Going for interview - should I wear a suit?

wyerd · 01-07-2009, 10:40 AM

I've been out of work since early March due being made redundant. After applying for 20 or so jobs, I've finally got my first interview tomorrow.

Should I dig out my old suit that I last wore to an interview over 4 years ago, or would a smart shirt, tie and trousers be okay, especially in this warm weather? I can't really afford to buy a new one either.

Thanks.

Davieboy00 · 01-07-2009, 10:43 AM

IMO a lot depends on the job but I would recommend a suit for most situations.

Good luck with the interview. Hope it goes well.

Liquid101 · 01-07-2009, 10:48 AM

I don't think you can go far wrong with a suit - especially if it's an office based job. I'd avoid ties with strong or garish or novelty patterns, and if you wear cufflinks, make sure these are plain and simple too. Make sure your shoes are spotlessly clean as well.

If it's very warm, you can always take your jacket off.

Good luck!

rickinyorkshire · 01-07-2009, 10:49 AM

I think it would depend on the job you are applying for, any hints?

When I had a few interviews last year, I wore a shirt/tie and trousers and a jacket over the top, which I took off when I got there. I got the second one

**Iccz** · 01-07-2009, 10:53 AM

I think if you have a suit that fits well and looks good it's always going to leave a better impression than something else.

If it's aged or doesn't fit so great, then maybe it's not such a great idea.
I don't think the type of job will matter, unless it's part time work for McDonalds or something like that...

signs · 01-07-2009, 10:55 AM

What job interview would it be Not beneficial to wear a suit ?

**Iccz** · 01-07-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signs

What job would it be Not beneficial to wear a suit ?

McDonalds etc, would you not look over-dressed etc?

I know that employers can't be discriminative on these kind of things but I think if you turned up to an interview for somewhere like this in a suit the interviewers would probably be a bit confused.

Same for a builder or plumber etc...

I see your point, but I do think that sometimes it's not essentially necessary.

OldAndSenile · 01-07-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signs

What job interview would it be Not beneficial to wear a suit ?

An interview for a place on the board of The Institute for the Banning of Suits?

Seriously, though, unless you're going to look completely over-dressed (in which case, you'd look overdressed in a shirt and smart trousers, too?), always got for a suit. Anything else makes it look like you're not put in the effort.

**Iccz** · 01-07-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldAndSenile

An interview for a place on the board of The Institute for the Banning of Suits?

Seriously, though, unless you're going to look completely over-dressed (in which case, you'd look overdressed in a shirt and smart trousers, too?), always got for a suit. Anything else makes it look like you're not put in the effort.

Suits generally look smart.
A shirt and trousers can have the smart-casual look as well as being just smart.

Quite a difference when you're talking about overdressing.

KhalJimbo · 01-07-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iccz

Suits generally look smart.
A shirt and trousers can have the smart-casual look as well as being just smart.

Quite a difference when you're talking about overdressing.

Agreed, unless its shirt, trousers and tie

Ed Selley · 01-07-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signs

What job interview would it be Not beneficial to wear a suit ?

Its not an interview as such but I have a trial period next week with an organisation who would look at me in a funny way if I wore a suit whilst there. Of course I know this already and they've confirmed it but it does happen.

For an on spec interivew that doesn't involve welding/slaughterhouse technique etc I would always wear a suit though.

Liquid101 · 01-07-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signs

What job interview would it be Not beneficial to wear a suit ?

I agree, but times are changing.

I was interviewing the other day, and I was wearing smart dark jeans, open neck shirt and pinstripe blazer - and I work in the public sector. 2 of the 3 men I interviewed were wearing a suit, and neither of them looked comfortable in it.

While it's always nice to see people make the effort with a suit, and I would always recommend it - It's also nice to see people dress accordingly. If you were going for a job in media or advertising you may want to dress in a way which can show that you will instantly 'fit in' with whatever their dress code is.

Perhaps it's worth stalking the company you're going for an interview in, and looking to see what the general dress code is. If you have any contacts within the company, find out from them what is expected.

bazonix · 01-07-2009, 11:12 AM

in the current climate a suit may be overkill, id personally favour a very fitted shirt with a nice tie and crisp black trousers with matching black belt and shoes... double cuff shirt will add that level of professional if one wears nice links.... would impress me anyway if i was interviewing....

Coffin · 01-07-2009, 11:12 AM

I'd wear a suit, hold the jacket right up to the point you have to wear it. If your interviewer has any sense they'll comment on the heat and probably wont be wearing a jacket themselves, making it 'safer' to remove it.

Although, the entire building could be air conditioned in which case it may not matter too much.

My sister had a 2nd interview only yesterday, the chap said he appreciated her wearing a suit considering the weather. So it didn't seem to do her any harm

She did get some odd looks on the tube tho!

