As an older dude that hasn't had an interview in literally decades, this was super helpful for figuring out what the current culture is. Nicely concise and to the point.
Two months ago, I had a Zoom interview with a real estate company out in Long Island. Although my current attire consisted of black pants and a white shirt, I had worn a blazer (Grey) for the interview. The recruiter informed me that the rep at the company liked the way I dressed even if I did not get the job. Great video as always Brock.
Excellent video Brock. People have forgotten that an interview requires a professional appearance. From personal experience, some folks think that a Zoom interview is a license to wear what you want as long as you throw a tie on it. Treat as you would an in person interview. Dress for success.
As I am actively job searching, I've had a lot of job interviews lately, and all but one of them was via Zoom. Even though I know I will only be seen from the waist up, I still go all out with a sport jacket, dress shirt and tie, or if tieless, then a pocket square in the chest pocket. Never wear a white dress shirt to an interview, because the subliminal message conveyed is that you want to be the boss. In a lineup of men all wearing dress shirts, whoever is wearing a white shirt will be assumed as the manager. In my experience with video interviews, I never cease to be amazed by the casualness of the hiring manager. One time, the interviewer came onto the Zoom call wearing a ratty t-shirt and dressed like a schlump.
Can you do a video on when it's okay wear a suit and when it's not? Like out at the bar with your buddies? Is it too much to have a buttoned shirt, maybe with a blazer? Obvious the tie is too extra but where do we draw the line.
As a general rule, you should only dress one level above the people who are around you. If everyone is dressed casually, I can wear smart casual. If everyone is dressed in business casual (including some sport coats and blazers), then I can wear a suit. If a lot of guys are wearing suits, I can wear a 3-piece suit. If there's a broad range of formalities (for example, ultra-casual to business casual), then I will opt for the dressy end of that range … rather than trying to step it up to business professional. Your bar example is entirely situational. For example, there used to be a bar in downtown that catered to lawyers. If you went in there on a weekday evening, some of the patrons would be wearing suits. Almost everyone else was on the dressy end of business casual. On the other hand, there's a graduate student bar a few miles from here. If someone wore a polo shirt, chinos, and nice sneakers there, they'd look wildly over dressed. Even at the same bar, things can vary from night to night. My wife and I went to a country western bar, but it turned out that it was Tejano night. *Everybody* was dressed up … except us. Oops. On a regular night, we would have fit in. Another consideration: how do your buddies dress? If a group of you come in together and you're similarly dressed, then people are likely to assume that you may have dressed for the place you just came from (or the place you're going next), regardless of whether it matches the level of the place you're at right now. (For example, a wedding party at a dive bar.) Age also plays a role. The older you get, the more you can dress up for no reason. I'm in my 50s. If it's chilly in the evening, I'll throw on a sports coat to walk the dog. A 21 year old would struggle to pull that off. If you want to wear a suit more casually, wear it with a turtleneck. Depending on the suit and the turtleneck, it will either be business casual or smart casual. And this works for *anyone* who can pull off a turtleneck (unlike sneakers with a suit, which is really hard to pull off).
I work in tech and people often look at you weird when you dress up, but clients do often expect you to. Do you have any videos on dressing up/ down on the fly? Much like the outfit at 5:42
This is a difficult line to walk. In tech, even wearing a button-down shirt makes you the best-dressed person. If you need to move back and forth between full casual (e.g., flip flops and a shorts) and business/smart casual, a sweater or sport coat can help.
I'm a freshman going into college and was told to buy a suit because I will be required to wear it to presentations. As a result, I bought a black suit thinking it was the safest option but as I am reading up on suits and work culture I feel getting this colored suit was a mistake. Should I get a new one?
I happen to have a Nomos Ludwig on the black strap, what are your thoughts on matching your leathers? Should a watch strap match your belt and shoes or can you mix?
the term "smart casual" doesn't make sense to me. To me, it just means a slightly dressier version of casual, like a step below business casual. Maybe "sharp casual?" Not sure what the "smart" in "smart casual" actually means.
