Interview Attire

Balldog · 10-26-2003, 11:54 AM

I've always just wore a nice pair of dress pants, nice shirt, and a tie. Is this adequate? I have an interview on Monday and the recruiter told me I should wear a sport coat. Problem is I don't really have the money to go out and buy a sport coat right now. If I have to have it I guess I could break out the credit card, what do you guys think?

cartman · 10-26-2003, 11:57 AM

It never hurts to have a sport coat to wear to an interview. If you have to wear one for this new job, then you are already ahead of the game.

That being said, I've always been a fan of suits for an interview. I wore my birthday suit to my first interview. Maybe that explains why my career in porn was finished before it ever really got started.

wbonnell · 10-26-2003, 11:58 AM

Really depends on your field. In my field- software engineering- a sports coat would likely be too much. In fact, wearing a suit might negatively impact the technical assessment. We want to determine what you know, not how you dress...

finkenst · 10-26-2003, 11:59 AM

Suits are typical for an interview, however, it sometimes depends on the culture at the employer.

That said, I wore a shirt and tie without a suitcoat/sportscoat. However, i was interviewing for my own job as I was going fromcontract to fulltime employee so it was pretty much a formality.

--t

finkenst · 10-26-2003, 12:00 PM

dola,

There is that, but not dressing appropriately for the interview may also show that you don't have the respect for the interview process.

cartman · 10-26-2003, 12:03 PM

As a rule of thumb, if you have any doubts, it's better to be over-dressed for an interview, rather than underdressed. Make a note of what the people there are wearing, so if you are called back for a second interview, you can wear something that blends with their office culture.

Unless you are interviewing for Office Linebacker, then a hawaiian print jersey is ok on Casual Friday.

sabotai · 10-26-2003, 12:12 PM

Jeans, a Slipknot or Marilyn Manson t-shirt and sneakers w/ white socks.

JonInMiddleGA · 10-26-2003, 12:35 PM

I'd usually shoot for about a half-notch above whatever the norm in the workplace is.

JeeberD · 10-26-2003, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sabotai
Jeans, a Slipknot or Marilyn Manson t-shirt and sneakers w/ white socks.

Jeans? Damn, that's over dressing. You gotta go with cut-offs in a situation like that...

Swaggs · 10-26-2003, 01:26 PM

I would suggest a dark suit for a first interview.

sabotai · 10-26-2003, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JeeberD
Jeans? Damn, that's over dressing. You gotta go with cut-offs in a situation like that...

Well...my jeans have holes and grease stains on them.

cartman · 10-26-2003, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JeeberD
Jeans? Damn, that's over dressing. You gotta go with cut-offs in a situation like that...

And you wonder why more people don't eat at Olive Garden...

JeeberD · 10-26-2003, 02:05 PM

What? I thought most people liked it when I bartend shirtless...

cartman · 10-26-2003, 02:31 PM

I was about to make a snide remark about Olive Garden not being real Italian, but I was stunned to find they do have a restaurant (or ristorante) in Italy. I might have to go and check it out.

Eaglesfan27 · 10-26-2003, 02:33 PM

I've always gone for a dark blue "power suit." I even did that when interviewing for a valet job (where the valets dressed very casually) and it has never failed me. However, I can see certain situations where that might be overdressing. But, I agree with others that it is definitely better to be overdressed then underdressed for an interview.

JeeberD · 10-26-2003, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cartman
I was about to make a snide remark about Olive Garden not being real Italian, but I was stunned to find they do have a restaurant (or ristorante) in Italy. I might have to go and check it out.

Yeah, we have a "culinary institute" over there. Some of our better dishes were "inspired" over there...

Fizzano something or other...

cartman · 10-26-2003, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JeeberD
Yeah, we have a "culinary institute" over there. Some of our better dishes were "inspired" over there...

Fizzano something or other...

Yep, I found it. Riservo di Fizzano. It's in Tuscany.

And I thought Olive Garden was as Italian as Ragu and Prego spaghetti sauces (ragu and prego mean "sauce" and "you're welcome"). But the dishes definitely have an American slant to them. For example, there is no "Italian sausage" in Italy. I've tried to find an equivalent, and it just doesn't exist.

And as to not give the impression of a threadjack, in my opinion, a bolo tie isn't a substitute for a normal necktie.

finkenst · 10-26-2003, 03:46 PM

Quote:

For example, there is no "Italian sausage" in Italy

And yet, there are lots of italian kids.

