No Tie to Interview

What are your thoughts on not wearing a tie to an interview in real estate? Generally think of real estate as less "formal" than your traditional finance positions. Do you think it is acceptable to interview without a tie? Maybe just the suit jacket/pants?

Thoughts or automatic ding?

25 Comments
 

What do you have to GAIN from not wearing a tie? Your first impression will largely dictate your chances at the firm, so wear a tie.

 

The only time that not wearing a suit is acceptable is if you know with 100% certainty that the people at the firm look down on the 'suit wearing crowd'. I know a few friends that had tech interviews that went that way, but barring that very specific, uncommon situation, you should always wear a suit.

"Who am I? I'm the guy that does his job. You must be the other guy."
 

I had an interview for an accounting role at a very small repe firm (5 people max), and naturally I wore a suit, but the acquisitions lead was wearing jeans and a t shirt I believe and was legitimately concerned that I was wearing a suit since I "did not get the memo" from the recruiter. It was weird, but being in the suit made me feel more at ease.

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

100% wear a suit unless they explicitly tell you not to.

I wear a button down and jeans to work every day. Still wore a suit to the interview.

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
Best Response

I went to an interview with a recruiter in 1995 at age 18 for a warehouse position in Sacramento. She asked why I was there for a warehouse job in a suit and tie. I told her that I thought every interview is supposed to be in a suit and tie.

That day she referred me to the branch manager of a national finance company for an interview. 20min later I had my first interview. A week later with the district manager. They hired me.

That's how I got in to finance.

Where the suit and tie my friend.

 

Hands down, tie.

Anecdote: Different industry, but heard of a guy interviewing at a major airline for a pilot slot. He wore a suit and tie to an interview, but he got shit/questioned because it was tied poorly/sloppily. Essentially, the director (subjective title) asked "you're an extension of our image. if you can't tie a tie correctly, how can we trust you to operate the plane properly?"

Now, I digress. Way different industry, pretty old school, and that's very extreme. But, this wasn't too long ago. So, people do notice that kind of stuff.

You lose nothing by putting your best foot forward, setting a good first impression, and presenting yourself in the best light.

 

Have seen a few super days go by, have always had to play some role in managing them as an analyst. Never seen a guy without a tie get an offer. But his lack of tie was never a formal reason why he got dinged. Still convinced it was a huge factor. Heck, I would even consider wearing a tie to my first day on the job even if you don't have to wear one. It just shows you care about the role you are discussing.

 

Ties are the hangman’s noose...

That said, for a junior finance or real estate position just wear a tie. There is no upside in not doing so.

When required to suit up as an entrepreneur at this stage of my life (40) I never wear a tie. I almost only wear jeans and a sport coat for more formal occasions. I will wear a suit and tie at wedding and funerals. That’s about it, and that’s why I work for myself.

 

I don't see much downside to wearing a tie, but I see plenty of upside. In undergrad I wore a tie (didn't own a suit at the time) to an interview to work part-time for an industrial supplier and got the gig. For my job now, even though dress is business casual (slacks/khakis/dress shirt/polo), I wore a suit and tie to every interview.

Generally, you are going to dress more formal than the people interviewing you, at least that's been my experience.

 

I'm an intern with a real state company... didn't wear a tie but wore a tailored button down with nice pants and oxfords for my interview. Can't confirm this works for every position, but in my market I would be looked down upon for rocking a suit.

Simply put, confidence is everything... didn't give a fuck what he thought about my wardrobe.

 
"blank020202" What are your thoughts on not wearing a tie to an interview in real estate? Generally think of real estate as less "formal" than your traditional finance positions. Do you think it is acceptable to interview without a tie? Maybe just the suit jacket/pants?

Thoughts or automatic ding?

don't wear one, and make sure to bring up your reasoning during the interview. it's best that they know ahead of time that you're one of those go getters and think outside the box yet doesn't reinvent the wheel.

If the glove don't fit, you must acquit!
 

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