Diaries
Everything
Who's Online?
FAQ / Help

Print Story Ask HuSi
Working life
By calla (Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 12:52:18 PM EST) work attire, fashion, Ask Husi (all tags)
Advice plz.

Poll: What to wear to interview


So I have an interview Thursday. This is a big one - nice salary and benes. It's a step up from my last job, but I think I have enough experience that I've got a good chance of getting it.

Plains Printers (last employer) was a family business. I dressed casually.

The place I'm interviewing Thursday has a large web press. They operate 24/7. I suspect they've got at least 50 employees. It's a large building.

What should I wear? Seriously. I don't want to put them off if I wear something too formal, yet I don't want to look like I don't take the interview seriously.

At least vote in my poll.

< Three kinds of intro | BBC White season: 'Rivers of Blood' >
Login
Make a new account
Username:
Password:
Poll
What to wear to interview
- casual - it's just a print shop no matter how large 0%
- business casual 41%
- formal business attire 54%
- other (please post) 4%

Votes: 24
Results | Other Polls
Related Links
- calla's Diary
Comment Controls
View: Display: Sort:
Ask HuSi | 61 comments (61 topical, 0 hidden)
Formal. by lb008d (4.00 / 11) #1 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 12:54:19 PM EST
I always wear a formal business suit to my interviews even though the jobs would never require it for daily wear.

Just don't be late!

IAWTP by toxicfur (4.00 / 9) #3 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 12:58:34 PM EST
Always dress more formally than you think is appropriate. It won't hurt, and dressing too informally could. At my last teaching job, I wore a black pantsuit with a (pressed, even) dress shirt. At the end of the interview, after my boss offered me the job, she told me, "We're casual around here. You don't need to dress like this again." She paused a moment, and entered Jewish mother advice mode: "You did the right thing, though. You just never know."
--
damn it, lif eis actually really *far4 too good at tghe momnent, shboyukbnt;t whilen. --Dr Thrustgood
[ Parent ]
Not going there. by calla (4.00 / 3) #4 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 01:01:47 PM EST
The "late for interview" meme is dead.

Ya hear?!!


[ Parent ]
Always formal... by miker2 (4.00 / 1) #15 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 03:35:41 PM EST
The black/grey/dark blue suit is clutch for interviews.  When I interviewed with $LARGE_VOIP_CO a while ago, I was told by my friend (and future boss) to wear jeans, but showing up in a suit really impressed the hr drones.

[ Parent ]
Formal. by NoMoreNicksLeft (4.00 / 2) #2 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 12:57:46 PM EST
Nothing too fancy, mind you. No jewelry besides possibly some earrings, and then nothing gaudy or flashy. Take it easy on the perfume. Definitely light on the makeup.

I'm not sure what formal means for a woman though, really (have a hard enough time knowing what's a decent suit, myself). Nice blouse and long skirt? Sorry if that sounds sexist.
--
Do not look directly into laser with remaining good eye.

"It's different for girls" by calla (2.00 / 0) #19 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 06:56:01 PM EST
Women's clothes are such a pain. None of it is simple.


[ Parent ]
This is why I'm not a girl. by NoMoreNicksLeft (4.00 / 2) #24 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 07:47:10 PM EST
That, and the XY chromosome thing.
--
Do not look directly into laser with remaining good eye.
[ Parent ]
Oh. by NoMoreNicksLeft (4.00 / 1) #26 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 08:04:13 PM EST
And go to bed, sleep's important. Don't want to be yawning during the interview. Or falling asleep.
--
Do not look directly into laser with remaining good eye.
[ Parent ]
Formal by ucblockhead (4.00 / 2) #5 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 01:24:53 PM EST
It's a lot easier for women, as formal attire rarely looks "too formal".
---
[ucblockhead is] useless and subhuman
so you're saying by sasquatchan (4.00 / 1) #12 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 02:11:56 PM EST
that a black cocktail dress or "that little red dress" would be appropriate ?

[ Parent ]
"business attire" (nt) by ucblockhead (4.00 / 1) #14 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 03:26:08 PM EST

---
[ucblockhead is] useless and subhuman
[ Parent ]
It depends on the business. by anonimouse (4.00 / 2) #28 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 12:25:09 AM EST

Girls come and go but a mortgage is for 25 years -- JtL
[ Parent ]
General rule of thumb by Bob Abooey (4.00 / 1) #6 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 01:29:19 PM EST
You dress for your audience.