Must be a secret.

Schmidty · 10-26-2003, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by finkenst
And yet, there are lots of italian kids.

Must be a secret.

The secret is three things: Plastic spatulas, turkey basters, and Cornhuskers lotion. Voila!!! New kids without the hastle of calisthenics!!

Blackadar · 10-26-2003, 05:44 PM

Always, always, always go in a suit. I don't care what you're interviewing for or with whom. Unless you're POINTEDLY told to wear something else, a suit is always appropriate. Any less shows disrespect to the interviewer and a lack of maturity.

Schmidty · 10-26-2003, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackadar
Always, always, always go in a suit. I don't care what you're interviewing for or with whom. Unless you're POINTEDLY told to wear something else, a suit is always appropriate. Any less shows disrespect to the interviewer and a lack of maturity.

It's cultural and stupid. But a necessary evil, I suppose.

bosshogg23 · 10-26-2003, 05:50 PM

I have always worn a suit to an interview.

On one job I had, where dress was business casual, the interviewer would ALWAYS dress up the day she had to give interviews. If the person was dressed more casually than she it was a bad sign.

Schmidty · 10-26-2003, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackadar
Always, always, always go in a suit. I don't care what you're interviewing for or with whom. Unless you're POINTEDLY told to wear something else, a suit is always appropriate. Any less shows disrespect to the interviewer and a lack of maturity.

Dola. What if you can't afford a suit, but really need a job?

Philliesfan980 · 10-26-2003, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Schmidty
Dola. What if you can't afford a suit, but really need a job?

Credit Cards... Hell I bet they'll preapprove anyone for $1000 on a general department store cc. Basically, now that job interviews are at a premium, dont do anything to screw it up.

dawgfan · 10-26-2003, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackadar
Always, always, always go in a suit. I don't care what you're interviewing for or with whom. Unless you're POINTEDLY told to wear something else, a suit is always appropriate. Any less shows disrespect to the interviewer and a lack of maturity.

Not true at all. At Microsoft, unless you're interviewing for a pretty high-level position or something in sales, you'll be snickered at behind your back for wearing a suit to an interview - dress casual is the norm. This isn't isolated to Microsoft - most tech companies are the same way.

If you're interviewing with a company and you're serious about wanting a job there, part of the process should involve you researching the company, including typical dress code. As mentioned earlier, dressing a half-step or so above normal work wear is appropriate for interviews. Wearing a suit at a Microsoft interview for most people would show that while you are trying to make a nice impression, you really haven't done your homework.

Samdari · 10-26-2003, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dawgfan
Not true at all. At Microsoft, unless you're interviewing for a pretty high-level position or something in sales, you'll be snickered at behind your back for wearing a suit to an interview - dress casual is the norm. This isn't isolated to Microsoft - most tech companies are the same way.

If you're interviewing with a company and you're serious about wanting a job there, part of the process should involve you researching the company, including typical dress code. As mentioned earlier, dressing a half-step or so above normal work wear is appropriate for interviews. Wearing a suit at a Microsoft interview for most people would show that while you are trying to make a nice impression, you really haven't done your homework.

The schmucks snickering at you behind your back is meaningless. The people interviewing you will expect you to be dressed nicely, even in a technical field. I am an Engineer, and everyone where I work wears dockers and a collared shirt every day. When an interview takes place, the higher ups and interviewees are in suits.

I assure you, far more people make a bad impression by not wearing a suit than by wearing one.

Celeval · 10-26-2003, 07:24 PM

Wear the suit/sport coat. If you get there and the interviewer is dressed much more casual, take the coat off. *shrug*

Philliesfan980 · 10-26-2003, 07:37 PM

I agree with the above sentiments. Who cares if people snicker behind your back. It only matters what the interviewer thinks. What the hell is so bad about wearing a suit anyway, even if its for one day for the rest of your career.

I know that while wearing a suit won't necessarily get you the job, NOT wearing a suit can cost you getting the job, unless you have a really good excuse.

wbonnell · 10-26-2003, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Samdari
The schmucks snickering at you behind your back is meaningless. The people interviewing you will expect you to be dressed nicely, even in a technical field. I am an Engineer, and everyone where I work wears dockers and a collared shirt every day. When an interview takes place, the higher ups and interviewees are in suits.

