What to wear to an interview-thoughts please

bladerunner6 · 01-17-2021, 11:40 AM

I have job interview on Tuesday.

It is with a growing company of a few hundred people with over 100 people at this location. The company is five years old I am applying for a technical, professional job that doesn’t quite have a managerial title but does have responsibilities and authority.

I have always worn a suit for jobs like this I am wondering if that might not fit their corporate culture.

Any opinions on this based on experience?

Thanks.

**Riggomatic** · 01-17-2021, 12:15 PM

You can always take off the suit coat, if it feels too formal when you walk in.

The interviews I've sat in on, I pay more attention to the person's personality and how they would fit with the team, rather than how they are dressed.

MarkJerling · 01-17-2021, 12:15 PM - **1 Like**

I've always gone by the rule that it's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.
Having said that, it would probably be a good idea to look at the company's website or social media sites and have a look if you can see photos of staff and what they're wearing in those photos. Not suggesting you dress down if they're overly casual, but it may mean that you could consider ditching the tie and going for a slightly more casual look.

**c.a.m** · 01-17-2021, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by bladerunner6

Any opinions on this based on experience?

The nature of the position may help to determine what to wear at the interview. Will the job entail meeting with customers or otherwise representing the company externally? Depending on the industry, formality in attire might be expected in external business; in such a situation, a jacket and tie, or suit, would be appropriate at the interview.

In the interviews that I've held as a manager (in government R&D), I was satisfied if a candidate appeared well groomed and 'smartly' dressed, but I didn't bother too much about their attire. I've interviewed people who wore suits, blazers, open-necked shirts, or khakis, but most wore a jacket and tie. Women generally wore coordinated outfits; some wore dresses or conservative skirts. I was more interested in their preparation and organization at the interview, qualifications, and personal suitability for the position. I always wore a jacket and tie when interviewing candidates -- just as I would when hosting any external visitor to my organization.

As already mentioned above, over-dressing is probably safer than under-dressing. I used to ask candidates if they'd like to take off their suit jacket.

I always noticed scruffy, unpolished shoes (candidate's attention to detail?).

Good luck!

- Craig

Last edited by c.a.m; 01-17-2021 at 12:55 PM.

SharkyCA · 01-17-2021, 01:05 PM - **1 Like**

I would go by the old saying "you only get one chance to make a first impression" a suit is always a better choice IMHO.

timb64 · 01-17-2021, 01:05 PM

As others have said,err on the side of formality.Good luck.

**BigMackCam** · 01-17-2021, 01:32 PM

Given what you've said about the company and role, I'd probably go with a suit and smart business shirt but no tie. It's a nice balance of being well-presented whilst not being too stuffy. As I think has already been mentioned above, you can always remove the jacket if you notice most folks at the company aren't wearing them.

As a minimum, I'd wear smart trousers and a blue or white business shirt.

Good luck with your interview... Knock 'em dead!

house · 01-17-2021, 01:49 PM

I second the suggestion to try to figure out what the staff is wearing. From what I understand the US is quite formal and hierarchical but you say it's a fairly new company. If they are doing anything "creative" over dressing might send the wrong message.

Good Luck!

35mmfilmfan · 01-17-2021, 02:22 PM

I have but one suit.

Basically, Weddings, funerals, interviews - and Court Appearances.

Good luck anyway, and believe in yourself.

35mmfilmfan · 01-17-2021, 02:22 PM

I have but one suit.

Basically, Weddings, funerals, interviews - and Court Appearances.

Good luck anyway, and believe in yourself.

**BigMackCam** · 01-17-2021, 02:54 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan

I have but one suit.

Basically, Weddings, funerals, interviews - and Court Appearances.

Good luck anyway, and believe in yourself.

You've got your "birthday suit" too... Though I'd suggest it's rather an alternative choice for an interview, at the very least...

35mmfilmfan · 01-17-2021, 03:30 PM - **4 Likes**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

You've got your "birthday suit" too... Though I'd suggest it's rather an alternative choice for an interview, at the very least...

Trouble is, it doesn't fit too well any more . . .

**Riggomatic** · 01-17-2021, 05:14 PM

Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan

Trouble is, it doesn't fit too well any more . . .

MarkJerling · 01-17-2021, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan

Trouble is, it doesn't fit too well any more . . .

Too wrinkly or a tad too tight?

I have the same problem!

bladerunner6 · 01-18-2021, 03:54 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by house

I second the suggestion to try to figure out what the staff is wearing. From what I understand the US is quite formal and hierarchical but you say it's a fairly new company. If they are doing anything "creative" over dressing might send the wrong message.

Good Luck!

The photos on the website and the one interview with the one of the cofounders are very casual.

I am opting for a sweater and a nice pair of pants.

Thanks everyone, this has been helpful.

