Amazon says it’s time to bin the suit-and-tie job interview

We’ve all become more used to a casual, work from home dress code at the day job. Now, one of the UK’s largest employers is arguing that applicants should ditch the traditional formal suit-and-tie attire for job interviews, describing it as a “mistake”.

In a blog posted on the Amazon website, Anna Duong, manager of Americas Stores Tech Talent Acquisition at Amazon, recalls wearing a suit to her interview with the ecommerce giant. It “resulted in me feeling neither comfortable nor confident”, she says.

Dressing up for an interview has, for some decades, been seen as the first requirement for making a good impression on a prospective employer. But as our definition of workplace professionalism becomes less appearance-based, is it time to loosen the tie?

“I should have worn anything but the pantsuit”

Preparing for a job interview is nerve-wracking. Job hunters can spend days before the big day scrolling through lists of interview questions. But as well as what to say, interviewees can also become preoccupied with what to wear.

This is what happened to Duong. “During my preparation call my recruiter said, ‘Amazon is a casual and come-as-you-are company’ and suggested I wear what made me feel comfortable and confident,” she explains.

Preconceived notions that we need to dress formally in order to be taken seriously at work made Duong don an unfamiliar pantsuit, resulting in her feeling uncomfortable at a time when we often need to feel most at ease.

“If I’d do it differently, I’d wear anything but the pantsuit and opt to take the [recruiter’s] advice to heart,” she reveals.

Jeans and a nice top

Amazon has made no secret of its pivot away from formal office wear. “We embrace a ‘smart casual’ look and encourage you to be comfortable,” it tells job seekers. “In most of our corporate offices people wear everyday clothes.”

Businesses across the country have rolled out a new look post-COVID. Staff have swapped the desk for shared breakout spaces that promote teamwork. And noticeably, employees who work from home have had a wardrobe refresh.

According to Indeed data, 56% of today’s employees wear tracksuit bottoms during the nine to five. The same study finds trainers are also now commonplace at two thirds of UK offices.

A recent report by Retail Week found that office wear sales have plummeted by 67% since the pandemic began. In fact, retail experts say our rejection of heels and brogues at work is one reason why the work-appropriate fashion brand, Ted Baker, went into administration.

Even industries such as banking and finance, where the stereotypical worker might be imagined to wear a three-piece suit, are relaxing the rules. HSBC unveiled a new line of comfier jumpsuits, polo shirts, and jeans for its bank tellers at the start of last year.

The change is now leaking into recruitment. With companies embracing the idea that people should be able to be their authentic selves at work, they are encouraging applicants to shrug off the suit and pitch themselves accurately to hiring managers.

What’s the dress code?

Amazon says it is interested in what interviewees have to say, not what they are wearing. But while some are turning their collars up at traditional interview attire, it may still be an expectation when interviewing at some organisations.

Businesses can make things easier for nervous new applicants by clearly communicating the expected dress code in the interview confirmation. Whoever is conducting the interview should also match this requirement, so the applicant does not feel mismatched.

Firms that still ask for a black-tie level of formality in interviews should use this opportunity to evaluate the hiring process to ensure it aligns with their organisational culture.

If the company values creativity and individuality, for example, then a more relaxed dress code might be appropriate. It may also help to ensure you are not unconsciously swayed by appearances over achievements when appraising candidates.