I assure you, far more people make a bad impression by not wearing a suit than by wearing one.

I work in a business casual environment, but I would be shocked if a software engineering candidate wore a suit. From what I've seen, the only candidates that wear suits are Indians...

wbonnell · 10-26-2003, 07:56 PM

dola:

I'm surprised balldog hasn't yet replied. I think he needs to assess the company culture first. From my experience, unless the tech recruiter is internal take what she says with a grain of salt.

Balldog · 10-26-2003, 08:13 PM

I've decided to go without the suit, I really can't afford it. The position is a Quality Engineer, at my current company I've interviewed "prospects" that have worn suits and some that have not. My boss had actually commented one time that he didn't like it when they wore suits.

I don't know, hopefully I will be alright. I know it is a business casual workplace.

tucker342 · 10-26-2003, 08:28 PM

attire? Just go naked!

Philliesfan980 · 10-26-2003, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Balldog
I've decided to go without the suit, I really can't afford it. The position is a Quality Engineer, at my current company I've interviewed "prospects" that have worn suits and some that have not. My boss had actually commented one time that he didn't like it when they wore suits.

I don't know, hopefully I will be alright. I know it is a business casual workplace.

Wow, very different environment that you work in. I work in business, with focus on client. I know that if I didn't wear a suit I'd be laughed out of the building.

My only concern with your whole issue is the "cost" issue that your basing your decision on. Most likely, if you're asking us in the first place if you should be wearing a suit, most likely you should be wearing one. From what you've seen in this thread, about 90% of jobs would like you to wear a suit on an interview. While there are some exceptions, I'm not sure if this one will be one.

I highly urge you to go out and get a suit. Hell maybe you can rent one at one of those "tux" rental places. The lost revenue from your potential job will be alot harder to take than $300 on a solid suit.

Glengoyne · 10-26-2003, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Celeval
Wear the suit/sport coat. If you get there and the interviewer is dressed much more casual, take the coat off. *shrug*

I wouldn't recommend buying a suit or a sport coat for an interview. Do dress up as best you can, but don't strap yourself. I have been on both sides of the interview process, and dress was much more of a consideration when I was being interviewed.

A couple of weeks ago on a Friday, I got a page on the way into work. I was about two blocks away, but already about 15 minutes late. The text on the page said "your 9AM interview is here". This was quite a surprise to me, as I didn't know I had an interview that day. To make matters worse, I was wearing jeans and a company T-shirt. The guy was dressed pretty much business casual. He was wearing a knit tie. I considered it a plus, though. I thought to myself "Hell if he is geeky enough to wear a knit tie, he should fit right in." In the end we didn't hire the guy because my boss thought he was over qualified. I think that is a pretty lame excuse.

The guy was completely overqualified though. As I was sitting there looking at his resume, interviewing him, I couldn't help but think he would do great in my boss's job.

Blackadar · 10-26-2003, 10:11 PM

As someone who's done quite a bit of hiring in both the sales and technical fields, I can say that I wouldn't even interview anyone - sales, operations or engineering - if they weren't wearing at least a sportcoat. I've actually refused to interview people based on their appearance or tardyness. I figured if they couldn't get motivated to look good or show up on time, then I don't want them working for me.

Here's another way to look at it. If there's two candidates who are pretty equal, with equal skills and backgrounds, the job will almost always go to the one who looks more professional. In this job market, can you afford to take that chance?

Raiders Army · 10-26-2003, 10:20 PM

You can never go wrong dressing too "up" than "down". That being said, I've done quite a few interviews lately, and I strongly recommend a suit (from Men's Wearhouse) that is dark (preferably black), a white shirt, and a red power tie.

dawgfan · 10-26-2003, 11:09 PM

Scoff if you want to, but I'm dead serious - unless you're talking about very high level positions, or possibly sales/marketing positions, the people that do the interviews at Microsoft (any many other tech/web companies) could really give a flying fuck if you're wearing a suit; in fact, if you are wearing a suit, it shows that you don't seem to have much of a clue about the company environment. At Microsoft (and many other tech/web companies) you're better off wearing something less formal.

Now, I fully understand that many business environments aren't like this at all, and that dress attitudes differ across the country. All I'm saying is that it's not a universal thing that dressing up and wearing a suit is always the best thing for a job interview. Dress standards in the Pacific NW are very casual compared to most other parts of the country, and tech fields are notorious for their very casual work attire.

