Interview Attire Advice Please

[MissCritter]

Any HR people out there? After a long hiatus from the "corporate" world, I'm about to start interviewing again and would really appreciate advice about interview attire. Living at the beach, you notice that even bankers don't wear suits. Do employers still want applicants in suits for interviews for management/supervisory positions or is "dressing for success" more laid back? Thanks for your input! :D

[Minnie]

I really don't think the requirement has changed, my daughter who is graduating from college soon, has been instructed by the Career Center at her school that dark suits are still the way to go.

[NoHall]

:yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes:
I just had a really terrible case of deja-vu...

Miss Critter, best of luck. There's a thread on here that addresses this, and I don't have the intestinal fortitude to find it for you. Luv ya, but I'm outta here...:leaving:

[shakennotstirred]

http://sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=13970&highlight=interview

I think this is the thread. Good luck MissCritter!

[Miss Kitty]

:yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes:
I just had a really terrible case of deja-vu...

Miss Critter, best of luck. There's a thread on here that addresses this, and I don't have the intestinal fortitude to find it for you. Luv ya, but I'm outta here...:leaving:

:floor:...holee sheet! I thought the very same thing...please do not go find that thread. Something tells me Miss Critter actually wants advice. :biggrin:

[Minnie]

Also Miss Critter, you can lighten up your suit with a light colored blouse or a grey or light tan suit.

If you google What to Wear to a Job Interview you will get some interesting reading.

of course as always it also depends on what job you are interviewing for and where.

[Miss Kitty]

http://sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=13970&highlight=interview

I think this is the thread. Good luck MissCritter!

:bang:...pudding shot pot stirrer. :biggrin:

[MissCritter]

holee sheet! I thought the very same thing...please do not go find that thread. Something tells me Miss Critter actually wants advice.

You are correct, Miss Kitty! I found the thread and am even more confused. I'm afraid my Hooter's waitressing days (if they ever existed) are just a tiny spec in the rearview mirror.

Pretty sure I would not have to wear the corporate suit after the interview, except for "executive meeting" type things. And what about men? Should they interview in coat and tie for a job that will ultimately mean wearing a golf shirt and khakis?

As for the pantyhose, I gave those up in the '90's, too. If you'll excuse me, I'm headed for the spray on tanning place. :D

I really do appreciate all of you, except for that coward NoHall! :lol:

[shakennotstirred]

:bang:...pudding shot pot stirrer. :biggrin:

Sorry Miss Kitty & MissCritter! I only read the first few posts. Based on your reactions, my guess is this thread turned out to be a train wreck? :idontno: That seems to be happening a lot these days!

[NoHall]

You are correct, Miss Kitty! I found the thread and am even more confused. I'm afraid my Hooter's waitressing days (if they ever existed) are just a tiny spec in the rearview mirror.

Pretty sure I would not have to wear the corporate suit after the interview, except for "executive meeting" type things. And what about men? Should they interview in coat and tie for a job that will ultimately mean wearing a golf shirt and khakis?

As for the pantyhose, I gave those up in the '90's, too. If you'll excuse me, I'm headed for the spray on tanning place. :D

I really do appreciate all of you, except for that coward NoHall! :lol:

I resemble that...http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/scared/scared0016.gif (http://www.googleinternetmarketingconsultant.com)

[seaside2]

Please note that NoHall's tar has the word "Hussey" in it!!!:floor::funn::clap::rofl::rolling:


(Close enough, you get the point!!!)

[NoHall]

Please note that NoHall's tar has the word "Hussey" in it!!!:floor::funn::clap::rofl::rolling:


(Close enough, you get the point!!!)

I also resemble that! :angry:

[tistheseason]

I'm a recruiter and send lots of people for interviews. My company specializes in Moms that are looking to on-ramp or off-ramp. So, we have lots of candidates returning to the workforce after several years at home. It never hurts to have on a suit for an interview and it may hurt if you don't. Just depends on the preferences of the person you are interviewing with. I have had several candidates NOT get jobs because they didn't wear a suit. If it isn't a suit, it needs to be pretty darn close. Of course I'm talking about professional level jobs -- and I'm not at the beach. But I think it still applies.

