Job Interview Attire?

RastaPope

Dead is dead.
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Apr 10, 2002
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So I've decided that I'm bored and maybe a job would help alleviate such.

The interview's in a few hours, now. There's no dress code for this job, it's pretty much a free for all. What I'm wondering is--is it ok to show up at the interview in casual, or is something more formal(ie; tie) appropriate?
 
I would go in khakis (or slacks) and either a button up shirt or a polo. If the workplace is casual, showing up in a suit might be a bit overkill.

I believe (when it comes to interviews!) that it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. Overdressing shows ambition; underdressing makes you look like a slacker.

Don't go showing you're true colors just yet!
:p
 
Appearance is 90% of the interview, there first impression of you when you walk in the door means alot.

Nice pair of slacks, and matching shirt, would be fine. I think anyway.
 
foxinsox said:
Don't forget to comb your hair and brush your teeth.

It's amazing how many do :)

And deoderant. Don't forget deoderant!

:D

Go knock 'em dead, hon...
 
The interview's a formality more than anything, I pretty much already have the job. Procedure, you know.

But thanks for the advice, buckeroos.
 
And don't forget to put on clean underwear, just in case ya have to go to the hospital for somethin or other. ( Of courseI wouldn't want anything like that to happen)
 
what is it they wear at Mcdonalds now a days anyway ?

Make sure you dont have to wear the Ronald clown suit all the time :D
 
I am of the opinion that in general for an interview a suit is always appropriate. It is irrelevant what the actual working environment dress code might be. It doesn't need to be a formal tailored suit or anything, but a pressed pair of trousers and button down, with tie and jacket. I would likely look askance at an interviewee that turned up casual, even neat-casual. I have been amazed at times when I've had to interview people what they've turned up in.
 
peachykeen said:
I am of the opinion that in general for an interview a suit is always appropriate. It is irrelevant what the actual working environment dress code might be. It doesn't need to be a formal tailored suit or anything, but a pressed pair of trousers and button down, with tie and jacket. I would likely look askance at an interviewee that turned up casual, even neat-casual. I have been amazed at times when I've had to interview people what they've turned up in.

She's right. I've actually gotten jobs because I was the only one who bothered to wear appropriate interview attire.

Also, make sure your nails are neat, clean and trimmed. That's another thing people notice.
 
What kind of job is it? If it's at a casaul place then you don't want to over dress. I interview lots of people. Qualities that set people aside are in order: real interest in the job, someone who asks the right questions - (what the work atmospehere is like, etc) someone who is neatly dressed and groomed.
 
Question. I am a guy and have fairly long hair. I do kept it neat and well groomed, always put back, and never in my face. I was wondering if this is acceptable to interviewers or does long hair on a guy really shoot them in the foot from the get go?
 
Tap-Out said:
Question. I am a guy and have fairly long hair. I do kept it neat and well groomed, always put back, and never in my face. I was wondering if this is acceptable to interviewers or does long hair on a guy really shoot them in the foot from the get go?

depends on the type of job. Very corporate, financial stuff, probably wouldn't help. But in anything creative, PR, etc probably not a problem.
 
Tap-Out said:
Question. I am a guy and have fairly long hair. I do kept it neat and well groomed, always put back, and never in my face. I was wondering if this is acceptable to interviewers or does long hair on a guy really shoot them in the foot from the get go?

I think mostly potential employers are interested in your pubic hair. Try trimming it nicely before dropping trou in an interview. If that is too tricky for you, then use a gentle styling mousse.;)
 
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I would say in IT it's fine, unless it is for some prestigious bank or something.
 
peachykeen said:
I am of the opinion that in general for an interview a suit is always appropriate. It is irrelevant what the actual working environment dress code might be.
I disagree. My last job I wore a very nice formal suit to the interview and it initially put off a few of the people who interviewed me. Of course I won them over with my charm, good looks and intelligence ;) - but they later did comment that it was too much.

A lot depends on the environment and what job you are going for. If you are interviewing for a high executive position, then a suit is probably expected. The more formal the companym the more formal the suit. However, if you are interviewing for a job flipping burgers or driving a fork lift, a suit is definitely not expected. Some people in my profession (software engineering) get paid as much as some executives and the job can be almost as important to the success of the company, yet we don't expect suits because software engineers are generally by definition laid back nerds.

What I now wear is a nice informal sport jacket, with a polo, Henley or just a nice t-shirt, and nice clean jeans with nice suede moc style shoes. This is what I call my "nice casual work attire".
 
Okay, so how did it go? What did you end up wearing? How were the other applicants dressed?
 
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