Some t-shirts are dressier than others. T-shirts with graphics, large logos, or any words on them will be more casual than a solid-colored t-shirt. (Patterns fall in between.) In addition, a well-fitting t-shirt will look more dressed up than an ill-fitting one. Long sleeves also look a little dressier than short sleeves, so a long-sleeve t-shirt is a possibility. Because patterns are more casual than solid colors, you could wear a polo shirt with a pattern on it. A bowling shirt would probably be comparable. Maybe even a guayabera shirt if that falls within your personal style. Another option would be to stick with a solid-colored t-shirt, but dress up the pants or shoes. For example, a t-shirt with chinos and minimal sneakers, or a t-shirt with dark wash jeans and loafers.
Beat place to get sports coats for shorter guys??? I’m 5”7”. Athletic build with some muscle and shoulders. 37S was always my size but now too tight and still need sleeves shortened and weird back/neck roll removed. It really sucks. Tailors aren’t what they used to be so finding someone who knows what they are doing is nearly impossible.
I have the same challenge so would be interested to hear from others. I did get a Navy blazer from Peter Manning NYC that fits me pretty well and they generally have good options for shorter guys.
Peter Manning is good but I have also noted their quality is off a little. Had a pair of pants made in Portugal and reordered the pants and saw they were made in China. Sizing was off too!
I always did wear a polo and i always continue to will wear a polo. Why? Here in the Netherlands 99% of the men will show up in that standard light blue or white button up.
Solid information here Brock! Big fan of the channel and of Nomos, but I just want to say that I'm a bit disappointed in how you do sponsorships recently. Every single video has been sponsored for some time and about 1/3 of the video is dedicated to the sponsor. Not a big fan of this practice personally. Peace!
Hard disagree with the backpack thing. Don’t care about what other people think and accept that backpacks are wayyy more versatile and easier to use. Social stigma be damned I’ll take my versatility and comfort every day of the week
I interview and hire people for professional jobs frequently paying 150K+ on the low end. If you show up (Zoom or in person) without a jacket (as a man) or not a dress blouse as a woman, I'm not hiring you, period the end. If you don't have enough respect for 1.) Yourself, 2.) The job and 3.) Me and my time to put some effort in to look professional, then I don't want you. The end.
As an older dude that hasn't had an interview in literally decades, this was super helpful for figuring out what the current culture is. Nicely concise and to the point.
Glad to hear that, and good luck!
I will be your apprentice notify me once you have accepted your position in a leadership role
My man landed a sponsorship with Nomos, congrats!!
Two months ago, I had a Zoom interview with a real estate company out in Long Island. Although my current attire consisted of black pants and a white shirt, I had worn a blazer (Grey) for the interview. The recruiter informed me that the rep at the company liked the way I dressed even if I did not get the job. Great video as always Brock.
That's awesome!
Bad luck Larry - thanks for the update
Jeans would have probably got you the job.
Excellent video Brock. People have forgotten that an interview requires a professional appearance. From personal experience, some folks think that a Zoom interview is a license to wear what you want as long as you throw a tie on it. Treat as you would an in person interview. Dress for success.
Wow, I wish I had had this guide 5 years ago! Makes the guidelines super easy to follow. Great job, Brock!
Same, but 15 years ago haha 👴🏼
The reminder about Zoom interviews is spot on. I’ve seen too many people caught out by that.
Nice work to get the sponsorship from Nomos! Well done, chap :-) Love the channel, keep it coming!
Thank you!
As I am actively job searching, I've had a lot of job interviews lately, and all but one of them was via Zoom. Even though I know I will only be seen from the waist up, I still go all out with a sport jacket, dress shirt and tie, or if tieless, then a pocket square in the chest pocket. Never wear a white dress shirt to an interview, because the subliminal message conveyed is that you want to be the boss. In a lineup of men all wearing dress shirts, whoever is wearing a white shirt will be assumed as the manager. In my experience with video interviews, I never cease to be amazed by the casualness of the hiring manager. One time, the interviewer came onto the Zoom call wearing a ratty t-shirt and dressed like a schlump.
Great tips on dressing for interviews. It's so important to get that right first impression.
These outfit examples are super helpful. I always struggle with what to wear, especially for smart casual.
Great job, Brock. You are top notch!
