| Topic Name: |
Interview Dress Code? What should I wear? |
| Message Name: |
Do what HR says! |
| Date Posted: |
11/06/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
I think I am stating the obvious here, but I will ask anyway, just to appease my curiosity, and to see what people will say in response to my question/dilemma.
Tomorrow I have an interview with a large plastics manufacturer. It is an all- day interview, meeting with several different plant managers and engineers individually. The position I am applying for is a staff engineering position in the plant for about 60K.
I have been told beforehand by the HR group of the company I am interviewing with that the dress code for my interview is business casual. No coat or tie is required.
However, I was also told by a so-called "career expert" whom I met at the career transitional service office, after getting laid off from my previous job, that a suit is what you should wear to an interview in ALL cases, no matter what. That is quoting her directly by the way.
I tend to disagree with this statement but part of me agrees with it. I mean, in a suit you look SHARP. And it comes across as someone who is neat, clean, and intelligent looking. However, some would argue that wearing a suit may make the interviewers uncomfortable. Personally, I think what she told me is too outdated. That may have been a rule 20-30 years ago, but with the workplace enviroment constantly changing, especially dress codes, I have to believe that my plan below should be sufficient.
I am leaning on wearing slacks with a nice oxford (button up shirt) and new shoes, in addition to carrying a nice leather folder with notepad. And personally, I think that ought to be enough.
Anyway what do you think? Am I on the right path? Some career people give good advice, but in this case I think the woman that told me suits 100% of the time is an idiot.
LMK.
thanks.
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| Message: |
There is a reason that HR told you not to wear a suit. Maybe it was because they wanted you to be more comfortable, maybe it was so they could be more comfortable. Maybe it was something else. Anyway...my suggestion is that if someone specifically tells you not to wear a suit, don't wear it. In another scenario...If they don't offer the information on dress code...don't ask what you should wear, just wear a suit. Even if you heard the company wears jeans everyday. The outfit you described (the slacks and oxford) sound just fine.
I am an HR Director, working in a business casual (with the emphasis on casual) office. I don't offer suggestions on how to dress, and if asked, I usually will tell them to dress as they would for any interview. However, if it is an upper-level position and the interview will last all day, I will definately suggest that they wear something comfortable. I will suggest the same for second interviews.
The fact of the matter is that someone suggested a certain dress code to you. Show them that you have good listening skills...
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