As almost anyone who's spent time in an office can attest, some people just do not know how to dress appropriately for their workplace or a job interview. We asked SFU students, staff, and alumni to share some of their real-life examples of what not to wear:
I don't have one especially horrendous inappropriate outfit story to tell, but in general, I would say the worst offenders for women are to dress as if they are going on a date. Short skirt, bare legs, stilettos, low cut silk blouse or lacy camisole...and sometimes they wear all 5 together. Yikes! This is often accompanied by heavy perfume, as well. Definitely not the right impression for a job interview.
- SFU Career Advisor
We interviewed a large group of students for an international organization that allowed us to make the initial selections. Most students wore suits. One wore a lumberjack shirt, jeans and hiking boots. He really stood out, but not in a good way.
- Co-op Student Advisor
Tops that are too tight and revealing.
- Co-op Coordinator
I still remember walking into a law office to see the person at the desk wearing spaghetti straps! Another was a young fellow I hired years ago who showed up wearing a muscle shirt.
- LinkedIn Member
Do not wear sports socks with a business suit which I have seen...wear dress socks and ensure your shoes are polished.
If you are wearing nail polish ensure it is not chipped!
- Career Services Assistant
White athletic socks with a suit.
- Co-op Coordinator
My friend works the front desk at an office in Vancouver. She wore an oversized black sweatshirt with huge zebra heads across the arms and chest.
- Student
Hygiene Matters
An HR person from one of our big companies called me with some feedback that my student had not brushed his hair that day and it was sticking straight up and in all directions....then he crossed his leg over his knee and leaned back and all the interview team could focus on was his dirty, grimy, sweat sock sticking out of his nice black trousers. They hadn't been washed in a while.
- SFU Internship Coordinator
No matter how rushed you are, you ALWAYS have time to put on deodorant in the morning. Those few seconds are worth it.
- Student
Male reporter who wore baggy tank top and sweats. (He wore them in the office and to city council meetings.)
- Twitter response
Sweatpants. I've seen advisors wear sweatpants to work. Same thing with sandals. Sigh.
- Twitter response
Leggings and Uggs.
- Co-op Coordinator
Leggings as pants!
- Twitter response
Uggs during the winter. No joke.
- Twitter response
Agreed, leggings and jeggings are awful work attire. As is not changing out of your gym wear after lunch!
- Twitter response
(We received so many responses on leggings and Uggs we had to put them in twice - Get it together people!)