Thank you, sir!
That watch is beautiful. Congrats on the Nomos sponsorship !
Wasn't sure from where to start... now I know, I'll get the watch first
What I wear to an interview. If they offered me the job right after the interview I could start that moment. I even pack a lunch.
Can you do a video on when it's okay wear a suit and when it's not?
Like out at the bar with your buddies? Is it too much to have a buttoned shirt, maybe with a blazer? Obvious the tie is too extra but where do we draw the line.
As a general rule, you should only dress one level above the people who are around you. If everyone is dressed casually, I can wear smart casual. If everyone is dressed in business casual (including some sport coats and blazers), then I can wear a suit. If a lot of guys are wearing suits, I can wear a 3-piece suit.
If there's a broad range of formalities (for example, ultra-casual to business casual), then I will opt for the dressy end of that range … rather than trying to step it up to business professional.
Your bar example is entirely situational. For example, there used to be a bar in downtown that catered to lawyers. If you went in there on a weekday evening, some of the patrons would be wearing suits. Almost everyone else was on the dressy end of business casual. On the other hand, there's a graduate student bar a few miles from here. If someone wore a polo shirt, chinos, and nice sneakers there, they'd look wildly over dressed.
Even at the same bar, things can vary from night to night. My wife and I went to a country western bar, but it turned out that it was Tejano night. *Everybody* was dressed up … except us. Oops. On a regular night, we would have fit in.
Another consideration: how do your buddies dress? If a group of you come in together and you're similarly dressed, then people are likely to assume that you may have dressed for the place you just came from (or the place you're going next), regardless of whether it matches the level of the place you're at right now. (For example, a wedding party at a dive bar.)
Age also plays a role. The older you get, the more you can dress up for no reason. I'm in my 50s. If it's chilly in the evening, I'll throw on a sports coat to walk the dog. A 21 year old would struggle to pull that off.
If you want to wear a suit more casually, wear it with a turtleneck. Depending on the suit and the turtleneck, it will either be business casual or smart casual. And this works for *anyone* who can pull off a turtleneck (unlike sneakers with a suit, which is really hard to pull off).
@@karlr750 very informative. Thank you
I work in tech and people often look at you weird when you dress up, but clients do often expect you to. Do you have any videos on dressing up/ down on the fly? Much like the outfit at 5:42
This is a difficult line to walk. In tech, even wearing a button-down shirt makes you the best-dressed person. If you need to move back and forth between full casual (e.g., flip flops and a shorts) and business/smart casual, a sweater or sport coat can help.
Thanks Brock for your suggestions :).I don't skip ads in your video.... maybe it will help you to continue this channel. Take love brother 🤍
I appreciate that! 🙏🏻
Great video and I like the sport coat - what brand is it?
Hold up... where are your jacket and trousers from? Such a good look, man.
Thanks! They’re both from Suitsupply.
do you have any dress codes for summer time's ?
Great and very informative video 👍🏻
Where did you get the sport jacket you are wearing?
Thanks! It’s from Suitsupply
Thanks for the advice
Your blazer and haircut look great!
He does look great!
Thank you!
Brilliant video! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your support! 🙏🏻
I don’t know any decent law firm where you can do a Business casual interview attire for a lawyer role..
Nomos sponsorship?? Great job, you deserve it!
I'm a freshman going into college and was told to buy a suit because I will be required to wear it to presentations. As a result, I bought a black suit thinking it was the safest option but as I am reading up on suits and work culture I feel getting this colored suit was a mistake. Should I get a new one?
I missed the timestamps this time. Great content, Brock.
I happen to have a Nomos Ludwig on the black strap, what are your thoughts on matching your leathers? Should a watch strap match your belt and shoes or can you mix?
Have you ever tried the company Proper Cloth? I've been looking at them lately and was wondering if you've tried them at all.
what you should wear is your hear on your sleeve
the term "smart casual" doesn't make sense to me. To me, it just means a slightly dressier version of casual, like a step below business casual. Maybe "sharp casual?" Not sure what the "smart" in "smart casual" actually means.
In Arizona it's 115° outside. Let do a summer in hell dress code😂
I was told business professional casual. Thoughts?
