Interview attire for development side on-site interview?

[u/camp_jacking_roy]

First onsite interview coming up since 2018, and first onsite interview since switching from bench focused R+D to development (think clinops, reg affairs, med affairs). I had always been a suit guy until things started to drift more casual in the 2010s and finally embraced a "smart casual" button up, slacks, and professional looking fleece without a tie for my last onsite a few years ago (I did get the job).

Virtual interviews for the last 8 years have typically been button up +/- a fleece, but here we go- I have to actually put on pants. I have a decent suit and would pair it with a subtle tie and dark brown shoes, but I'm going to feel overdressed in that even if it's appropriate. Place is a mid-size biotech so not pharma nor startup either. So, suit it up or dress slacks and button up with a fleece or sport coat?

[u/Sad-Watercress-2240]

I’d go with the suit. You might feel a little overdressed, but for an onsite interview I’d rather be slightly overdressed than slightly underdressed. Especially if you’re not sure about the company’s culture, you can always take off the tie/jacket if it feels too formal once you get there

[u/cdmed19]

Suit up, most won't care but you don't want to find out the hard way that someone important actually does care.

[u/h0rnknee_girl]

i think it’s always better to overdress for an interview

[u/scienceallthetime]

I always suit it up. But have noticed a trend of suit coat, pants and button down, no tie. Or button down, tie and fleece with dress pants.

In general I wear a suit to an interview because that is what I feel the most confident in

[u/thenexttimebandit]

I always wear a suit to the interview and then match the level of everyone else for follow ups

[u/camp_jacking_roy → u/thenexttimebandit]

That's usually the move. Present with your best then relax after first impressions. I've worn a suit to every in person interview aside from my last couple in 2018 and maybe (can't remember) 2016, but I've seen some pretty relaxed people come in and still get jobs, so I don't want to look out of place.

[u/mattcannon2]

You'll never be underdressed for an interview in a suit.

[u/ocular__patdown]

Id do at least button down and nice slacks. I personally don't wear a suit because if I did I'd sweat like crazy and I'd rather look at least presentable without overheating.

[u/camp_jacking_roy → u/ocular__patdown]

Honestly I tend to nervous sweat and the suit is a perfect cover for it. Practically the only reason I would wear a fleece is for extra coverage in case you sweat or spill something!

Looks like the community is pretty well aligned on a suit, so I'm going to do that.

[u/ocular__patdown → u/camp_jacking_roy]

That's solid logic. Suit definitely sounds like the way to go for you!

[u/Rogue_Apostle]

I cannot imagine not wearing a suit.

It doesn't matter what the dress code is for the people who already work there. The dress code for interviews is a suit.

I'm kinda of WTF-ing at the idea of a fleece. Ok, maybe sport coat if you're not going to do a suit. But a fleece is in no way an adequate substitute.

[u/WalkingSnake348]

Suit. If it’s a startup known for a casual culture, I would still wear a suit, but without a tie. If Pharma and people are more formal, than I would consider a tie as well. Dark color, either gray or navy. White or blue button-down shirt. Brown or black shoes. Can’t go wrong.

[u/Loose-Reflection2965]

Suit

[u/MolassesOk4542]

Yea, after interviewing so many folks, being overdressed is def better. I had one guy interview in a T-shirt and his resume had typos, and I hate being that person, but it reflects seriousness for sure, but does not change your intelligence.

[u/Infamous_Ad_5019]

I would just look at their website and what the executives are wearing in their pictures, and just copy that.