Job interviews - when do you drop your level of dress?

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: thegimp03
This is common sense, always wear a suit. First impressions are huge with interviews, as the person only has a limited time to evaluate you. Wearing a suit and freshly polished shoes definitely strengthens that first impression.

This is definitely going to depend on what you're interviewing for. With all the people I interviewed last year, there was only one guy where his attire made an impression at all--and that's because he was wearing a studded leather belt and I could plainly see his knife clipped to his pocket.
The guys wearing suits? Big whoop, they were wearing suits. I didn't even notice their shoes. I have higher concerns, because your clothing factors exactly zero percent into how well you can do your job (programming).

aint that the truth
lol when we were hiring a new journeyman electrician, i was walking thru the office doing nothing. saw the group of apps waiting their turn, noticed most were dressed fairly regular. polo shirt, slacks and such. couple were in jeans a t shirt, and 1 was lookin like he just put his cardboard sign down and walked in for a hand out. i asked if he was supposed to be there, if the office manager wanted me to escort him away, found out he was an applicant lol. he still works for us, ouot of the 45 pros that interviewed he had the most experience, professional knowledge and positive references. he still looks like a homeless dood and rarely talks to anyone, but hes been stable and great worker for almost 2 years now.

 

[ncl]

Get a job you slacker!

Seriously, don't drop the dress until given the opportunity. During the interview you are usually given the opportunity to ask questions about the job....ask about dress code. They will normally throw something about not needing to dress in a suit, etc. Then in the next interview (if there is one) you can dress down a bit (still better than required dress code).

My $0.02....it's worked for me. I've never interviewed for a job that I wasn't offered...

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: jTanked

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: Koing
Full suit and jacket. It looks smart and the guy will almost certainly expect it. This is common sense. Do you wear casual wear to a funeral?!!!!

Koing

Sure, what's the problem with that? Dead guy won't mind, he's busy being dead.

Ima lighting up the fryer for some froglegs.

What did I ever do to you?

 

[silverpig]

I remember one summer I had an interview while wearing jeans and a t-shirt, in a ditch, covered in dirt, and I got the job.

One thing I've heard is that you won't ever be disqualified from a job for overdressing, but you will for underdressing.

 

[Bignate603]

It depends on what you're interviewing for. If they're looking for a janitor you don't wear a suit. If it's a relatively important office job you should plan on wearing it. Suit and tie is expected job interview clothing for office positions unless you are told otherwise. I did have one interview that clearly stated that they were a casual work environment and to dress accordingly but that was the exception, every other one seemed to expect me to be dressed up.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I usually wear dress pants and a golf shirt, MAYBE a button shirt, been a while since I've actually had an interview. My last interview was actually jeans and golf shirt as it was for the company I work for. (different position) Have to realize the person interviewing you is having a normal work day and probably wont be in a suit, and you don't really want to overdress. Though wearing a suit is not really going to make you lose points, I just find it's not necessary.

Though it depends on the job of course. If you are applying for like a law firm or a politic type job where people do normally wear suits, then wear one.

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
I've never worn a suit and tie to an interview. Even when I wore just a shirt and tie (no suit jacket) it always seemed too formal (as in the interviewer actually commented on how I was overdressed).

burger flipping jobs don't count...

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
I've never worn a suit and tie to an interview. Even when I wore just a shirt and tie (no suit jacket) it always seemed too formal (as in the interviewer actually commented on how I was overdressed).

Works for me.
If I don't get a job because I wasn't wearing a suit, I probably didn't want to work there anyway.

I'm sure that sentiment is mutual. Suit and tie always.

And yes, if you don't wear one it does make a statement about your professionalism and approach to commonly accepted practices. Don't be the nerdy guy in a black shirt, bleached jeans and pony tail.

 

[Tiamat]

I'd just wear the suit. I went to lunch with intervewers and they were dressed in business casual, but it really doesn't matter if your clothes match with theirs as long as you aren't more casual. I mean, everybody knows you are interviewing, you don't have to hide it.

Alternatively, depending on how you feel, you could ask HR.

 

[Mo0o]

Suit and tie ALWAYS. You can always take off teh jacket or the tie, can't work your way back up if you show up in a polo.

 

[zerocool84]

I've never worn a suit, just a long sleeve button-up shirt with a tie and slacks. I guess according to many of you I'm underdressed but I never think so. I'm comfortable and don't look like I overdressed and tried to impress them.

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: halik

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
I've never worn a suit and tie to an interview. Even when I wore just a shirt and tie (no suit jacket) it always seemed too formal (as in the interviewer actually commented on how I was overdressed).

Works for me.
If I don't get a job because I wasn't wearing a suit, I probably didn't want to work there anyway.

I'm sure that sentiment is mutual. Suit and tie always.

And yes, if you don't wear one it does make a statement about your professionalism and approach to commonly accepted practices. Don't be the nerdy guy in a black shirt, bleached jeans and pony tail.

What rubbish.

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: halik

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
I've never worn a suit and tie to an interview. Even when I wore just a shirt and tie (no suit jacket) it always seemed too formal (as in the interviewer actually commented on how I was overdressed).

Works for me.
If I don't get a job because I wasn't wearing a suit, I probably didn't want to work there anyway.

I'm sure that sentiment is mutual. Suit and tie always.

And yes, if you don't wear one it does make a statement about your professionalism and approach to commonly accepted practices. Don't be the nerdy guy in a black shirt, bleached jeans and pony tail.

What rubbish.

Hippie dress FTW? :Q

 

[Sea Moose]

Mankini <-- you could be either thrown out on your arse or be tuned by the boss

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: RichUK

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: halik

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
I've never worn a suit and tie to an interview. Even when I wore just a shirt and tie (no suit jacket) it always seemed too formal (as in the interviewer actually commented on how I was overdressed).

Works for me.
If I don't get a job because I wasn't wearing a suit, I probably didn't want to work there anyway.

I'm sure that sentiment is mutual. Suit and tie always.

And yes, if you don't wear one it does make a statement about your professionalism and approach to commonly accepted practices. Don't be the nerdy guy in a black shirt, bleached jeans and pony tail.

What rubbish.

Hippie dress FTW? :Q

Get to work on your resume, son

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: RichUK

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: halik

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
I've never worn a suit and tie to an interview. Even when I wore just a shirt and tie (no suit jacket) it always seemed too formal (as in the interviewer actually commented on how I was overdressed).

Works for me.
If I don't get a job because I wasn't wearing a suit, I probably didn't want to work there anyway.

I'm sure that sentiment is mutual. Suit and tie always.

And yes, if you don't wear one it does make a statement about your professionalism and approach to commonly accepted practices. Don't be the nerdy guy in a black shirt, bleached jeans and pony tail.

What rubbish.

Hippie dress FTW? :Q

Get to work on your resume, son

All is well

 

[Chryso]

Originally posted by: JDub02
shirt/tie during all stages.

This. Especially the shirt part.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
I've never worn a suit and tie to an interview. Even when I wore just a shirt and tie (no suit jacket) it always seemed too formal (as in the interviewer actually commented on how I was overdressed).

Taco Bell?

 

[Ns1]

suit until you're hired

assuming this is for a "real" job

 

[Elbryn]

i've always followed the one step above what they are wearing. if some of them are wearing button down shirts with ties and dress pants, that means add the jacket. obviously if they are wearing suits, do the same. please dont go to an interview in a tux.