01-17-2021, 11:40 AM	#1
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	What to wear to an interview-thoughts please I have job interview on Tuesday. It is with a growing company of a few hundred people with over 100 people at this location. The company is five years old I am applying for a technical, professional job that doesn’t quite have a managerial title but does have responsibilities and authority. I have always worn a suit for jobs like this I am wondering if that might not fit their corporate culture. Any opinions on this based on experience? Thanks.

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01-17-2021, 12:15 PM	#2
Riggomatic Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auburn, Indiana Photos: Albums Posts: 3,883	You can always take off the suit coat, if it feels too formal when you walk in. The interviews I've sat in on, I pay more attention to the person's personality and how they would fit with the team, rather than how they are dressed.

01-17-2021, 12:15 PM - 1 Like	#3
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,402	I've always gone by the rule that it's better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. Having said that, it would probably be a good idea to look at the company's website or social media sites and have a look if you can see photos of staff and what they're wearing in those photos. Not suggesting you dress down if they're overly casual, but it may mean that you could consider ditching the tie and going for a slightly more casual look.

01-17-2021, 12:46 PM	#4
c.a.m Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,188	Originally posted by bladerunner6 Any opinions on this based on experience? The nature of the position may help to determine what to wear at the interview. Will the job entail meeting with customers or otherwise representing the company externally? Depending on the industry, formality in attire might be expected in external business; in such a situation, a jacket and tie, or suit, would be appropriate at the interview. In the interviews that I've held as a manager (in government R&D), I was satisfied if a candidate appeared well groomed and 'smartly' dressed, but I didn't bother too much about their attire. I've interviewed people who wore suits, blazers, open-necked shirts, or khakis, but most wore a jacket and tie. Women generally wore coordinated outfits; some wore dresses or conservative skirts. I was more interested in their preparation and organization at the interview, qualifications, and personal suitability for the position. I always wore a jacket and tie when interviewing candidates -- just as I would when hosting any external visitor to my organization. As already mentioned above, over-dressing is probably safer than under-dressing. I used to ask candidates if they'd like to take off their suit jacket. I always noticed scruffy, unpolished shoes (candidate's attention to detail?). Good luck! - Craig Last edited by c.a.m; 01-17-2021 at 12:55 PM.

01-17-2021, 01:05 PM - 1 Like	#5
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	I would go by the old saying "you only get one chance to make a first impression" a suit is always a better choice IMHO.

01-17-2021, 01:05 PM	#6
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	As others have said,err on the side of formality.Good luck.

01-17-2021, 01:32 PM	#7
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,647	Given what you've said about the company and role, I'd probably go with a suit and smart business shirt but no tie. It's a nice balance of being well-presented whilst not being too stuffy. As I think has already been mentioned above, you can always remove the jacket if you notice most folks at the company aren't wearing them. As a minimum, I'd wear smart trousers and a blue or white business shirt. Good luck with your interview... Knock 'em dead!

01-17-2021, 01:49 PM	#8
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	I second the suggestion to try to figure out what the staff is wearing. From what I understand the US is quite formal and hierarchical but you say it's a fairly new company. If they are doing anything "creative" over dressing might send the wrong message. Good Luck!

01-17-2021, 02:22 PM	#9
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,318	I have but one suit. Basically, Weddings, funerals, interviews - and Court Appearances. Good luck anyway, and believe in yourself.

01-17-2021, 02:22 PM	#10
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,318	I have but one suit. Basically, Weddings, funerals, interviews - and Court Appearances. Good luck anyway, and believe in yourself.

01-17-2021, 02:54 PM - 4 Likes	#11
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,647	Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan I have but one suit. Basically, Weddings, funerals, interviews - and Court Appearances. Good luck anyway, and believe in yourself. You've got your "birthday suit" too... Though I'd suggest it's rather an alternative choice for an interview, at the very least...

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01-17-2021, 03:30 PM - 4 Likes	#12
35mmfilmfan Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Norfolk, UK Posts: 4,318	Originally posted by BigMackCam You've got your "birthday suit" too... Though I'd suggest it's rather an alternative choice for an interview, at the very least... Trouble is, it doesn't fit too well any more . . .

01-17-2021, 05:14 PM	#13
Riggomatic Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auburn, Indiana Photos: Albums Posts: 3,883	Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan Trouble is, it doesn't fit too well any more . . .

01-17-2021, 05:25 PM	#14
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,402	Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan Trouble is, it doesn't fit too well any more . . . Too wrinkly or a tad too tight? I have the same problem!

01-18-2021, 03:54 AM - 1 Like	#15
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080 Original Poster	Originally posted by house I second the suggestion to try to figure out what the staff is wearing. From what I understand the US is quite formal and hierarchical but you say it's a fairly new company. If they are doing anything "creative" over dressing might send the wrong message. Good Luck! The photos on the website and the one interview with the one of the cofounders are very casual. I am opting for a sweater and a nice pair of pants. Thanks everyone, this has been helpful.