JeeberD · 10-27-2003, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cartman
Yep, I found it. Riservo di Fizzano. It's in Tuscany.

And I thought Olive Garden was as Italian as Ragu and Prego spaghetti sauces (ragu and prego mean "sauce" and "you're welcome"). But the dishes definitely have an American slant to them. For example, there is no "Italian sausage" in Italy. I've tried to find an equivalent, and it just doesn't exist.

And as to not give the impression of a threadjack, in my opinion, a bolo tie isn't a substitute for a normal necktie.

Well, OG is indeed an American company. The first one was in Orlando and they have grown like crazy. But they do a decent job trying to be "genuine Italian". OG is trying to send all their GM's and culinary managers to Italy so they can get a taste of the real place. We also have a decent wine list for a chain restaurant. Speaking of, does Rocca dell Macie have a decent reputation over there? We carry several of their wines, and I absolutely love their Chianti. Fantastic stuff...

Remember to always wash your hair before an interview...

Schmidty · 10-27-2003, 04:42 AM

Sometimes I hate American culture.

Appearances are all that matter anymore.

Schmidty · 10-27-2003, 05:08 AM

Dola.

Everytime I look through this thread it makes me more and more angry. Our priorities in the way we judge each other in this country are so fucked up it's not even funny.

Blackadar · 10-27-2003, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Schmidty
Dola.

Everytime I look through this thread it makes me more and more angry. Our priorities in the way we judge each other in this country are so fucked up it's not even funny.

Why? What the hell is your problem? How can this possibly upset you?

It's an interview. Looks aren't all that matters, but if you can't be bothered to look the part, then don't bother at all.

How else do you evaluate somone when intervieing? Talking is fine and so is judging non-verbal communication, but quite often you find similar candidates in experience and demeanor. I'm busy as hell and I have a large group of people who report to me and need me. I can't afford to spend 4 hours on every interviewee - I have about an hour to get to know someone, learn what they want, what drives them, compare their experience to the job and make a preliminary decision. That's not a lot of time.

So one of the prerequisites is looking the part. This does not mean being the most attractive candidate or in any way reflect upon their physical attractiveness. This is just looking them over for the finer points - are their shoes shined? Are they wearing a freshly pressed suit? Do their fingernails look ok? Do they have a fresh haircut? Do they simile? Do they look you in the eye? Because if you, as a candidate, can't do these things, then you probably either don't have the motivation to do them (in which case I don't want you working for me) or you don't understand what's required in the business world (in which case I don't have the time to hold your hand until you learn).

Bee · 10-27-2003, 06:32 AM

I'm a Vice President for an engineering company and I've interviewed hundreds of candidates for 4 different companies. I would never hire anyone who didn't at least wear a sports jacket and if they are not in a suit, they'd have to be damn impressive to get me to hire them. And yes, everyplace I work we've had a business casual dress code. Interviews don't count as a "normal" business day. You are there to make an impression and part of that is dressing appropriately for the interview. I always wear a suit when I interview people, I expect them to do the same. Also, everyone who attends a meeting with one of our clients is expected to wear a suit or nice dress. This is pretty basic philosophy in most of the business world that I've interacted with. The exception seems to be the computer industry although even that is starting to change.

Subby · 10-27-2003, 06:56 AM

I think it depends on the job for which you are interviewing. If you are trying to obtain a salaried, exempt position then it behooves you to look as professional as possible. Which means a suit and nothing less.

I realize a suit can be expensive, but I have managed to get by for the past five years on a Nordstrom suit for which I paid a little over $300. Could I really afford it at the time? Not really. But for the five or six times a year where I have an occasion to wear a suit (weddings, funerals, board meetings) it has been nice to be able to dress well.

Think of a nice suit as an investment - something that will serve you well for a good number of years.

wbonnell · 10-27-2003, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackadar
Why? What the hell is your problem? How can this possibly upset you?

It's an interview. Looks aren't all that matters, but if you can't be bothered to look the part, then don't bother at all.

How else do you evaluate somone when intervieing? Talking is fine and so is judging non-verbal communication, but quite often you find similar candidates in experience and demeanor. I'm busy as hell and I have a large group of people who report to me and need me. I can't afford to spend 4 hours on every interviewee - I have about an hour to get to know someone, learn what they want, what drives them, compare their experience to the job and make a preliminary decision. That's not a lot of time.

