Dress code on the first day of work. (employees, interview, employer)

[wellnowwhat]

Most of the jobs I've had have been pretty casual in terms of a dress code. I'm starting a new job with a new company in a couple of weeks, however, and it's a much larger company than I've worked for previously. When I went in for the interview I was dressed business casual (dress shoes, khakis, dress shirt), but the guy interviewing me was in flip-flops, shorts, and a t-shirt (which is also my preferred dress code).

Is it safe to assume that I can show up in shorts and a t-shirt or should I dress it up slightly on the first day to make a good impression?

[Wartrace]

NO. Go in the same way you dressed for the interview. Give it a few days to observe other employees dress.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by wellnowwhat

Is it safe to assume that I can show up in shorts and a t-shirt

Unless you are a lifeguard, it is never safe to assume you can show up in shorts and a t-shirt.

[wellnowwhat]

Originally Posted by spencgr

Unless you are a lifeguard, it is never safe to assume you can show up in shorts and a t-shirt.

Pretty much every place I've worked has been a shorts and t-shirt kind of place, and I've never once been a lifeguard.

[wellnowwhat]

Originally Posted by Wartrace

NO. Go in the same way you dressed for the interview. Give it a few days to observe other employees dress.

That's what I was thinking about doing. My fear is showing up OVER dressed and seeming like I'm stuck up, or something.

[bs13690]

Have you not asked what the dress code is? Seems like your employer would be the best person to ask.

[wellnowwhat]

Originally Posted by bs13690

Have you not asked what the dress code is? Seems like your employer would be the best person to ask.

I'm planning on discussing it with them when we've nailed down my start date. I'm just not sure if it's a good idea to dress up a bit even if someone says "Yeah, feel free to come to work in your pajamas."

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by bs13690

Have you not asked what the dress code is? Seems like your employer would be the best person to ask.

Exactly. Just pick up the 'phone, don't make a big deal about it, just ask. Dilemma solved!

[Teckeeee]

I would dress slightly better than you think you should. And I would have checked what others wear during the interview process.

[Ted Bear]

While you were there, you saw how people were dressed?

You saw what the guy interviewing you was wearing?

Did the guy interviewing you seem like he was 'on the way up', or in his current position until they wheel him out?

Take your clues from what you observe.

First day--because who knows where you will end up: meeting the Big Boss; at the Dr. taking a physical; going for a background screening; going with the boss' wife for lunch--you wear biz casual, just like when you interviewed. Maybe you try a polo shirt instead of a button down.

And you put shorts in your bag in case it is 'right' to be a little more 'casual'.
Don't forget, everyone is watching the 'new guy'. Those little old ladies who don't mean squat to you will be impressed if you look 'decent'. And you never know when you will need a little extra support in the job.