[beachmouse]

Pretty sure I would not have to wear the corporate suit after the interview, except for "executive meeting" type things. And what about men? Should they interview in coat and tie for a job that will ultimately mean wearing a golf shirt and khakis?



Suit, coat, tie, everything else in that family for interview purposes. It conveys a sense that you're serious about the interview, and show that you understand the rules of play for those occasions when you do have to dress up for work.

[seaside2]

I hire folks all the time. It is ALWAYS in the person's favor to look their best and be in a suit, coat and tie, etc. It simply shows the interviewer that you are interested in the job and are willing to take the time and effort to look your best. :cool:

[MissCritter]

It never hurts to have on a suit for an interview and it may hurt if you don't.

Thank you. That's what I've always thought, too, but some of the job sites mention not being overdressed for the "culture." Difficult to decifer. :idontno:

[MissCritter]

That said, I will definitely follow your advice. Thanks much!

[ShallowsNole]

Female: Suit, or at least a dress. If in Walton County, no cleavage.

Chances are you won't have to dress like that every day, though, unless you are in a bank or in a courtroom.

Good luck!

[MissCritter]

If in Walton County, no cleavage.

Disregard, obviously, if applying for the Hooter's job mentioned on the other thread. :lol:

[bluemtnrunner]

I'm a software tech and have always worn skirt, blouse and jacket to interviews. I have found that great shoes actually do get noticed. I have never worn panty hose and have never been turned down for a job (of course, I have great legs so there is that).
Second interviews I dress just as business like though sometimes shed the jacket and wear a nice sweater set instead.

Once on the job, it is usually business casual with jeans on Friday but they want to see that you are serious and that when clients come in, you will look presentable.

[LeannC]

I spent many years working in the corporate world for GE. Although we were business casual, we expected people to wear suits for the interview. Once you're hired, you can dress it down.

[ASH]

I don't think it would inappropriate to bring up dress expectations at the interview as well so that it gets covered. It lets the person performing the interview note how you are dressed and that your appearance before customers is important to you. Every plus to your favor.
Good luck!

[peapod1980]

:yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes:
I just had a really terrible case of deja-vu...

Miss Critter, best of luck. There's a thread on here that addresses this, and I don't have the intestinal fortitude to find it for you. Luv ya, but I'm outta here...:leaving:

:floor:...holee sheet! I thought the very same thing...please do not go find that thread. Something tells me Miss Critter actually wants advice. :biggrin:
Me three! :shock:

[NoHall]

I'm rully, rully glad Miss Critter got some decent advice. :wave: You're a good gull...

p.s. I was always taught that you can't dress too neatly or conservatively for an interview, and that you can't really overdress (short of wearing a formal, which would be weird.)

No spike heels. You'll just look like a hussy.

[MissCritter]

No spike heels. You'll just look like a hussy.

But wouldn't that get me a job at that thar 'tar of yours? :cool: Along with the aforementioned cleavage, of course.

[ASH]

:lolabove: :funn::funn:

[NoHall]

But wouldn't that get me a job at that thar 'tar of yours? :cool: Along with the aforementioned cleavage, of course.

Depends on how much you paid for the cleavage...:lol:

[sowalgayboi]

I think it all depends on the job. Don't get me wrong, an old AC/DC tank top and bathing suit w/ flip flops is probably always a wrong way to go. However, if it is not a professional job I would think khakis and polo shirt would be appropriate. If I was hiring a beach chair attendant and they showed up in a 3 piece suit I might assume they are crazy and pass on that applicant. Just my .02

[aleonard]

Female: Suit, or at least a dress. If in Walton County, no cleavage.

Chances are you won't have to dress like that every day, though, unless you are in a bank or in a courtroom.

