Interview wear?

[Mark3]

Hi,
this might be a very silly question but here goes. I have got my first job interview soon and was wondering if i should wear a suit? I have never worn a suit in my life and feel i wont be showing the real me if i wear a suit. I doubt i will ever wear a suit in this sort of job.

Thanks, Mark

[Jenny W]

Even if it's for an outdoor job where you would never wear a suit, it's still an interview and a very formal situation. Wear a suit.

I always attend job interviews smart, even though I work outside and get covered in mud every day!

[Jim Ford]

I would suggest what is currently referred to as 'smart casual' - sports jacket, shirt and tie and smart casual trousers. Wear clean plain shoes - not trainers!

Jim

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I would suggest what is currently referred to as 'smart casual' - sports jacket, shirt and tie and smart casual trousers. Wear clean plain shoes - not trainers!

Always a suit.

[agrumpycow]

I think if it was a really hot day you could get away with no blazer but I think a shirt & tie are a must

[Jenny W]

Remember this is a formal interview and you have to show that you have the ability to dress appropriately for the situation - which to me would be a suit.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by charlieb

Always a suit.

Not this side of the Second World War. The employer won't be looking for a tailor's dummy.

Jim

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Not this side of the Second World War. The employer won't be looking for a tailor's dummy.

The employer is looking for someone who is able to judge the situation and make the right decisions. They are also looking for someone who is flexible - anyone can wear smart casual - if you come in a suit you are showing that not only can you work outside scrub bashing in jeans and t-shirt but you can also go to a meeting with local councillors dealing with land ownership and tenancy (for example).

An interview is probably the most important few minutes of your life - to me smart casual doesn't imply you recognise this; it implies that you being there isn't a big thing - exactly what the employer doesn't want to see.

[Mark3]

Thanks everyone. Looks like i will be wearing a suit, its going to feel weird Guess i better get to the shops soon.

[nightshade]

Wear a suit, after being out of work I got my final job ( all the applicants were well qualified) because I showed I could be relied upon to take the time and trouble that the situation required.
If you do not have a suit dress smartly and for goodness sake polish your shoes, I have sat in on interviews as an adviser and smartness especially nicely polished shoes makes a difference, first immpressions are important

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by nightshade

Wear a suit, after being out of work I got my final job ( all the applicants were well qualified) because I showed I could be relied upon to take the time and trouble that the situation required.

What, you were chosen over the other candidates because you went to a better tailor than them?

Jim

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

What, you were chosen over the other candidates because you went to a better tailor than them?

Jim

Could be , It was extra points to that particular employer, what else can I say

[Jenny W]

The thing is, it's not so much what you are actually wearing - it's the fact that if you go smart and wear a suit it shows you have the intelligence to dress appropriately for the situation you are in.

And after all, as much as we all like to deny it, first impressions do count. So if you go into an interview looking smart, clean and tidy then it's going to put the interviewers in a good mood with you - which is half the battle! You don't want to walk into an interview and immediately put the interviewers off you just from your appearence

[SheffieldLass]

It depends so much on the employer ... having run a business and employed people on occasion I actually prefer smart casual to suits, but then that is me ... however what an employer is really judging is the person, their abilities and manner, not the clothes. You do need to aim to be a bit smarter than what is their usual work wear though, look as if you did make an effort, do want the job.

Do background research, find out as much as you can about the job/employer/set-up and on the base of that decide what you think is most appropriate. If they seem to be very conventional then a suit is probably the wear ... remember people seem to select those from a similar mold to themselves ....

More importantly though is showing that you have made the effort to find as much as you can about them and the job, and researching into those areas of the job description that your experience is light on is going to be more impressive than whether you have chosen to wear a suit or sports jacket.

good luck

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by SheffieldLass

It depends so much on the employer ... having run a business and employed people on occasion I actually prefer smart casual to suits, but then that is me ... however what an employer is really judging is the person, their abilities and manner, not the clothes. You do need to aim to be a bit smarter than what is their usual work wear though, look as if you did make an effort, do want the job.

Do background research, find out as much as you can about the job/employer/set-up and on the base of that decide what you think is most appropriate. If they seem to be very conventional then a suit is probably the wear ... remember people seem to select those from a similar mold to themselves ....

More importantly though is showing that you have made the effort to find as much as you can about them and the job, and researching into those areas of the job description that your experience is light on is going to be more impressive than whether you have chosen to wear a suit or sports jacket.

By far the best advice yet!

Jim