If you're going to be working in a factory there's no need to wear a suit-coat. If you're going to be working in a business casual environment then you should, at the very least, dress in business casual.

Personally when interviewing for a professional job I wear a conservative (dark grey or blue) suit. Because I look darn good in a suit and it makes me feel confident and gives me the eye of the tiger and whatnot.

Warmest regards,
--Your best pal Bob

Plus by ad hoc (4.00 / 1) #8 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 01:41:50 PM EST
it hides all those unsightly bulges.
--
Would you rather battle Klingons or trolls?
[ Parent ]
since when by bobdole (4.00 / 1) #32 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 02:32:17 AM EST
did bulges become unsightly?
-- The revolution will not be televised.
[ Parent ]
About the age of 40, by ambrosen (4.00 / 1) #40 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 04:49:32 AM EST
I'd guess.

[ Parent ]
You do this: by komet (4.00 / 9) #7 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 01:40:14 PM EST
Visit their website and see if they have an About Us or a Management Team link or other photos of their current staff. If so, that is how they will be dressed for their clients, so go as formal as that or one step up.

--
<ni> komet: You are functionally illiterate as regards trashy erotica.
You Are Brilliant. n/t by Christopher Robin was Murdered (4.00 / 2) #9 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 02:04:11 PM EST


[ Parent ]
Their website has pics by calla (4.00 / 1) #17 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 05:01:32 PM EST
of casually dressed/business casual folks.

Even if the pics are stock photos, I suspect they'd only select images that look like them?

So I'm probably safe with business casual. Probably.

Thanks.


[ Parent ]
business attire by sasquatchan (4.00 / 3) #10 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 02:05:51 PM EST
maybe not casual friday stuff, but definitely not jeans and a t-shirt. Pantsuit versus skirt versus dress - it's a business, and sexy isn't necessarily part of the job. Think what you might wear to church. Avoid fancy bling, no 24-carat faux rocks (a'la clock/stacked), but conservative jewels work. I think a quality timepiece that compliments your outfit would be nice, and it would make sure you're there on time and show you care.

In my profession, sexy IS a problem. by calla (4.00 / 1) #20 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 07:02:39 PM EST
Pressmen are not known for being gentlemen.

Thanks.


[ Parent ]
Worst case, ask someone there, or in HR. by Canthros (4.00 / 2) #11 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 02:07:16 PM EST
This has been my approach lately, but I generally do a suit and tie if I don't otherwise know.

--
I'm not here, man.


I should have asked the receptionist. by calla (4.00 / 2) #21 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 07:05:29 PM EST
When I dropped off my printed samples, she was extremely helpful. I could call her.


[ Parent ]
It's worth a shot. Good luck! [nt] by Canthros (4.00 / 1) #25 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 08:04:02 PM EST

--
I'm not here, man.


[ Parent ]
whatever people usually wear ... by Kellnerin (4.00 / 2) #31 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 02:20:30 AM EST
go at least half a notch more formal. You don't want to dress like you have the job, yet. It's the "make an impression so they'll give you the job" stage.

Best of luck. Hope it turns out to be a good place for you!

--
"Slick Loons Cow Stumbling Readers." --toxicfur

[ Parent ]
Formal... by motty (4.00 / 7) #13 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 02:56:42 PM EST
There is surely no such thing as being too formally dressed for a job interview. Unless it's some kind of hippie collective, and even then not necessarily. You didn't mention anything about it being a hippie collective, so I'm guessing it isn't.

Good luck with the interview. Dress well, knock 'em dead.

I amd itn ecaptiaghle of drinking sthis d dar - Dr T

I pray it's not a hippie collective. by calla (4.00 / 2) #22 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 07:08:47 PM EST
God, no.

Thanks


[ Parent ]
Wear a Santa Suit by ShadowNode (4.00 / 3) #16 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 03:36:10 PM EST
Hey, it works for the Supreme Court of Soviet Canuckistan.



Is that Julia Child? $ by debacle (4.00 / 1) #53 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 01:44:45 PM EST

IF YOU HAVE TWO FIRLES THOROWNF MONEY ART SUOCIDE GIRLS STRIPPER HPW CAN YPUS :OSE?!?!?!?(elcevisides).