Depending on the type of candidate, 4 hours is not enough time. With probably spend 3 times that with our candidates.

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackadar

So one of the prerequisites is looking the part. This does not mean being the most attractive candidate or in any way reflect upon their physical attractiveness. This is just looking them over for the finer points - are their shoes shined? Are they wearing a freshly pressed suit? Do their fingernails look ok? Do they have a fresh haircut? Do they simile? Do they look you in the eye? Because if you, as a candidate, can't do these things, then you probably either don't have the motivation to do them (in which case I don't want you working for me) or you don't understand what's required in the business world (in which case I don't have the time to hold your hand until you learn).

And looking the part for most software engineering jobs is NOT wearing a suit.

wbonnell · 10-27-2003, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bee
I'm a Vice President for an engineering company and I've interviewed hundreds of candidates for 4 different companies. I would never hire anyone who didn't at least wear a sports jacket and if they are not in a suit, they'd have to be damn impressive to get me to hire them. And yes, everyplace I work we've had a business casual dress code. Interviews don't count as a "normal" business day. You are there to make an impression and part of that is dressing appropriately for the interview. I always wear a suit when I interview people, I expect them to do the same. Also, everyone who attends a meeting with one of our clients is expected to wear a suit or nice dress. This is pretty basic philosophy in most of the business world that I've interacted with. The exception seems to be the computer industry although even that is starting to change.

You know, I'm starting to think it's more a function of regional culture. For instance, I live in Ausin, TX, but I've never worn a suit to an interview and, hopefully, never will. Moreover, the only interviewees that -occassionally- wear suits to interviews are Indians. In case you're wondering, I'm talking about professional, exempt software engineering positions.

Radii · 10-27-2003, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wbonnell
And looking the part for most software engineering jobs is NOT wearing a suit.

I have never been on an interview where I regretted, or felt out of place, wearing a suit for a job interview, and I am a software developer. All of the places I have worked for have been business casual, or casual casual(jeans, etc), but even at these places, everyone comes in for an interview in a suit, and the managers always dress up for interviews themselves.

Perhaps it is regional, and I am sure specific companies have a more casual attitude like Microsoft, which is cool, but if I don't know any better, I'm wearing a suit to an interview.

Subby · 10-27-2003, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wbonnell
You know, I'm starting to think it's more a function of regional culture. For instance, I live in Ausin, TX, but I've never worn a suit to an interview and, hopefully, never will. Moreover, the only interviewees that -occassionally- wear suits to interviews are Indians. In case you're wondering, I'm talking about professional, exempt software engineering positions.

Maybe the Indians know what it means to be professional

cuervo72 · 10-27-2003, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by finkenst
And yet, there are lots of italian kids.

Must be a secret.

Actually, I thought Italy was facing an impending crisis because there aren't enough children being born, that the death rate was higher than the birth rate. That, and immigration numbers are rising. Eventually Italians might be outnumbered in Italy!

Schmidty · 10-27-2003, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackadar
Why? What the hell is your problem? How can this possibly upset you?

It's an interview. Looks aren't all that matters, but if you can't be bothered to look the part, then don't bother at all.

How else do you evaluate somone when intervieing? Talking is fine and so is judging non-verbal communication, but quite often you find similar candidates in experience and demeanor. I'm busy as hell and I have a large group of people who report to me and need me. I can't afford to spend 4 hours on every interviewee - I have about an hour to get to know someone, learn what they want, what drives them, compare their experience to the job and make a preliminary decision. That's not a lot of time.

So one of the prerequisites is looking the part. This does not mean being the most attractive candidate or in any way reflect upon their physical attractiveness. This is just looking them over for the finer points - are their shoes shined? Are they wearing a freshly pressed suit? Do their fingernails look ok? Do they have a fresh haircut? Do they simile? Do they look you in the eye? Because if you, as a candidate, can't do these things, then you probably either don't have the motivation to do them (in which case I don't want you working for me) or you don't understand what's required in the business world (in which case I don't have the time to hold your hand until you learn).

You are a perfect example of what's wrong with the business world: Condescending and materialistic. You assumed many things about me as well, so I have no problem with that statement about you.