KhalJimbo · 01-07-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffin137

I'd wear a suit, hold the jacket right up to the point you have to wear it. If your interviewer has any sense they'll comment on the heat and probably wont be wearing a jacket themselves, making it 'safer' to remove it.

Although, the entire building could be air conditioned in which case it may not matter too much.

My sister had a 2nd interview only yesterday, the chap said he appreciated her wearing a suit considering the weather. So it didn't seem to do her any harm

She did get some odd looks on the tube tho!

I wear a full suit everyday to work and looks like there are 100's of others on the underground that do the same.

Dont think those were funny looks, might possibly be "I like the way you look" looks

**Iccz** · 01-07-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

I wear a full suit everyday to work and looks like there are 100's of others on the underground that do the same.

Dont think those were funny looks, might possibly be "I like the way you look" looks

At the moment I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt, though it's more of a protest because the air conditioning here is never on, nobody has mentioned anything to me - but I've had some odd looks... this is the 2nd day of doing so, usually come in with shirt and trousers, but while the AC isn't being used, i'm adjusting so that I'm comfortable

I don't see why anyone in a suit would get funny looks though.

rickinyorkshire · 01-07-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iccz

At the moment I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt, though it's more of a protest because the air conditioning here is never on, nobody has mentioned anything to me - but I've had some odd looks... this is the 2nd day of doing so, usually come in with shirt and trousers, but while the AC isn't being used, i'm adjusting so that I'm comfortable

I don't see why anyone in a suit would get funny looks though.

You must have very lax managers? Unless you ARE the manager?

KhalJimbo · 01-07-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickinyorkshire

You must have very lax managers? Unless you ARE the manager?

Lots of people where I work too dont dress up and just have a very relaxed attitude, I just prefer to put in the extra effort, plus I like wearing suits. Some managers care some dont.

But to the OP, if you know its not the place to be wearing a suit when you'll be working not point in wearing one when working there for a trial week. As Liquid101 said you need to dress to the interview in a way that you will fit in when you will work there. I said WHEN you will work there not IF. First impressions do last.

**Iccz** · 01-07-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickinyorkshire

You must have very lax managers? Unless you ARE the manager?

Well I looked up about working conditions/temperatures, and it said about the temperature having to be over 16 degrees C, but nothing about a max, but that it had to be comfortable, and seeing as they don't want the AC on I figured it was up to me to get myself comfortable.

My bosses are understanding and I get on well with them, unless I have any meetings or such planned then I see no reason why jeans and a t-shirt would be frowned upon, after all i'm only a software developer, it's not like I need to look good to do my job, nor am I in the public eye, so it has little impact IMO, we'll see what happens with it though eh

Coffin · 01-07-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

I wear a full suit everyday to work and looks like there are 100's of others on the underground that do the same.

Dont think those were funny looks, might possibly be "I like the way you look" looks

Possibly, but I think it was mainly due to the weather as it was exceptionally hot yesterday

KhalJimbo · 01-07-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffin137

Possibly, but I think it was mainly due to the weather as it was exceptionally hot yesterday

Could have been her interview was not in such a professional area so people where thinking "Whats a suit doing 'round 'ere then"

krish · 01-07-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid101

Perhaps it's worth stalking the company you're going for an interview in, and looking to see what the general dress code is. If you have any contacts within the company, find out from them what is expected.

However, the general dress code of an office based business doesn't usually reflect the general expectation of being formally turned out for interview. In my view it's best to err on the side of caution.

You also mentioned people looking uncomfortable ... usually because they've got a shirt collar size an inch or more too small - common mistake, makes for silly and stiff neck movements and gives the impression of not being used to dressing smart. I always have shirts (for tie wearing) a half inch collar size bigger than my neck - doesn't appear loose at all with the top button done up and tightened tie, and is very comfortable.

Liquid101 · 01-07-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krish

However, the general dress code of an office based business doesn't usually reflect the general expectation of being formally turned out for interview. In my view it's best to err on the side of caution.

Agreed - but you can get a good feel for a place. If you see lots of people who are particularly snappy dressers - it might be worth raising your game. If you see lots of people in M&S suits, then you may want to go easy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by krish

You also mentioned people looking uncomfortable ... usually because they've got a shirt collar size an inch or more too small - common mistake, makes for silly and stiff neck movements and gives the impression of not being used to dressing smart. I always have shirts (for tie wearing) a half inch collar size bigger than my neck - doesn't appear loose at all with the top button done up and tightened tie, and is very comfortable.

That's good advice - but if you do this, stick to slim fit shirts to avoid the shirt looking too big for you - and go for a double cuff to give you the option of shortening the sleeve a little.