They just made that up...there's no such thing as "business professional casual" and it's kind of an oxymoron.
But what's the job?
any tips for working in a hyper casual office like a tech company? whats something more formal than a tshirt but less formal than say a polo?
Some t-shirts are dressier than others. T-shirts with graphics, large logos, or any words on them will be more casual than a solid-colored t-shirt. (Patterns fall in between.) In addition, a well-fitting t-shirt will look more dressed up than an ill-fitting one.
Long sleeves also look a little dressier than short sleeves, so a long-sleeve t-shirt is a possibility.
Because patterns are more casual than solid colors, you could wear a polo shirt with a pattern on it. A bowling shirt would probably be comparable. Maybe even a guayabera shirt if that falls within your personal style.
Another option would be to stick with a solid-colored t-shirt, but dress up the pants or shoes. For example, a t-shirt with chinos and minimal sneakers, or a t-shirt with dark wash jeans and loafers.
Less formal than a polo? For god's sake dress like a man! Stop going to work dressed like a child just because everyone else does it!
What type of casual is for the medical field to dress for men
Beat place to get sports coats for shorter guys??? I’m 5”7”. Athletic build with some muscle and shoulders. 37S was always my size but now too tight and still need sleeves shortened and weird back/neck roll removed. It really sucks. Tailors aren’t what they used to be so finding someone who knows what they are doing is nearly impossible.
I have the same challenge so would be interested to hear from others. I did get a Navy blazer from Peter Manning NYC that fits me pretty well and they generally have good options for shorter guys.
Peter Manning is good but I have also noted their quality is off a little. Had a pair of pants made in Portugal and reordered the pants and saw they were made in China. Sizing was off too!
Yeah their quality is hit or miss, especially recently from what I hear. I'd go custom before buying from PM, considering the price.
I always did wear a polo and i always continue to will wear a polo. Why? Here in the Netherlands 99% of the men will show up in that standard light blue or white button up.
For zoom interviews, u only need a shirt. Pants are not important, u can sit half naked!
You mean what I should be wearing when I am interviewing potential employees?
I guess in 2023 jeans are smart casual, but they weren’t some time ago. I would avoid them if the interview dress code is smart casual.
Thank you 😊
Solid information here Brock!
Big fan of the channel and of Nomos, but I just want to say that I'm a bit disappointed in how you do sponsorships recently. Every single video has been sponsored for some time and about 1/3 of the video is dedicated to the sponsor. Not a big fan of this practice personally. Peace!
This video is good, but I know from your podcast (RIP) that you haven't been to an interview in years as you've been an entrepreneur all this time :P
True! But I’ve been on the other side of the interview desk over the past few years and have seen some things 😉
Great content
Feeling first with 600 others
Never wear a wristwatch with a Tuxedo. It's considered bad form.
What about girls tho
Nomos must be Monos's subsidiary brand 😆, all these new-age minimalist companies need to come up with a new naming aesthetic
Nomos been around since 1990 though! They were ahead of their time 😏
I hate wearing a tie
i simply just don't wear ties. i can't wear long sleeves either
i simply just don't wear ties. i can't wear long sleeves either
Why does a freshman need a 2.5k watch?
No one *needs* a 2.5k watch, or a fancy car, fancy dinners, or luxury/designer anything. These are wants, not needs.
Over 20% of a video being an ad/sponsor seems excessive
It means nothing if how to dress is not mentioned....
Hard disagree with the backpack thing. Don’t care about what other people think and accept that backpacks are wayyy more versatile and easier to use. Social stigma be damned I’ll take my versatility and comfort every day of the week
I love your blazer...
First!
wear deodorant and a smile
Should the blazer be open or closed
Closed standing up, open when seated 👍🏻
I interview and hire people for professional jobs frequently paying 150K+ on the low end.
If you show up (Zoom or in person) without a jacket (as a man) or not a dress blouse as a woman, I'm not hiring you, period the end.
If you don't have enough respect for 1.) Yourself, 2.) The job and 3.) Me and my time to put some effort in to look professional, then I don't want you. The end.
Nomos sponsorship?? Great job, you deserve it!