Good luck!
:floor::floor::floor: true, but so darn funny:floor::floor::floor:

[aleonard]

Depends on how much you paid for the cleavage...:lol:

Or what if you are one of those ladies that has cleavage in a turtle neck:biggrin:

[scooterbug44]

p.s. I was always taught that you can't dress too neatly or conservatively for an interview, and that you can't really overdress (short of wearing a formal, which would be weird.)


I totally agree! You should ALWAYS dress more formally and more conservatively for a job interview. I constantly hear comments from interviewers about how sloppily or casually applicants were dressed.

I have never heard of anyone who DIDN'T get a job because they were dressed too nicely at the interview. Dressing nicely shows you are a professional and are making an effort.

[MissCritter]

Gotta love anyplace where a discussion about interview attire devolves into one about hussies and cleavage! ;-)

[aleonard]

Gotta love anyplace where a discussion about interview attire devolves into one about hussies and cleavage! ;-)

I think everyone has given good advice. Look clean, polished and professional. Having a good attitude is just as important. I have interviewed so many people that just didn't seem to care if they got the job or not. Least I say they didn't.

[sowalgayboi]

Gotta love anyplace where a discussion about interview attire devolves into one about hussies and cleavage! ;-)

I don't think it devolved, I think hussies and cleavage are very relevant to job interviews around here. :biggrin:

(Let the beatings begin)

[aleonard]

I don't think it devolved, I think hussies and cleavage are very relevant to job interviews around here. :biggrin:

(Let the beatings begin)

:banging::banging::banging::whack::whack::whack:

I'm just doing my stalking part time today :ninja:

[MissCritter]

I'm just doing my stalking part time today :floor:

Did not mean to seem ungrateful for all of the wonderful advice (which I will take, of course). Thanks to all! :D

Twenty years and at least as many pounds ago, I might have considered using the ol' cleavage to my advantage. But I'm afraid that the business suit and good attitude will have to suffice for now. :lol:

[Miss Kitty]

:clap:...success! shaken...we posted at the same time! I know you were trying to help. :wub: Misscritter...the good people of sowal have given great advice. Good luck to you in your job search. Make sure you can access sowal.com from your work computer. ;-)

[aleonard]

:floor:

Did not mean to seem ungrateful for all of the wonderful advice (which I will take, of course). Thanks to all! :D

Twenty years and at least as many pounds ago, I might have considered using the ol' cleavage to my advantage. But I'm afraid that the business suit and good attitude will have to suffice for now. :lol:

I'm sure you'll do great. I really think the attitude is important as well. Not to be overeager but to show the interviewer that you are someone who's personality would be pleasant to have in the workplace and will always put a good foot forward for the company.

[MissCritter]

Make sure you can access sowal.com from your work computer.

That would not be good. This site is computer crack! :lol: I'd be fired for feeding my habit at work!

[NoHall]

Gotta love anyplace where a discussion about interview attire devolves into one about hussies and cleavage! ;-)
Coulda been worse. Just sayin'...

Hope all goes well!

[klauricella]

I interview people on a regular basis and even though the positions may not be management I do still expect them to be professionally dressed.

Of course it depends on the position, but if you have the suit wear it, it will definitely NOT hurt your case. Whenever I have an applicant that comes into the interview in clean, pressed, professional clothes it gives them extra brownie points. I am always still suprised with the people that come into the interview in jeans and a tshirt..... what are they thinking???

[DD]

:clap:...success! shaken...we posted at the same time! I know you were trying to help. :wub: Misscritter...the good people of sowal have given great advice. Good luck to you in your job search. Make sure you can access sowal.com from your work computer. ;-)

Dear Miss Kitty:
And just to whom would you be referring?;-):biggrin:
Signed,
Guilty Dog

[Miss Kitty]

Dear Miss Kitty:
And just to whom would you be referring?;-):biggrin:
Signed,
Guilty Dog

:floor:...you said dog!

[DD]

:floor:...you said dog!

:biggrin: