit and tie, initial impressions will be made and they're usually not positive. Know your audience and dress appropriately.
Not true. I've worn suits to interviews. One boss was like "if you wore a suit to work you'd get laughed at, but I'd be pissed it you didn't wear one here for the interview"
Dark tight fit (not baggy), new looking jeans and a higher-end white shirt (short sleeve in summer, long otherwise) what wored for me quite well for engineering jobs. It shows you are taking the occasion seriously but won't paint you as someone who thinks clothes matter too much. In product groups devs and PMs dress the same. Some people wear shirts and nice pants every day, that's the highest it goes.
Apple T-Shirt
I wore khakis, a dress shirt with no tie and a blazer for my interview for engineering PM and I got it.
Tuxedo with tail and a tie, are a must have!
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.
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