[ Parent ]
Of course by ShadowNode (4.00 / 1) #58 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 08:30:56 PM EST
Someone has to judge the federal issues of pie, after all.

[ Parent ]
3/10 by debacle (4.00 / 1) #60 Thu Mar 02, 2006 at 08:01:09 AM EST
But only because this is HuSi.
IF YOU HAVE TWO FIRLES THOROWNF MONEY ART SUOCIDE GIRLS STRIPPER HPW CAN YPUS :OSE?!?!?!?(elcevisides).

[ Parent ]
You can never go wrong dressed to the nines. by greyrat (4.00 / 1) #18 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 05:19:53 PM EST
Just sayin'. I always go in a suit and tie, even to internal interviews with people I work with in blue jeans with everyday.

Women's styles are sooo fickle by calla (4.00 / 2) #23 Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 07:13:59 PM EST
Nines today won't be nines tomorrow.

I wish I could just throw on a suit and tie.

I'll have to get something at the mall tomorrow.


[ Parent ]
Busted! by Breaker (4.00 / 3) #27 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 12:15:10 AM EST
"I have an interview therefore I need to go shopping".

Go formal I say.  Sensible shoes, trouser suit or long skirted suit, well ironed blouse.

Even if you're well over the top in the formality stakes, that won't go against you.  It just shows you're taking the interview seriously and have taken appropriate steps to present yourself favourably.


[ Parent ]
Actually - I hate shopping. by calla (4.00 / 1) #36 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 04:37:04 AM EST
Only extreme circumstances will force me to shop.

Most of my clothing is in storage, in New Jersey - across the country from where I currently live.

I just realized - I have to buy shoes. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!


[ Parent ]
Can't you just borrow a pair of tiammoniacals? by Rogerborg (4.00 / 2) #41 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 05:12:52 AM EST
He looks stunning in his red satin kitten heels.

-
Metus amatores matrum compescit, non clementia.
[ Parent ]
I think he lost those by calla (4.00 / 1) #42 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 05:18:12 AM EST
to the ex.

He might have some aprons and a rolling pin lying around.


[ Parent ]
Methinks by Breaker (4.00 / 1) #43 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 05:19:25 AM EST
The lady doth protest too much.

Good luck with the shopping and interview though!


[ Parent ]
not true by StackyMcRacky (4.00 / 2) #44 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:05:44 AM EST
women's business suits haven't changed much over the years at all.  just the cut of the pants, and less shoulderpads than the 80s.

[ Parent ]
I think you're right by nebbish (4.00 / 1) #30 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 12:55:41 AM EST
No-one's going to think you're too smart for the job - ewveryone has the ability to dress down as appropriate, not everyone has the ability to dress up.

--------
It's political correctness gone mad!

[ Parent ]
Trousers, sweater by nebbish (4.00 / 1) #29 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 12:54:27 AM EST
Formal but casual.

You're probably best off not listening to me though I know nothing.

--------
It's political correctness gone mad!

Whatever you do, by ambrosen (4.00 / 2) #33 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 02:33:39 AM EST
make sure that you can get dressed quickly so that you're not late for the interview.

ARgh!!! by calla (2.00 / 0) #37 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 04:40:16 AM EST
It's a dead meme!!!

Thou shalt mention it no more!!!

So what you are suggesting is that I could wear sweatpants and a t-shirt?


[ Parent ]
Dress as for church by Rogerborg (4.00 / 4) #34 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 03:20:06 AM EST
I.e. wear panties, and your skirt may be longer than 2" above your knee.

-
Metus amatores matrum compescit, non clementia.
I'd have to give up a GBD for that. by calla (4.00 / 3) #38 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 04:41:18 AM EST
I don't think it's worth it.


[ Parent ]
wow. by garlic (4.00 / 1) #55 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 07:18:25 PM EST
now that you mention it, timonical does seem like that sort.


[ Parent ]
Formal AND professional... by atreides (4.00 / 3) #35 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 03:26:34 AM EST
Everyone knows that interviewing is essentially a dog and pony show. So pony up and wear your best! The only time it ever worked against me is when I interviewed at the call center of a pizza place. The interviewer told me that, based on my resume and dress, she didn't think I'd stay more than 3 months. Well, I believe I stayed for 5! Either way, when you look good you probably feel good so go for it! You can do it!

