Dressed to impress
While formal conversation is a hallmark of most German workplaces, another formality — what to wear — varies greatly. In many companies, in fact, it can be very casual. Von Suskil’s co-workers dress more casually than he expected before arriving here. “I’ve worn a tie several times, and people have commented jokingly on it,” he said.
In Quigless’ publishing house, staff dress according to their position in the office: Secretaries dress casually, but those with higher-ranking jobs wear formal business attire. Fogel and Jeyarajah also report their dress codes are more easy-going than they would have been had their jobs been in the States.
For the first day on the job, though, Jeyarajah recommends dressing formally — just in case. “See what everyone is wearing,” she said, “and you can dress accordingly after that.” Work attire depends on the company, and while some workplaces require formal business wear, others prefer their employees to dress casually.
What’s clear is that in Germany, like any other country, no business will operate exactly like any other. The best way to approach a new job in a foreign country, said Fogel, is to keep an open mind.
“Be open to the culture,” he said. “Learn about it and experience it. Try new things.”