Dressing up for interviews

[vansabu]

Just wanted to know what everyone thought about this ?

I say depends on the job type.

[Knapik]

Unless you're going to work at McDonald's (not that there's anything wrong with that), you should look nice. I always wear a suit and tie.

[dukedave]

I suppose the question should be - Do you really want the job?? If the answer is no, don't worry about wearing a suit.

[Tournament Master]

knapik said:

Unless you're going to work at McDonald's (not that there's anything wrong with that), you should look nice. I always wear a suit and tie.

Completely agree. If you are going to work in any office environment, even one that is business casual, you have to wear a suit.

[LWPD]

I'd never hire a guy who didn't at least put forth the effort of wearing a suit. That doesn't mean he has to be sporting a Super 220...but at least show me you care about the opportunity and are hungry enough to put your best foot forward. Hiring someone is an investment of time and capital...and If the candidate won't put forth a limited 'dress up' effort for the interview...that's an investment I'd pass on.

From the moment you start...make a good impression by becoming someone who is impressive and worth taking note of. Work ethic is key and one of the few things fully with-in your control. Be the first man in...be the last man out. Put aside your ego and 'learn from those around you' even if you already know what is being taught. You need to swiftly fit into a situation before you can inevitably master it. Work hard and smart.

If you model success you will become successful. That's one of the fundamental principles of any science of achievement (Neuro Linguistic Programming, Silva Method, Psycho-Cybernetics, The Strangest Secret, etc). Yet to 'get somewhere' you must learn the simple art of getting in the door.

So for starters...always wear a suit!

LWPD (whenever I hire someone new I challenge them to take the 30 Day Challenge ...not for my benefit but for theirs...it's not easy...nothing worth having is...but the greatest ROI in life comes through investing in yourself)

[Bazzy]

Pants and shirt (with a tie) . I dont have a suit .

Ps I knew a punk went dressed as a punk with a mohican etc . Said look I will tell you the truth (he would hate doing the job) really Im only here for the money . And he got the job (for telling the truth) .

[vansabu]

Thanks guys, I am starting my business back up and was trying to decide a particular person, great personality, awesome resume ( If they were telling the truth ), but they dressed casually. Should I pass just because of their outfit ? I am going to call their formers tomorrow and see how that works out.

[johnnyreb]

dress shirt and pants.also be clean shaven it helps.

[Shon Maxx]

Usually, my fiancee picks out my clothes for job interviews, which is usually tanned dress pants and a black shirt. The only time I went in wearing casual (jeans, button-down shirt), was when I was getting the run-around about the job. I was thinking about an interview; I just went in demanding to speak with a manager. The interview lasted about 10 seconds, and I got the job.

Go conservative, but bring a little something extra for an interview. If they remember you (and not for bad reasons), your chances improve, regardless of your dress.


Take care,

Jay

[Mark 138]

lwpd said:

So for starters...always wear a suit!

This is a fine bit of advice, but I sincerely think the choice in attire should reflect the job for which one if applying. In a business or office environment, or where one would be dealing with those of a certain proffessional mindset, a suit and tie is a must.

However, suppose one was applying for a job at a grain elevator, or a scrapyard, or any number of blue collar jobs of this nature. The people doing the hiring in these instances would actually, in most cases, be turned off by a guy interveiwing in a suit and tie. Because of the nature of the work, and the nature of the people who typically work in and own such businesses, it would be far more practical and helpful to the potential employees job to simply show up clean and in clean, everyday-type clothing. A polo shirt and nice slacks and shoes would be appropriate in these instances.

Similarly, if a kid were to apply for a job in the fast food industry and show up looking like an executive, it may be assumed that he is not the type of individual that will work well with the other employees that that type of business usually employs.

Bottom line, dress in an appropriate fashion for the environment and the job.

[Knapik]

vansabu said:

Thanks guys, I am starting my business back up and was trying to decide a particular person, great personality, awesome resume ( If they were telling the truth ), but they dressed casually. Should I pass just because of their outfit ?

I'd say yes. I know that's harsh, but if he's sharp he should know he he also needs to dress sharp. I've hired several people based on an outgoing personality, and they turned out to be flakes. I see it happen a lot these days.

[BDS]

I'm with Mark T on this one. I've always been told to dress one step up from the clothing you'd be expected to wear on the job. So if it was a shirt and tie kind of place, break out the suit. If it's McDonalds, come in wearing slacks and a dress shirt. I think it's just as bad to overdress for an interview as it is to underdress, personally.

[Matt]

Sat in on interviews for a new school counselor today, coincidentally. If you want the job, you will make a good impression. Part of making that good impression is dress. If you dress like a bum, you don't care about the job. Suit and tie for sure.

[stephenvegas]

In addition to dressing appropriately, it is also a good idea to show up early for your interview. When I had my interview last month to get transferred to teach Social Studies at one of the top high schools here in Las Vegas, I arrived 30 minutes early and my interviewer (who soon afterward offered me the job)immediately said he was impressed. Also, come prepared with good questions to ask because one common interview question is "do you have any questions for us?"

[LWPD]

marktaggart said:

lwpd said:

So for starters...always wear a suit!

Bottom line, dress in an appropriate fashion for the environment and the job.

As someone who's hired hundreds of people I'd peg this as a very poor rule of thumb. Lowering the bar on whim can easily put a prospect at odds with what the employer/interviewer deems appropriate...which is ultimately the only opinion that matters in the hiring process.

This is especially true when in a competitive setting where those of equal attributes are competing for the same position. The prospect showing up for an interview to work at somewhere like McDonalds, or a grain elevator operator, or a scrapyard...or anywhere...sporting 'a polo shirt, slacks and shoes' may be putting themselves at a severe 'first impression' disadvantage when there are three other candidates sitting with him side by side in the lobby...with each of the other three rocking a suit while they're all waiting for their chance to 'sell themselves' as the most productive choice.

Keep it simple and as a rule of thumb dress for success by wearing a suit. You never get a second chance to make a first impression...so play it safe and make it count!

[johnnyreb]

i've always wore a dress shirt and dress pants and had no problems.your right about making a good impression lwpd.you only get one shot at doing it.

[LWPD]

vansabu said:

Thanks guys, I am starting my business back up and was trying to decide a particular person, great personality, awesome resume ( If they were telling the truth ), but they dressed casually. Should I pass just because of their outfit ? I am going to call their formers tomorrow and see how that works out.

If the prospect made a dynamite first impression but didn't put in the suit wearing effort...consider doing a follow up interview (even by phone). Ask him straight up...'on my interviews most candidates show up in a suit and tie because they look to make a strong impression...is there any reason you chose not to?'

If someone really 'wants' the job they'll have no problem being challenged. If they do have a problem being confronted...it's probably best that you pass on them...and don't be afraid even if he's a Tim Sylvia type!

BTW HS...good luck with your business venture!

[Matt]

stephenvegas said:

Also, come prepared with good questions to ask because one common interview question is "do you have any questions for us?"

Yup, we asked each candidate that exact question.

[JimSteel]

Suite and tie is great for interview but dress pants and shirt works just as well

At my job I see people come in for interviews wearing Shorts,character shirts,sandals,etc

[dukedave]

lwpd said:

...and don't be afraid even if he's a Tim Sylvia type!

He wore a UFC Championship belt to the interview??