Have you seen The Passion yet? Here's a spoiler for you: Jesus dies.
"...compassion is more than a 16 point word in scrabble." - MostlyHarmless


Call center at a pizza place? by calla (4.00 / 1) #39 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 04:42:43 AM EST
WTF? Seriously?

Are you one of those underachievers?


[ Parent ]
It was a while ago! by atreides (4.00 / 1) #47 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:33:02 AM EST
I needed a job and a friend hooked me up. Too bad I'm four times the person they need. Hell, it's where I was working when I went to the Boston Meet all those years ago. And I got laid from there so I won't complain too much (even though the place should be burned to the ground).

Have you seen The Passion yet? Here's a spoiler for you: Jesus dies.
"...compassion is more than a 16 point word in scrabble." - MostlyHarmless


[ Parent ]
You got laid at a Pizza Call Center? by calla (2.00 / 0) #48 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:36:27 AM EST
Did you diarize? If not - that sounds like a story.


[ Parent ]
Not at it! by atreides (4.00 / 1) #50 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:38:51 AM EST
From it!!!

I can't look back myself at the moment, but look back a couple of years in my archives at "Mystery Girl"...

Have you seen The Passion yet? Here's a spoiler for you: Jesus dies.
"...compassion is more than a 16 point word in scrabble." - MostlyHarmless


[ Parent ]
pantsuit by StackyMcRacky (4.00 / 3) #45 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:10:13 AM EST
pantsuit is best, but a dress suit with a longer skirt would be OK as well.

be sure to wear some makeup - it's part of the "professional dress".  keep it simple.

make sure the shoes are sturdy and not too strappy or sexy - if you interview with any women at all (esp HR ones), they will notice your shoes and judge you based on that (yay women).

i always keep 2 outfits like this around for interviews (some places require 2 sets of interviews).

What do you think about pumps? by calla (4.00 / 1) #46 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:30:25 AM EST
I was thinking of picking up a simple pair of black pumps. Good, eh? I would rather wear my Chucks, ya know?

I think you've got it right with the pantsuit. Off I go to the mall...


[ Parent ]
pumps are good by StackyMcRacky (4.00 / 2) #49 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:37:26 AM EST
generic and professional.  just make sure the heel isn't so skinny you can't walk on it!  ;)

with a good pantsuit, you can even wear a t-shirt underneath and it still looks professional.

[ Parent ]
screw pumps by persimmon (4.00 / 3) #54 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 06:27:35 PM EST
Get Danskos, choice of cranky health professionals everywhere. I have these in black. They go with everything, last forever, are comfortable to walk in, keep out the Northwest puddles, and add two inches to your height without killing your back.

I was wearing mine when you had dinner with us.
-----
"Nature is such a fucking plagarist."

[ Parent ]
Your shoes are great by calla (4.00 / 1) #57 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 07:41:07 PM EST
and kinda like the ones I got today. I couldn't resist. Fluevog ripoffs for only a few bucks.


[ Parent ]
Heh. by ammoniacal (4.00 / 1) #59 Thu Mar 02, 2006 at 05:44:59 AM EST
I'm picturing her TWO INCHES TALLER right now.
That would place her in the "date an NBA player" realm.

"To this day that was the most bullshit caesar salad I have every experienced..." - triggerfinger

[ Parent ]
Not hard to imagine. by calla (4.00 / 1) #61 Thu Mar 02, 2006 at 08:33:07 AM EST
Remember last Saturday at the roller rink?


[ Parent ]
Pantsuit? by Dr Thrustgood (4.00 / 1) #51 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 07:46:36 AM EST
I presume you mean one of those trouser 'n' suit combinations some women insist on wearing.

Seriously ladies, skirts are bestest in all situations!



[ Parent ]
Thanks. by calla (2.00 / 0) #52 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 01:06:31 PM EST
After REC proclaimed I was part of the dupe account machine that is mrgoat, I decided that I'd better go with a skirt.


[ Parent ]
well, by garlic (4.00 / 1) #56 Wed Mar 01, 2006 at 07:20:58 PM EST
a pantsuit is certainly more threatening to someone's masculinity than a skirt.


[ Parent ]
Ask HuSi | 61 comments (61 topical, 0 hidden)

Powered by Scoop  
 
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Comments and Stories are owned by the Poster and Licensed to "Hulver's site". See our Copyright page for more information.
faq | help | accounts