Wearing scrubs (or a golf shirt) to a job interview? Bad idea.
I understand that the professional landscape is changing and attire in the workplace has gotten more casual, but there is a time and a place. LET ME STATE FOR RECORD, the job interview process is NOT THE TIME…at least not in the medical sales world.
Yes, many medical sales reps wear scrubs to work every day (or maybe a golf shirt) but dressing down for a job interview is a very risky proposition.
Regardless of the excuse you come up with, you are still hurting yourself in the process.
1) “It was just a ZOOM interview; I didn’t think I need to put a suit on” – There is no such thing as "just a Zoom interview". These interviews count just as much as face/face interviews, and in today’s world they are sometimes the only way we get to meet people in the organization. A lackadaisical attitude towards a virtual meeting sends a message that you are the kind of person who likes to do the minimum.
2) “The manager was pretty casual in our last interview, I wanted to dress casual like her.” – The manager already works for the company, and they have earned the right to push the boundaries on attire. When you get the job and you earn your stripes, you can dress however you want. As a prospective employee, you don’t have that luxury.
3) “I was coming straight from surgery and I didn’t have time to change” – The act of changing clothes takes about 15 minutes. If you are scheduling your day in such a way that you have not built in 15 minutes to pre-plan, then some managers are going to question your time management and your approach to sales calls. Consequently, you might be sending a message that you are always scrambling from one call to the next with no planning process. No pre-call planning = No Sale.
4) “You don’t understand how busy I am” – The job interview is not the time to convey a message that your time is more valuable than others…especially not the hiring manager. Managers are looking to hire a good teammate that will work hard and fit in with their team. Don’t be “that guy” that thinks he is busier than everyone else or that he gets special rules.
When a hiring manager decides to advance a candidate to the next phase of the interview process, they are putting their own reputation on the line. No manager wants to be put in a situation where they can’t trust the candidate to SUIT UP AND SHOW UP. By underdressing for an interview, you may plant a seed of doubt that you really don't want the job. Do you really want the manager questioning your judgment before you have even started?
DISCLAIMER: Of course, there are specific situations (like field fides or case observations) where you might be given explicit instructions to wear specific attire. In those situations, it obviously makes sense to follow protocol (at the direction of the manager or your recruiter). Never assume
Grow Your Vine! CrossVine Recruiting
CardioVascular Specialist at Artivion, Inc.
3yRight on the money Brad. When I was a manager, this was a deal breaker in an interview. It happened more than once…very qualified candidates that looked great on paper, said a lot of the right things, but did not plan or prepare in the manner of dress. I was also surprised with lack of eye contact, slouching in chairs, and lack of closing me.
Territory Sales Representative
3yAlways a suit and tie for interviews. You will never be "criticized for looking/being "too professional." Remember: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
Sales Recruiter at Crossvine Recruiting ☘ Specializing in Medical, Surgical, and Biotech Recruiting
3yBrad, What a great reminder! Many things change over time. One thing that never does change is professionalism, especially in outside sales. Your personal brand begins with your image. We can all CONTROL this aspect of our "presentation". Thanks Brad.