In this world of endless possibilities and questionable fashion choices, there are certain moments that make you question humanity's collective decision-making skills.
Like when people willingly choose socks with sandals. Or when someone thought a mullet was a good idea (twice).
But nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of the job interview, where the stakes are high and the dress codes are… well, let’s just say they’re open to some rather creative interpretations.
Because what do you do when faced with the dreaded phrase "business casual"? Or worse, "smart-casual"? Do you throw caution to the wind and unleash your inner fashionista, or do you play it safe and just hope for the best?
For some brave souls, this decision led to sartorial disasters so epic, so over-the-top, that they will forever be remembered in the hall of fame of interview fashion fails.
The Suit of Many Colours
Once upon a time, a young man decided to make an impression in an interview for a corporate banking role.
Wanting to stand out, he eschewed the standard navy suit and opted for something… more vibrant.
He arrived wearing a suit in a riot of neon colours, looking like he’d been styled by a hyperactive toddler during a particularly vivid sugar high.
You’ve got to admire the confidence it takes to rock up to an office looking like a human tie-dye experiment, even if it did trigger several migraines.
The Faux Pas Fedora
Hats off to the gentleman who thought that nothing says "hire me"quite like a fedora.
Unfortunately, his choice of headwear didn’t quite scream "professional", but rather whispered "enthusiastic jazz musician with questionable taste in trilogies."
And let’s not forget the classic interview etiquette rule: always remove your hat indoors - unless you’re auditioning for the role of ‘Guy Who Owns Too Many Fedora Hats’.
The Medieval Knight
It’s said that you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
But one ambitious soul took this advice a bit too literally when he arrived at a tech start-up interview clad head-to-toe in a full suit of armour.
While it did show commitment, the clanking and creaking throughout the interview somewhat undermined his pitch for being a ‘silent worker’.
The Pajama Predicament
In the age of remote work, the lines between home and office wear have blurred - but one candidate took it to the next level.
Deciding that comfort is king, they turned up to a video interview in a matching pajama set, complete with fluffy slippers and a cup of hot cocoa.
While it certainly embodied the WFH spirit, it didn’t quite convey the message of "ready to take on the world of finance."
The ‘Casual’ Kilt
Never let it be said that I don’t appreciate cultural clothing, but there’s a time and place for everything.
One intrepid job seeker decided that an interview for a corporate law firm was the perfect opportunity to don a traditional Scottish kilt.
While it was a bold move, the absence of prior warning to his interviewer meant that any serious discussion was overshadowed by the lingering fear that he might start playing the bagpipes at any moment.
The Overenthusiastic Mascot
In a bid to demonstrate their enthusiasm and company loyalty, one candidate turned up to an interview dressed as the company’s mascot.
While it did display dedication, it’s hard to maintain a serious discussion when one party is dressed as a giant anthropomorphic carrot.
Needless to say, they were remembered. But for all the wrong reasons.
The All-Leather Ensemble
There’s nothing wrong with making a fashion statement - but showing up for a software developer role dressed like a member of the rock band KISS might not be the statement you want.
While the all-leather outfit and platform boots were certainly eye-catching, it’s hard to discuss coding languages when your interviewer is trying to figure out if you’re about to break into a guitar solo.
The Zombie Apocalypse
And lastly, let us not forget the candidate who, for reasons only they will ever truly understand, turned up to a job interview dressed as a zombie.
Perhaps it was a leftover Halloween celebration.
Perhaps they misunderstood the term "killer instinct."
All I know for certain is that it’s very hard to discuss one’s future career while looking like you’ve just risen from the dead.
Need to Recruit With a Little More… Decorum?
If reading this has made you question your own interview standards, we can help.
At Coburg Banks, we ensure that the people you’re meeting with are prepared, professional, and dressed like they’ve got a meeting with a future employer, not a costume party.
If you need to recruit top talent (and avoid fashion catastrophes), get in touch.
We promise that none of our candidates will arrive dressed as medieval knights, zombies, or neon disco balls.
Well… probably.
