Managing Your Legal Career
King County Bar Bulletin
Interview Attire / 'Casual Day' Causes Dress Stress
By Karen J. Summerville
Q. Yesterday I had a telephone screening interview with an in-house recruiter for a technology company. This morning she called to tell me that I was one of three attorneys who would be brought in for interviews with the general counsel. I am delighted, and I am doing everything I can to prepare. One of my concerns, however, is what to wear to the interview. I have an acquaintance who works at the company, but not in the legal department. He assures me that no one ever wears a suit or tie. He suggested that I just wear a pair of khakis and a polo shirt so I would look as though I already work there. What do you think?
A. Ah, yes, life used to be so much simpler when we all knew that a tailored suit and conservative tie were the only choice for an interview. Now, in addition to researching the company and preparing your questions and answers, you need to figure out what to wear. As a general rule, a business suit is still appropriate attire for most professional interviews. Even in a company with a casual dress code, you will want to dress to impress. Remember, they work there, but you don't---yet. You would probably not be well served by following your acquaintance's advice without asking a few more questions. What do the in-house attorneys wear when they have an important meeting? What would you feel most comfortable wearing? If you can't imagine interviewing in anything but a suit and tie, then you should probably go with it. Alternatively, a sport coat and button-down shirt without a tie might be a nice compromise. If you still are unsure, you could ask for advice from the in-house recruiter who arranged for your interview. It is in her interest to make sure that you are comfortable and that your interview is successful. If you are interested in a fuller discussion of what to wear to an interview in the technology sector, check out Technical Careers @ Microsoft (The lively debate on appropriate interview attire is fascinating but keep in mind that these individuals do not work in the legal department).
Q. I am working as a summer associate at a large, downtown firm. The firm has an official "Casual Friday" policy. The code specifies "business casual" and states that blue jeans are not acceptable. On several recent Fridays I have noticed at least two partners wearing blue jeans. If they can wear them, why can't I? It would be great to be able to work in comfort one day a week.
A. My question to you is, "Do you want an offer at the end of the summer?" If not, you can probably wear whatever you like. If, however, your goal is to receive an offer from the firm before you head back to school, I would follow firm policy. You might also want to read Kimm Alayne Walton's book, What Law School Doesn't Teach You. . . But You Really Need to Know. Of particular interest is the first chapter, entitled "The 1,640 Hour Interview: What Every Summer Clerk Should Know." The hiring committee is not only interested in whether you can compose a well-reasoned memo on forum non convienens, they also want to know whether you can take direction and exercise good judgment. On the subject of business casual, which has many of us confused, you can also check out Casual Power: How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success, by Sherry Maysonave (Bright Books).
Q. I have an interview for an associate position with a medium-size, downtown firm next week. Although I know the firm has an excellent reputation as a litigation firm, I have very little knowledge of the firm culture. Specifically, I do not know whether the attorneys dress formally or informally in the office when they are not headed to the courthouse. Would it be appropriate to wear a tailored pantsuit to the interview?
A. Despite all of the strides women have made in the business world, the pants question is still surprisingly controversial. "Some observers say women should always wear a skirt. But a recent issue of Biography magazine offers proof the rules are changing. A feature about first ladies shows several presidents' wives, dating back to the 1900's. All the women pictured are wearing skirts and dresses, until Hillary Clinton." Interview Advice from Monster.com. The Yale Law School Career Development Office offers detailed advice on interview preparation, including appropriate attire for women and men. "Your attire should contribute to your professionalism. Although employers may have different dress codes, err on the conservative side when interviewing. . . . . Skirt suits are still considered the most conservative, although women wear pants suits as well." From my experience and that of my clients, tailored pantsuits are almost always appropriate interview attire here in the Northwest--even at the more conservative law firms. But if you are at all unsure, you may want to play it safe by wearing a skirted suit to your first interview and saving your pantsuit for the call back interview, which we trust will follow.