Next Monday I’ll be starting my first job as a college graduate. As mentioned in a previous thread, I’ll be working as a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent Office (a government job.) When I accepted the job and was told the day and time to to arrive, I was told that the expected dress was “business casual.”
I’ve attended business casual events before and have seen a wide range of clothing being passed as business casual. Not wanting to show up under-dressed or extremely overdressed, I decided to post here.
What should I plan to wear to work? I’ve been planning on wearing a button up shirt (probably short sleeved; it’s going to be over 80 degrees and humid.) and a pair of khaki or dark slacks depending on what color shirt I pick. Should I consider wearing a tie on the first day, even if the employer has specified business casual?
I’d especially appreciate advice and experience from Dopers working in a business casual environment.
I wanted to add but missed the edit window:
Also, I’m wondering about carrying documents, books and the like to and from work. I’ll probably be biking part way to work and was wondering if a messenger bag would be acceptable in a business casual environment.
It depends on the place, because IME business casual can vary from suit without the jacket to dockers and polo shirts, as long as it’s not “jeans” demin! Try and remember what the people interviewing you were wearing, and wear something like that. I think it’s better to be over dressed than under dressed, especially on your first day. I’d consider dark slacks, a button up shirt (though I’d go long sleeved… they probably have air conditioning and offices are often cold, and it looks better!) and bring a tie but don’t wear it unless you see people are, then put it on.
A messenger bag is fine - at least around here. What you carry your stuff in is pretty independent of your dress, IMHO.
If you’re going to be biking, you might want to bring your clothes in another bag and get changed at work. You don’t want to be all sweaty when you meet your coworkers for the first time! You can call your HR contact and ask if they have a locker room/shower area for people who commute by bike; a lot of companies do. You can clarify the dress code if you want to at that time.
Get there early, bring a lunch or at least your own money for one, but don’t be surprised if your boss/coworkers pay for your lunch on the first day - that’s always been my experience so far.
Congratulations on the new job (and on your graduation!)
bring a neutral tie (solid dark colour is always a safe bet) in your pocket. Arrive 5 minutes early, and check out what the rest of the staff is wearing, or not, in terms of ties. If the majority are wearing ties, go into the washroom and “tie one on”, if not it stays packed…
Yes, wear a tie and a sport coat. You can always take them off. Make sure your shoes are dressy. Longsleeved shirt only on Day 1. You might be slightly overdressed but that’s hwaaaaaaay better than underdressed.
Be safe and go with the khakis, long sleeve white shirt and a tie.
That is pretty much what I wear when I teach at school, and even in the Las Vegas heat, it isn’t all that uncomfortable.
It might be too much, but it still looks nice and is not over-doing it. Plus, you could always lose the tie at lunch if it is too much.
If it is business casual a tie is unnecessary. Polo style shirt and dress slacks are all that is required. You can err on the side of caution and slightly overdress with the option to remove a tie and sportcoat if you decide to go that route, but I think you’ll find that business casual really just means no jeans, no t-shirts, no sneakers.
I’ve always found that on a first day it’s best to go with what makes you feel the most comfortable and the most confident. If you feel good in a shirt and tie then by all means, do it. But you got the job already, now just go do the work.
Glasses fixed with masking tape!? Never! That’s a duct tape job!
To answer CairoCarol’s question: Yes, I did have an on site interview. However, it isn’t going to help me much since I wasn’t paying too much attention what the employees were wearing and was to nervous to be able to recall. Also, it was December so there were a lot more long sleeves and sweaters than I expect to see in July.
Thanks for the suggestions and advice. Keep it coming.
My vote is for the khakis, white long-sleeved shirt, and removable/optional tie for the first day and any day you have a big meeting, presentation, etc. Most days, you’ll probably wear khakis and a polo shirt. My husband works in a business casual government office and my advice is based on watching him and his coworkers. Short-sleeved dress shirts are a huge professional dress faux pas for men. Don’t do it on your first day. Preferably never, but if you wind up as a complete back office type and others are doing it, maybe then.
The messenger bag should be fine.
Everything should be in absolutely perfect condition and fit you well. No scuffs, stains, wrinkles, etc. Perhaps this is too obvious, but you should wear a belt with the khakis. If this stuff means you go shopping this weekend, so be it.
If you can skip the bike ride in for the very first day, I’d suggest that. It’s just one less thing to worry about.
Congrats on the job! It sounds like a good job to get straight out of school. Good luck!
Just FYI, for the people who are saying “don’t worry about the first day, adjust after” - we still remember a certain person I work with as “that girl who wore tennis shoes on her first day”.
No tie. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and nice slacks. You’ll almost certainly be overdressed, but it’s better to be a bit overdressed on the first day than underdressed. Check out what everyone else is wearing and adjust accordingly.
I have worked with government clients for several years in this area and if they told you business casual, you’ll be fine without a tie. However, as others have said, I’d wear a button down shirt and bring a tie just in case. I doubt a jacket would be necessary even if it’s not business casual.