If a person is clean, qualified, and friendly, it shouldn't matter if they're wearing a monkey suit with shiny shoes. A suit is a cultural clown outfit. People wear them because someone decided many years ago that they were an acceptable form of attire. They're so conformist, that they might as well have a giant bar code printed on the back.

No one questions anything anymore. Creativity is discouraged. Uniqueness is frowned upon. Appearance is everything. Just look at modern pop music, movies, etc. It's not about content, it's about the container. We react to the stimulus that we're told to. That includes you when you're interviewing.

I'm going to stop this now, because I really don' think you get it. Some people are just meant to be drones, I suppose. Unfortunately, we have far too many "Human Doings" these days, as opposed to "Human Beings".

Time to go watch "They Live" again.

wbonnell · 10-27-2003, 01:12 PM

And like I said, in my "world" suits negatively impact your chances of landing a job...

10-26-2003, 11:57 AM	#2
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	It never hurts to have a sport coat to wear to an interview. If you have to wear one for this new job, then you are already ahead of the game. That being said, I've always been a fan of suits for an interview. I wore my birthday suit to my first interview. Maybe that explains why my career in porn was finished before it ever really got started. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

10-26-2003, 12:03 PM	#6
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	As a rule of thumb, if you have any doubts, it's better to be over-dressed for an interview, rather than underdressed. Make a note of what the people there are wearing, so if you are called back for a second interview, you can wear something that blends with their office culture. Unless you are interviewing for Office Linebacker, then a hawaiian print jersey is ok on Casual Friday. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

10-26-2003, 12:35 PM	#8
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	I'd usually shoot for about a half-notch above whatever the norm in the workplace is. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

10-26-2003, 01:26 PM	#10
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	I would suggest a dark suit for a first interview. __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

10-26-2003, 02:05 PM	#13
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	What? I thought most people liked it when I bartend shirtless... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

10-26-2003, 11:58 AM	#3
wbonnell College Prospect Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Round Rock TX	Really depends on your field. In my field- software engineering- a sports coat would likely be too much. In fact, wearing a suit might negatively impact the technical assessment. We want to determine what you know, not how you dress...

10-26-2003, 12:12 PM	#7
sabotai General Manager Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Satellite of Love	Jeans, a Slipknot or Marilyn Manson t-shirt and sneakers w/ white socks.

10-26-2003, 02:31 PM	#14
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	I was about to make a snide remark about Olive Garden not being real Italian, but I was stunned to find they do have a restaurant (or ristorante) in Italy. I might have to go and check it out. __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

10-26-2003, 02:33 PM	#15
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	I've always gone for a dark blue "power suit." I even did that when interviewing for a valet job (where the valets dressed very casually) and it has never failed me. However, I can see certain situations where that might be overdressing. But, I agree with others that it is definitely better to be overdressed then underdressed for an interview. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen.

10-26-2003, 05:44 PM	#20
Blackadar Retired Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Fantasyland	Always, always, always go in a suit. I don't care what you're interviewing for or with whom. Unless you're POINTEDLY told to wear something else, a suit is always appropriate. Any less shows disrespect to the interviewer and a lack of maturity.

10-26-2003, 05:50 PM	#22
bosshogg23 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Philly	I have always worn a suit to an interview. On one job I had, where dress was business casual, the interviewer would ALWAYS dress up the day she had to give interviews. If the person was dressed more casually than she it was a bad sign.

10-26-2003, 07:24 PM	#27
Celeval Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Cary, NC, USA	Wear the suit/sport coat. If you get there and the interviewer is dressed much more casual, take the coat off. shrug

10-26-2003, 07:37 PM	#28
Philliesfan980 Banned Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Exton, PA	I agree with the above sentiments. Who cares if people snicker behind your back. It only matters what the interviewer thinks. What the hell is so bad about wearing a suit anyway, even if its for one day for the rest of your career. I know that while wearing a suit won't necessarily get you the job, NOT wearing a suit can cost you getting the job, unless you have a really good excuse.

10-26-2003, 07:56 PM	#30
wbonnell College Prospect Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Round Rock TX	dola: I'm surprised balldog hasn't yet replied. I think he needs to assess the company culture first. From my experience, unless the tech recruiter is internal take what she says with a grain of salt.

