[ReneeNC]

It’s a software company, and in the phone interview it was mentioned that people come to work in flip-flops and shorts (and bring their dogs to work!) Obviously I wouldn’t go to the interview that way (or bring my dogs, lol), but I don’t want to be strikingly over dressed either.

Any ideas?

REG - 89
BEC - 82
FAR - 87
AUD - 81
Used CPAexcel, Wiley Online Practice, and NINJA!

[LittleMoe]

I would think business casual would be appropriate. If they already mentioned shorts and flip flops, the environment is apparently very casual (and I'm jealous!!!). I would probably wear nice but casual khakis or skirt if that's your thing and a nice shirt. Maybe a polo or something. Laid back but still put together.

AUD 4/12/12 79
FAR 5/29/12 76
REG 8/2/12 82
BEC 8/30/12 72 Retake 10/18/12 76!!! DONE!!!!
ExamMatrix, Wiley Books, NINJA notes and audio
LICENSED ALABAMA CPA 11/30/12

[Anonymous]

From the sounds of it, topless and drunk! 😀 Nah, I'm kidding. I interviewed for a job in a place like this, it was like walking into a fraternity but they had it going on. It was cool.

I would say some understated dark colored slacks…you know the kind which really don't draw your attention like a business suit would nor like kacki colored dockers might. Not too fancy and not too dressed down either. Then maybe a nice blouse with some colors in it…something bright and cheery.

Just my two cents!

[ppierce]

ehh, sportcoat, no tie. nice pair of pants.

FAR 80
REG 76
AUD 85
BEC 85
Ethics 98
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[evancole]

I work in a business casual environment and we are extremely casual on Fridays (i.e. some people come to work in shorts and flip flops). I was just interviewing candidates for a position and in my opinion it is better to be overdressed than underdressed. With that being said, we only had 1 out of about 10 people we interviewed that didn't wear a suit (and he was wearing slacks and a sportcoat). Remember before the interviewer even talks to you he/she sees you and that is his/her first impression of you unfortunately.

[lateralus ag]

“ehh, sportcoat, no tie. nice pair of pants.”

Pretty sure OP is a woman. Pretty sure a sportcoat and a tie are out of the question….

These can actually be pretty touchy decisions. If you dress it up TOO much, they might think you're too stuffy for their culture. Believe me, for what SEEMS like a laid back culture, you would be amazed at how much they are uptight about, well, their culture.

On the other hand, if you show up in a bikini top and flipflops with a pair of cutoff shorts on, you probably won't get the job…..

unless the hiring manager is a creep.

FAR 88
REG 89
AUD 89
BEC 86
DONE!!!
Using Becker Review and Becker Final Review, and Ninja Audio for BEC

[makinthemagic]

I was hired at a private equity firm with a casual environment. I wore a suit to the interview under the theory of better to be overdressed than under dressed. My wager was correct. If you know it will be looked favorably I would try to dress as the company policy but if I was even .1% unsure, I would wear a suit.

Bec 4/11/11 91
Aud 7/11/11 75
Reg 8/31/11 80
Far 5/24/11 86
Ethics - 98
California Licensed CPA
Illinois Registered CPA

[ReneeNC]

I don't even own a suit. ;P

I have dark pants and a few dressier blouses. I really don't have much in the way of work clothes at all. I am waiting until I have an idea of where I will be working before I spend a lot on clothes.

We'll see. I have a second phone interview this afternoon, and maybe an in-person next week. I have another in-person next week as well.

This is good, right?

REG - 89
BEC - 82
FAR - 87
AUD - 81
Used CPAexcel, Wiley Online Practice, and NINJA!

[NYCpat]

Definitely better to be overdressed and they repeatedly say “you know we are casual around here, right?” than for you to show up under-dressed or even appropriately dressed.

Also, keep in mind, that other candidates will dress up so that if you go in dressed down, you will look informal by comparison.

Never try to guess at exactly nailing what the proper attire is – just dress formally and you can have a laugh about it later once you get the job.

BEC - 82
AUD - 65; retake Feb 2013
FAR - April 2013
REG - July 2013?

[MyLifeisCPA]

I agree with NYCpat.

BEC-Passed
AUD-Passed
REG-Passed
FAR-Passed (I AM DONE!!! THANK U LORD!!!!)
Licensed Texas CPA - 10/2012

[Givemesleep]

Mini skirt and a bikini top?

Reg 11/15/2011 - 80
Aud 02/28/2012 - 81
Bec 05/31/2012 - 78
Far 08/31/2012 - 83 Do you believe in Miracles, YES !!!

CPA License received 10/2012 !!
CFE License received 04/2013 !!
EA License received

Givemesleep

[ReneeNC]

@givemesleep…LOL No one wants to see me in a miniskirt and bikini! I've had 7 kids and it shows! 😛

My phone interview was put off until tomorrow. It may not even be a legitimate questions.

REG - 89
BEC - 82
FAR - 87
AUD - 81
Used CPAexcel, Wiley Online Practice, and NINJA!

[kmwgrace]

I agree, better to overdress than underdress. Since you don't own a suit, I would go with black slacks and a dressy (but not flashy) top in subdued colors. Don't show any cleavage at all (a tip from the career center at my school). Understated makeup is best. Once you get the job, I would stick with business casual for at least a week or so, until you get a better feel for the corporate culture and the reality of how everyone dresses. Hope all goes well with your phone interview, keep us posted!

~ Kate... MTX!
CPA exam on hold while I homeschool my 6 year old!

[Anonymous]

skinny jeans, boots, checkered shirt, cowboy hat, and a horse….

[lateralus ag]

Terminator: nails.

FAR 88
REG 89
AUD 89
BEC 86
DONE!!!
Using Becker Review and Becker Final Review, and Ninja Audio for BEC

[Anonymous]

nails????

[Author]

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