Steven Bartlett issues brutal verdict on people who wear suits to interviews

Daily Mirror

6 hours ago

People have been left stunned after businessman and host of Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett, revealed what he wants to see people turn up to job interviews wearing. And it's not a suit
When hoping to land a new role and impress a company or individual, applicants often spend a lot of time preparing what they are going to say, researching the business, and planning their outfits. And on the big day, candidates typically spend time getting dressed up in formal attire to make a good impression.
However, Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett explained why this isn't always the best idea. He critiqued a young man who turned up to a job interview wearing a suit – and explained why he believes it is not appropriate, leaving many furious.
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The 32-year-old, who Forbes previously reported to be worth at least £71 million, shared his brutally honest opinion about what you should wear to a job interview. The businessman and host of podcast Diary of a CEO recently spoke to English-American author and inspirational speaker, Simon Sinek, about this subject in an episode of the show.
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In the clip, shared on YouTube and TikTok, Steven shared a story about a young lad who walked into a job interview with him, wearing a suit.
Speaking to Simon, he said: "I flashbacked to an interview I had last week in our company where a young kid walks in wearing a suit and I thought you have no idea who you are, because that's not you."
Steven added: "I know that you don't wear a suit. You're 22 years old. You do not wear a suit, so I have no indication... I have no clues as to who you are and therefore I have to figure out if you fit in here."
He explained further: "What he tried to do there is show up perfect, how he thought perfect was and in some ways, to hide who he actually was."
Even though Steven was trying to give useful advice, people were furious about his comments. In the comments section on TikTok, one responder said: "He's a 22-year-old wearing a suit - he's clearly got ambition and goals. Why shame him?"
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Another commented: "It's called professionalism and respect, good kid." And a third added: "I am on the side of the guy in the suit. He is not pretending to be something he is not. He takes this interview seriously and showed you and the company respect. Good for him."
A fourth pointed out: "If he'd turned up in jeans he would have been called disrespectful." And another noted: "A suit is what you normally wear in an interview. Give the guy a break. You should have specified not to wear a suit or to come smart casual?".
Despite the backlash, some stuck up for Steven and agreed with his point of view. One wrote: "It sounds like he felt his outfit was too flashy and not authentic.
"Many people have been in that situation. It's perfectly fine to wear an affordable suit from a store like Primark or M&S for a first job.
"However, showing up in a £5,000 Armani suit and £10,000 crocodile leather shoes can come across as trying too hard and might give the impression that someone isn't genuine."