The dress code for Amazon software developers is very casual and they don’t explicitly have a strict dress code. Instead, Amazon provides their software engineers with informal guidelines on what they should wear. If you are interviewing at Amazon make sure to at least keep it business casual so you make a good impression.
However, Amazon’s dress code is position-specific. For example, Warehouse employees have stricter safety rules to follow but a more relaxed clothing code. But what about the Amazon Software Engineer dress code?
What matters most to Amazon is whether or not its employees can get the job done, and it seems that the company is willing to sacrifice some traditional office conventions to promote this goal. It means that there isn’t a dress code for software developers and other members of the tech team at Amazon.
More than 60% of employees feel more productive when the dress code is relaxed and 80% find a strict dress code hinders their performance. So getting it right is critical.
Let’s explore Amazon’s culture a bit more and discuss situations where a more formal dress code may be appropriate.
Amazon’s Software Engineer Dress Code and Culture
Amazon is among the most forward-thinking and powerful corporations in the world. Their business culture is a key component in their success. Software engineers at Amazon are fortunate to be able to follow a casual and relaxed dress code. However, warehouse workers have to adhere to a strict dress code.
There is an argument that dressing professionally may have a huge influence on your performance, and although some may think this is arbitrary or unjust, there is a lot of psychological research to back it up. However, most developers only dress up smart for their interviews.
Amazon has a world-leading engineering culture and part of this is operating in teams that work well together and feel relaxed. People don’t perform well under draconian rules and offices have been becoming more relaxed for decades now. They have taken the same attitude as other FAANG companies and gone for a more relaxed approach.
First Impressions Mean Everything in Business
In the few seconds, it takes to make the first judgment on someone, you may already have a strong opinion of them. The “halo effect” refers to the tendency for individuals to form lasting perceptions of others based on those first encounters. The halo effect may have unintended consequences; when we encounter someone who seems well-dressed and put-together, we are more inclined to consider them as knowledgeable and trustworthy. Conversely, if we see someone who is untidy or badly dressed, we are more likely to judge them as uninterested or unprepared for work.
But it’s important to remember that initial impressions aren’t always correct. However, they may significantly alter how others view us, which in turn can affect our level of success. As an example, research has shown that those who dress formally have a better chance of being promoted than those who don’t. This is because dressing professionally conveys an image of competence and respectability to people around us.
This is especially true in the modern corporate environment, when a person’s initial impression may make or break their career prospects. The power of a first impression is globalized by social media; people you’ve never met before may have already developed an opinion about you based on what they’ve seen about you online. That’s why it’s crucial to present yourself in the best possible light on the web.
It may seem unreasonable to insist that workers dress in a specific manner, yet first impressions are crucial in business. Amazon wants its workers (and the rest of the world) to know that the company takes its business and reputation seriously. So it reflects this in the products its employees create rather than the things they wear.
What to wear to an interview as a software engineer at Amazon
As a software engineer, you want to dress in a way that shows you’re competent and professional while also maintaining a sense of style. After all, first impressions matter, and you want to make sure you give off the best possible impression when meeting with potential employers.
So, what should you wear to an interview as a software engineer at Amazon? For a face-to-face interview at Amazon, you should dress more formally. For men this could mean:
- A button-down shirt with a sweater
- Smart jeans, chinos, or casual dress pants
- Slacks with a nice shirt
Wearing a t-shirt with a nice pair of jeans or a sweater over the top is also a good choice but I think it’s best to overdo it in an interview
- Long skirts
- Blouse
- Trousers with a casual jacket
- Turtle neck sweaters
The dress code is incredibly open-ended so don’t feel too restricted but make sure you are dressed respectably. Never wear anything like a vest or flip-flops to an interview, and keep the more casual clothes for the weekend.
Suit Up
When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with a suit. A dark suit with a white shirt and a conservative tie is always a good bet. You want to look sharp and polished, but not overdressed. This option is great if you’re not sure what the dress code is at the company or if you’re meeting with someone senior in the organization.
Dress for Comfort
If you know the dress code at Amazon is casual, then take advantage of that and dress in clothes that are comfortable but still stylish. A nice pair of jeans with a button-down shirt or blazer is always a good option. Just be sure to avoid anything too wrinkled or clenched-looking; remember, you still want to look professional.
Accessorize
Accessories are a great way to add a personal touch to your outfit and make it more memorable. But be careful not to go overboard; stick to one or two simple accessories that complement your outfit without overpowering it. A watch or simple necklace can do wonders in terms of dressing up an outfit without making it look too fussy.
How to dress on your first day of work as an Amazon software engineer
Amazon is one of the most well-known and respected companies in the world. If you’re lucky enough to snag a job as a software engineer at this tech giant, then you’re on your way to a successful career. But before you can start impressing your new colleagues, you need to make sure you’re dressed for the part.
- A suit is not necessary. It’s probably best to avoid looking too formal.
- Casual dress is acceptable, but don’t go too casual. Avoid anything that would be considered inappropriate for the office, like shorts or a tank top.
- Choose clothing that is comfortable and wrinkle-free. You want to look put-together, but not like you’ve tried too hard.
- Keep accessories to a minimum. A watch and simple earrings are fine but don’t go overboard.
- If you have any tattoos or piercings, consider covering them up for the day. Amazon has a pretty strict dress code, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. sneakers are okay if they’re clean and in good condition.
Make sure your hair is clean and styled nicely. - Finally, don’t forget to smile, this shows that you’re confident and excited to be there!
The dos and don’ts of Amazon software engineer fashion
Jeff Bezos, the CEO, and founder of Amazon is known for his casual style. This consists of ripped jeans, a button-down shirt, and a light jacket. Other employees have followed suit in this style, which is comfortable and practical for a day spent coding
When you’re dressing for a meeting or presentation, it’s best to stick to a neutral palette. Black, navy, and gray are all good options. This will give you a more polished look that will be taken seriously by your colleagues. Avoid brighter colors like red or green, as these can be distracting. Patterns should also be avoided; stick to solid colors for a clean look.
Don’t: Forget to Dress for the Weather
If you’ll be outside at any point during the day, make sure you dress accordingly. If it’s cold out, don’t forget a coat! umbrellas are also key in Seattle’s rainier months. And if it’s sunny, remember to wear sunglasses and sunscreen—you don’t want to get sunburned while giving your presentation.
Do: Be yourself
The clothes you wear are an expression of who you are. Employers want you to feel comfortable at work. It starts with how you look and feel. There is a reason Amazon is similar to Facebook’s dress code and Google’s dress code, they know that people perform the best when they wear the things that make them comfortable.
Don’t: Wear anything revealing
Remember at the end of the day you work in an office. It is a professional environment where people come to work. Wearing any clothes that are too revealing is not a great look and could go against you.
Do: Accessorize Appropriately
Accessories can add just the right touch to your outfit. A watch, simple necklace, or tasteful earrings can all be good options. Avoid anything too flashy or over-the-top; you want your colleagues to remember your ideas, not your earrings.
Don’t: Forget the occasion
There is a big difference between coming into the office in casual wear and going to meet clients. It is important to dress for the occasion. You wouldn\t want to go to a client meeting in shorts and flip-flops, which are acceptable on a casual day in the office. Just be aware of the occasion.
Resources
Nathan Britten, the founder and editor of Developer Pitstop, is a self-taught software engineer with nearly five years of experience in front-end technologies. Nathan created the site to provide simple, straightforward knowledge to those interested in technology, helping them navigate the industry and better understand their day-to-day roles.