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Thursday June 12th, 2008
Flip-flops and interviews: Where do you stand? (Comments invited!)
I'm 38 years old, which means I'm old enough to think it's appalling when candidates show up for interviews wearing flip-flops (and in the past week, I've seen 4 of them do just that) - but young enough to feel piqued when the 20-somethings in the office think my aversion to flip-flops is old-fashioned.
I don't think it's old-fashioned to think that toes are a body part which should be visible in an interview. (Though I do think that it's just fine for women to have bare legs in the summer - I think offices which insist women wear pantyhose all summer are ridiculous.)
So what do you think?
Leave a comment - and don't forget to include your age bracket!
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Comments
Anonymous - June 13th 2008 12:25 PM
Forget them
While I understand the new generation and what they need - there is a time and a place to wear flip flops. These candidates are demonstrating they are not taking your job seriously -unless you are hiring for a camp counselor or a life guard.
Depends on the job - June 16th 2008 11:26 AM
I expect that when candidates appear for the interview, they are showing their best. Therefore,it really depends on the dress code of the company. If it is a traditional office job, then it would probably not be appropriate.
It makes me think as we look at the new generation, companies will need to revise dress codes and a lot of the conditioning of organizations may be challenged.
Anonymous - June 16th 2008 4:17 PM
There is such a variety of shoes that could be called "flip-flops" these days - some big designer names make shoes that could fit into that category, with rhinestones and/or very fancy decorations on them. Many very nice, expensive shoes "show toe", and I would not consider them inappropriate for most places to work here in Tucson. However, we are noted for being casual in the workplace, as well as everywhere else (I've even seen cutoff jeans worn to the opera here). If you are only talking about what we used to call "shower shoes" - plain, everyday flip-flops, then I would have to say that those are definitely not appropriate for a job interview - even in Tucson.
Anonymous - June 17th 2008 9:04 AM
I think companies need to revise their Business Casual requirements and enforce them. Too many employees forget the word "Business" in Business Casual. It's appauling! Yes, stockings in the summer is no-no...
Anonymous - June 17th 2008 9:46 AM
There's sandals and flip flops. Anything that flaps against the heel of your foot, no matter how expensive or fancy, is a flip flop and not appropriate foot wear for work.
We have a no flip flop policy, but I see them all the time.
Call me old fashoined, but flip flops belong at the beach and other places, but not at work.
Anonymous - June 17th 2008 10:30 AM
I'm a firm believer in the adage: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." It also applies to flip flops at interviews. "Class" and "good taste" transcend age, fad, fashion, and company dress code. I know of a company (led by 20- and 30-somethings)that allows shorts, tanks, even pajamas and slippers in its dress code ONCE HIRED. Until then, it's suits for both men and women...no exceptions.
Anonymous - June 18th 2008 12:58 PM
My daily work motto to staff even in FL & CA in which the attire is business casual. If you look in the mirror each day before you leave for work, if you dont look like you could be in a casual interview dont wear it. This includes flip flops. I dont even permit flip flops on Fridays, casual days when they can wear jeans (not ripped). Call me old fashion & proud of it. If you dress the part, you set a presence, tone, and seriousness for the position. Its respect for one self & the interviewer.
If a candidate has or had on flip flops, i would rechedule the interview and let them know to dress for the position. I would still consider them and chalk it up to human error. I often ask during an interview, if what they are wearing is something typical of what they would wear to work & explain our dress code is.
Beth Robinson - December 29th 2008 11:25 AM
I don't care about flip-flops in the office one way or the other. I would care that the interviewees failed to understand their target audience and might carry that failure over to other situations.
Mother Earth aka Karen Hanrahan - December 29th 2008 11:55 PM
Personally I can't walk with any level of grace, style or dignity in flip-flops. I am sure I'd make a very bad impression in an interview stumbling into the room. I guess one could admire those who someone navigate them seamlessly. Then again I could feel that way about someone who walks ever so in stilettos too - never could walk in those either.
I am 40 something.
Andrew - December 30th 2008 7:55 AM
I'm thirty two, and flip flops are for the beach, not for job interviews.
If I were the owner of a company, and I was about to invest $50,000 or more per year of my own money on the successful candidate, there is no way I would take a gamble on somebody who does not take sufficient care to dress in a professional manner for an interview.
Flip flops are for the beach - suits and ties are for job interviews.
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