Interview wear?

[Jim Ford]

O.K., so pinstripe suit and bowler hat it is - whatever the job, be it stockbroker or plasterer!

If I didn't get a job because I was 'only' wearing a tweed jacket, pressed casual trousers and shirt and tie, I'd ask myself 'Would I want to work for someone who considers what tailor I use to be more important than my qualifications and experience?'

As I said previously: 'SheffieldLass', the only contributor to this thread to have been in a 'hire and fire' position, has given the best advice.

Jim

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Third item down!

I did google it - a pub in putney? Nope sorry still confused...

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by charlieb

I did google it - a pub in putney? Nope sorry still confused...

"Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three."

Works for me!

Jim

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

O.K., so pinstripe suit and bowler hat it is - whatever the job, be it stockbroker or plasterer!

Who said anything about pinstripe and bowler hat???

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

If I didn't get a job because I was 'only' wearing a tweed jacket, pressed casual trousers and shirt and tie, I'd ask myself 'Would I want to work for someone who considers what tailor I use to be more important than my qualifications and experience?'

You can have the best qualifications in the world but if people don't like the look of you, you'll get no-where. As has already been mentioned, first impressions are the most important thing in social interactions.

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

the only contributor to this thread to have been in a 'hire and fire' position, has given the best advice.

The only contributor to have stated their position...

Originally Posted by SheffieldLass

decide what you think is most appropriate

For me it will always be a suit. From Tesco or Savile Row, always a suit.

[Mark3]

Thanks again everyone i think i will wear a suit, im going to borrow my brothers. I still need to ring the organisation to let them know i will be attending the interview, so i might ask them if there is any strict dress code.
Thanks everyone who has wished me luck, its appreciated

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Where have you people been?

well amongst other places ive been on interview panels - 3 this year with another one to come shortly, and while we would not dismiss someone out of hand just because of what they are wearing , the guy who turned up in jeans and a T shirt did himself no favours, principally because one of the criteria was "the ability to exercise good judgement" "behave in a proffesional manner" and dressing like that for an interview isnt indicative of either.

bottom line is it varies from employer to employer, some will be expecting suits, some would be happy with smart casual, and some wont care what you are wearing - but you dont know which category your interviewer is going to be in before you turn up so its best to err on the side of caution and wear a suit.

one proviso to this is if the interview is going to involve a site visit or practical apptitude test - as is common with conservation jobs. In that case you should also be prepared for the visit/test , e.g walking boots/wellies waterproofs , possibly overalls etc . However if you dont know whether the test will be before or after the interview it is still better to wear your suit/smart shoes and take the other stuff with you ( if you know its before the interview wear the work clothes but take your suit on a hanger and change before the interview)

[Jenny W]

Originally Posted by eeyore

bottom line is it varies from employer to employer, some will be expecting suits, some would be happy with smart casual, and some wont care what you are wearing - but you dont know which category your interviewer is going to be in before you turn up so its best to err on the side of caution and wear a suit.

Exactly - well said.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford
Where have you people been?

Originally Posted by eeyore

well amongst other places ive been on interview panels - 3 this year with another one to come shortly

I wrote the above in the context of a poster not knowing what a 'whistle and flute' was!

and while we would not dismiss someone out of hand just because of what they are wearing , the guy who turned up in jeans and a T shirt did himself no favours

I wouldn't class 'jeans and a T shirt' as remotely near smart casual.

I would also say that if you're relying on wearing a suit to create an impression, then it has to be a decent one, preferably tailored - not an ill fitting cheap one from Tescos (as has been previously mentioned), a hand-me-down or borrowed one. A cheap, ill fitting suit creates a much worse impression than jeans and a 'T' shirt - it suggests that the wearer has little taste!

Jim

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I would also say that if you're relying on wearing a suit to create an impression, then it has to be a decent one, preferably tailored

The same goes for a sports jacket!!

[SheffieldLass]

Poor young Mark! With all this confusing advice he's now probably got his whole wardrobe and his brother's too out in his bedroom wondering what on earth to wear ....

Mark, as you are a young man the interviewers probably won't expect you to own a suit at your age! Just think 'dapper', neat and spruce .... so if you've got a shirt, jacket and trousers that look neat and tidy with a touch of style, so you look smart and feel comfortable that should be fine ... and as the others have said, remember to polish your shoes ...