10-26-2003, 08:13 PM	#31
Balldog Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Macomb, MI	I've decided to go without the suit, I really can't afford it. The position is a Quality Engineer, at my current company I've interviewed "prospects" that have worn suits and some that have not. My boss had actually commented one time that he didn't like it when they wore suits. I don't know, hopefully I will be alright. I know it is a business casual workplace.

10-26-2003, 08:28 PM	#32
tucker342 Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Iowa City, IA	attire? Just go naked!

10-26-2003, 10:11 PM	#35
Blackadar Retired Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Fantasyland	As someone who's done quite a bit of hiring in both the sales and technical fields, I can say that I wouldn't even interview anyone - sales, operations or engineering - if they weren't wearing at least a sportcoat. I've actually refused to interview people based on their appearance or tardyness. I figured if they couldn't get motivated to look good or show up on time, then I don't want them working for me. Here's another way to look at it. If there's two candidates who are pretty equal, with equal skills and backgrounds, the job will almost always go to the one who looks more professional. In this job market, can you afford to take that chance?

10-26-2003, 10:20 PM	#36
Raiders Army Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Black Hole	You can never go wrong dressing too "up" than "down". That being said, I've done quite a few interviews lately, and I strongly recommend a suit (from Men's Wearhouse) that is dark (preferably black), a white shirt, and a red power tie.

10-26-2003, 11:09 PM	#37
dawgfan Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Seattle	Scoff if you want to, but I'm dead serious - unless you're talking about very high level positions, or possibly sales/marketing positions, the people that do the interviews at Microsoft (any many other tech/web companies) could really give a flying fuck if you're wearing a suit; in fact, if you are wearing a suit, it shows that you don't seem to have much of a clue about the company environment. At Microsoft (and many other tech/web companies) you're better off wearing something less formal. Now, I fully understand that many business environments aren't like this at all, and that dress attitudes differ across the country. All I'm saying is that it's not a universal thing that dressing up and wearing a suit is always the best thing for a job interview. Dress standards in the Pacific NW are very casual compared to most other parts of the country, and tech fields are notorious for their very casual work attire.

10-27-2003, 04:42 AM	#39
Schmidty Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Early, TX	Sometimes I hate American culture. Appearances are all that matter anymore. __________________ Just beat the devil out of it!!! - Bob Ross

10-27-2003, 05:08 AM	#40
Schmidty Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Early, TX	Dola. Everytime I look through this thread it makes me more and more angry. Our priorities in the way we judge each other in this country are so fucked up it's not even funny. __________________ Just beat the devil out of it!!! - Bob Ross

10-27-2003, 06:32 AM	#42
Bee Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Fairfax, VA	I'm a Vice President for an engineering company and I've interviewed hundreds of candidates for 4 different companies. I would never hire anyone who didn't at least wear a sports jacket and if they are not in a suit, they'd have to be damn impressive to get me to hire them. And yes, everyplace I work we've had a business casual dress code. Interviews don't count as a "normal" business day. You are there to make an impression and part of that is dressing appropriately for the interview. I always wear a suit when I interview people, I expect them to do the same. Also, everyone who attends a meeting with one of our clients is expected to wear a suit or nice dress. This is pretty basic philosophy in most of the business world that I've interacted with. The exception seems to be the computer industry although even that is starting to change. Last edited by Bee : 10-27-2003 at 06:34 AM.

10-27-2003, 06:56 AM	#43
Subby lolzcat Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: sans pants	I think it depends on the job for which you are interviewing. If you are trying to obtain a salaried, exempt position then it behooves you to look as professional as possible. Which means a suit and nothing less. I realize a suit can be expensive, but I have managed to get by for the past five years on a Nordstrom suit for which I paid a little over $300. Could I really afford it at the time? Not really. But for the five or six times a year where I have an occasion to wear a suit (weddings, funerals, board meetings) it has been nice to be able to dress well. Think of a nice suit as an investment - something that will serve you well for a good number of years. __________________ Superman was flying around and saw Wonder Woman getting a tan in the nude on her balcony. Superman said I going to hit that real fast. So he flys down toward Wonder Woman to hit it and their is a loud scream. The Invincible Man scream what just hit me in the ass!!!!! I do shit, I take pictures, I write about it: chrisshue.com

10-27-2003, 01:12 PM	#50
wbonnell College Prospect Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Round Rock TX	And like I said, in my "world" suits negatively impact your chances of landing a job...

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)