The rule of thumb: One level more formal than the company dress code — if you know it. Research beforehand: LinkedIn profiles of employees show the actual dress code. Destatis working time data shows: Trades and production = smart casual attire; consulting and finance = business; tech and creatives = smart casual to casual. Caveat: When in doubt, overdressing is less damaging than underdressing. The outfit should not distract — neither through too much formality nor too little. AGG §1 context: Discrimination based on clothing with religious or cultural significance is inadmissible — this can become relevant during the application phase.
Sources & Data
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